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,
There is a 25-foot drainage ditch that runs through my front yard and under my driveway. I have two problems with this culvert: 1. there is always water standing in it even when we haven't had rain. 2. the soil on either side of the paved driveway has washed away over the culvert. The ditch is graded at about a 50-degree angle and we keep the grass mowed.
The HOA said there is a problem at the end of the ditch but that it's not their responsibility. I've contacted the department of transportation and they've indicated that the ditch is not in their right of way. But I couldn't get the bureaucrat on the other end of the phone to tell me what steps I can take as the homeowner to reduce the standing water. I also want to know what do to prevent further soil errosion -- I don't want to come home and find my driveway caved in. The community is about 14 years old and the builder used 6x6 wood posts to shore up the driveway surrounding the actual culvert. (I hope this description is adequate to help you "see" the problem.)
We're first-time homeowners and really clueless about managing the great outdoors. Thank you in advance for any guidance you can provide.
Best regards,
Yvonne
Answer There is only one way to get water out. Re-grade the ditch. But that may not be possible without getting on the property of others.
It sounds like you should have a Landscape Architect or civil engineer come to your house and pay for a real consultation. This is really not something I can advise you on remotely.
