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 QUESTION: Im doing some hardscape random stone with a 12 inch border and a 5 ft diameter fire pit with border. I want to stain it with a Kemiko stain. What color(s) do you think look good for random stone, the border? How long should i let it cure before staining and sealing the concrete.
ANSWER: I would not stain real stone. IS it real stone or plain concrete that you want to stain to look like stone? If its real stone then you'll want a flat penetrating masonry sealant. Heavy gloss sealants are ok inside but make outdoor surfaces too hot and slippery.
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QUESTION: I'm sorry it is regualar concrete with the random stone i'm just trying to get some ideas in my head. And please how long sould i let it cure for. the stain I'm going with is a chemical stain so it wont chip or fade. Any suggestions for color choice would be appreciated to thank you
Answer I am sorry but im still not totally clear on your question. Is this stamped concrete with a random stone stamp pattern? If so, I would use a mix of colors to stain each rock slightly different than the next. Pick 3 to 4 earth tones and use them randomly. Also you may even stain some areas with more than one color. Stain joints with a beige color.
Seal with a good penetrating matt (or flat) masonry sealant. The acid stain should be done within the first couple weeks of pouring for best results and at least 48 hours after initial pouring. The longer it cures the darker the color. If your not satisfied after the first stain and wash down, stain again and repeat as necessary. Just like wood, it may take multiple coats. But remember you can not make it any lighter, so start light. Also the stain always looks darker when applied. It will be much lighter when dry. And it will fade no matter what the sales and marketing stuff says. It will also chip if you place metal furniture and heavy objects on it and slide them around.
Good Luck
check out the Decorative Concrete Institute on the web. My friend runs this company and there is a wealth of info there.
