AboutSean J Murphy, LA Expertise I can answer almost any question related to design, installation, pricing of landscaping and hardscaping. I am not a horticulturist though so I can not answer questions on pests or diseases of plants. I also can answer questions related to pools, water features, ponds, lighting, grading, drainage, walls, patios, decks and much more.
Experience I have been doing landscaping since I was 8 years old. My family owned a nursery in Florida when I was a teen and I owned and operated several lawn and landscape companies over the years. I have since completed 6 years of in Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and have a Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture. I have been practicing professionally for 13 years in Atlanta and the south east US. I have worked for some of the best and most well know firms and personalities in landscaping and my work has won many awards. I have worked for the likes of Disney, the 1996 Olympic games, and REIT Post Properties(Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, NY, Tampa, Orlando). I know many of the plants in Georgia and Florida plus surrounding states. I have passed the Georgia Landscape Architects Licensure Exam and can legally call myself a Landscape Architect Lisc. # 001156
I am currently the Department Manager of the Planning and Landscape Architecture Department of a local Multi-Disciplinary firm and used to own and operate Amenity Architects LLC. you may preview our work at www.amenityarchitects.com. My new employer is SoutheasternEngineering, Inc. see www.seenginering.com
I am also part owner in the family business Murphy's Garden Art also see at www.murphysgardenart.com.
Organizations American Society of Landscape Architects,
Keep Smyrna Beautiful,
ULI,
Smyrna Downtown Development Authority,
Smyrna Downtown Task Force,
Publications Landscape Architect and Specifier News,
Atlanta Homes Magazine,
Landscape Architecture Magazine,
Coastal Living, Magazine
Education/Credentials Pinellas County Center for the Arts 1984 - 1988,
Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture - Purdue University, 1994,
Mike Lynn Graphics Workshop 1994,
University of Georgia Wetland Delineation Certification 1995,
Post University Mini MBA 2000,
Edinburgh College of Art - 1 year co-op 1993,
Intern Smallwood Reynolds Stewart and Stewart Architects Atlanta1993,
ISA Certified Arborist 2009
Awards and Honors ASLA Merit Award 1994 Mined Land Project IN,
ACI 1st Place for Hardscape Design / Installation 1999 Biltmore Atlanta.
Coastal Living Idea House Design 2005/2006.
South Eastern Flower Show People's Choice Award for best garden design,
Many more...too many to list.
Past/Present Clients Disney Imagineers (while employed by others),
Georgia Governor Roy Barnes,
The State of Georgia,
City of Suwanee Ga,
City of Norcross Ga,
City of Powdersprings Ga,
City of Stockbridge GA,
Post Properties,
Bayfair Homes,
John Willis Homes,
Pulty Homes,
Serenbe Development,
Mayor of Smyrna-Georgia Max Bacon,
Representative for Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vic,
Question Sean, I have a Pennsylvania bluestone walkway set in concrete. During a recent remodel several of the stones have popped off the concrete base. The concrete itself is still in good condition. How do I re-attach the stones to the concrete base. If possible I would prefer not to break out the concrete and re-pour the base and reset the stones. Please advise.
thanks, Steve
Answer Anything worth doing is worth doing right... so you should first chisle off the old mortar to expose clean concrete slab. The acid etch it with muriatic acid to ensure a good bond. Also clean off the stone piece so no mortar remains. Scrub it off so all loose material is off. Then mix new mortar and apply to the concrete slab in a thickness equal to slightly more than the existing setting bed which you will expose while chipping away the old mortar. This thickness is the dimensions between the bottom of the set stones and the top of the concrete slab. Probably 1/2 inch to a full inch.
Once you spread the mortar you dampen the stone face and press firmly into the desired location. Then tamp lightly with a rubber mallet onto a block of wood set over a folded hand towel. The block of wood and towel are to keep the stone from cracking. Tamp as needed until the stone settles down into the mortar evenly with surrounding stones. This will or should cause excess wet mortar to squeeze out around the edges. Simply scrape and wipe off the excess and discard.
While it is still wet wipe down and remove excess mortar till the joint matches the exiting. Allow the mortar to set for about an hour and then wipe again. Be sure to keep wiping every hour for about 4 hours until the haze created by fine mortar particles is all gone. It shows up as the water dries. Use a damp cloth to wipe.
Now let set for not less then 48 hours before walking on it.
Repeat as needed for all stones.
Good Luck
Sean J Murphy
www.amenityarchitects.com
www.seanjmurphy.com
