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 I want to replace large areas of grass with 1" river rock. Do I have to remove all the grass first, and what would be the easiest way to do that. Also what should I use under the rock, weed block of black plastic?
Answer The easiest way would be with a large machine like a skid steer loader (bobcat) with a 1/2 yard bucket on the front. But if you don't have one of those, then spray the grass with an herbicide like round-up first and then till it in with a walk behind roto-tiller. (you can rent both machines at local tool rental) Or if you are not up for that, just cover the dead grass directly. I personally hate plastic under rocks because it only works for a year. Then the small bits and pieces of organic debris that blow in the wind end up between your rocks and ON TOP Of the plastic. This leads to soil capable of supporting weeds very quickly. The weeds then find little holes made by the rocks and grow thru the plastic. So two years from now you go to pull out a weed and up comes a bunch of plastic. Yuck! Not to mention the plastic stops water from getting to your soil which is important for health of your yard and the environment.
Good Luck.
Sean J Murphy
www.amenityarchitects.com
