Aaron Christopher Elswick is pursuing a career in urban design and landscape architecture to help strengthen the connection between cities and their natural environments. Through his thesis project called "The Irie Coast", he proposes a master plan for Montego Bay, Jamaica that implements green and blue infrastructure solutions to address issues like climate change resilience, coastal protection, and environmental and cultural sustainability. The plan aims to preserve Montego Bay's existing assets while restoring natural habitats and creating new public spaces to reconnect residents and visitors with the city's unique ecologies.

1. URBAN DESIGN + LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
AARON CHRISTOPHER ELSWICK

2. PERSONAL STATEMENT
The curiosity that shaped me into who I am today is now the fuel for
my creative capacity. The mediums of my artistic expression were
once paints and pencils but now, as a civic artist, they are buildings,
vegetation and other urban features. The worldview I wish to share is
that of uniquely identifiable cities. Moving frequently throughout my life, I
have been fortunate enough to experience first-hand the impact a strong
identity can have on a place. Becoming aware of the shortcomings in the
connection of civitas and genus loci inspired me to pursue a profession
involved in mitigating the gap. As a landscape architect I discovered that
by addressing solely the landscape, these solutions became fragmented.
The same situation applies to sustainability, which I feel is a moral
obligation. The distinction of the built and natural environments must be
erased for sustainability to be obtained. If the human population is to
ever become a viable civilization, the evolution must begin in our cities.
Diagnosing this truthleadmetourbandesign, wherepresentlyI am looking
to nature for the answers. By viewing the city as an urban ecosystem
I am attempting to identify opportunities to diversify the interaction of
urban systems. Going further, I seek to continue the expansion of my
understanding of the urban environment through a professional view
point as an intern and/or entry level designer.
-Aaron Christopher Elswick

5. “
”
....cities are works of civic art. True sustainability is attained
not just through state of the art environmental design and
development best practices, but through means that help ensure
social, cultural and economic sustainability as well.
Daniel Burnham

6. THE IRIE COAST
Montego Bay, JAMAICA | 2014-15
The Irie Coast is a Master of Urban Design Thesis proposal for the city of
Montego Bay Jamaica. The project itself evolved out of the discourse of:
How can urban design can save the ocean? What has been discovered
thus far is that urban design and cities have a tremendous impact on
and are highly dependent upon the health of the ocean. The larger
objective of the thesis is to justify why urban designers should and how
they can begin to be more marine conscious in regards to the design
and planning of cities, particularly in coastal settings.
Montego Bay is one of the Caribbean’s leading tourist destinations
and, largely as a result of this, has one of the most threatened near-
shore coral reef ecosystems in the region. Natural and anthropogenic
forces over many years have combined to inflict a deadly blow on
this extremely valuable resource of the city. The 800 acer master
plan reduces Montego Bay’s risk of Climate Change related hazards
by implementing a symbiotic layered system of green and blue
infrastructure.
Acting as a ecological connector the design links the estuary to the
rainforest and urban areas to the marine environment. The marine Blue
Belts and green Coastal Ribbon work together to increase Montego
Bay’s coastal resiliency to climate change, preserve the cities existing
program and assets, and contribute to the city’s cultural identity of
place. Along with the protective aspects of the infrastructure, Montego
Bay further benefits through the introduction of an intricate network of
public spaces that serve as new cultural hubs of activity. The coastal
ribbon seeks to further connect humans to nature by providing a variety
of opportunities for humans to interact with Montego Bay’s unique
ecologies.
Diagram of Inner-Species Relationship
Each plant and animal species is
dependent on a wide array of other
species for survival. The principle is
utilized to promote reef and wetland
habitat restoration simultaneously.

7. PRESERVE
• CORAL FARM
• ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
• CORAL DETOUR
• ARTIFICIAL REEF IN-FILL
• CORAL FARM
• ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
CONNECT
ADAPT
Regional Strategy
The strategy lays framework to grow beyond the proposed
site boundaries. Suggesting the city develop a continuous
the proposal has potential and is recommended to go
beyond proposed site boundaries.
Regional Recommendations
• Continuous recreational river routes connect the
estuary to the rainforest and urban areas to the river,
while swale planting improves urban quality and local
identity
• Stormwater swales in street for infiltration and water
storage
• Safety thresholds with sluices compartment safety
regimes and create water retention areas
• Ecological recovery towards a continuous ecological
structure with a variety of gradients, due to openable
sluices, fish ladders, and recovered riparian zones
• Aquaphillic urban redevelopments/ adaptations;
affordable & flood-proof development on mounds, stilts
or floatable
Regional Inventory and Analysis ARCgis Mapping

8. 1000’0’ 2000’ 8000’
A Continuous
Blue and Green
Network
Distinct Regions
Of The Plan
Marine Master Plan
Canopy and
Maritime
Re-forestation
Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=500’)
As a functional buffer the proposed urban strategy
integrates vital infrastructure such as food production,
water remediation, and brings cultural significance to
the urban context through an unique and regional hybrid
landscape providing access to the natural world.

9. diffusedefenddelaydetain discharge
Site Section
The transect depicts how Montego Bay can implement a
layered system of symbiotic green and blue infrastructures
to stave off climate change. The design is projective and
therefore ever evolving and ever changing its form. Areas
of interest have been defined and highlighted in transect
and perspective renderings to further describe the
sense of places that is being created and programmatic
opportunities of engagement for various users.
These replicapcable innovations can help guide other
Caribbean coastal cities towards a more sustainable
future as well.
SYSTEMATIC RESILIENCY
DIFFUSE- ECOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR RISK REDUCTION
DEFEND- PROGRAMMED HARD AND SOFT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR
COASTAL DEFENSE
DELAY- URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE TO SLOW RAINWATER RUNOFF
DETAIN- A CIRCUIT OF INTERCONNECTED GREEN
INFRASTRUCTURE TO STORE AND DIRECT EXCESS WATER
DISCHARGE- ENGINEERED WETLAND WATER FILTRATION
Circulation Focused On Connectivity
A variety of paths and trails allow for extensive pedestrian
movement and increased access to all aspects of the
coastal environment.
Design for Ecological Connectivity
Irie Coast is a ecological ‘connector’; linking the estuary to
the rain forest and urban areas to the marine environment.
Canopy cover is utilized to increase the friction in the water
cycle. Mitigating sedimentation and promoting biodiversity.
Preserving And Diversifying The Program
This diagram identifies the existing and proposed program
of the coast and proposed opportunities. All of Montego
Bay’s existing diversity of culturally rich programing has
been refreshed and preserved.
OCEANEXPOSED
FRINDGINGREEFS
DIFFUSE
SUBTIDALFRINDGING
ANDPATCHREEFS
WETLANDRESTORATION
SEAWALLTYPOLOGIES
DEFENDDEPLOYABLEFLOODWALLSROCKYSHORE
BULKHEADS
MARITIM
EFOREST
RESTORATION
DELAY
COASTALRIBBON/
TERRACEDECOLOGIES
DETAIN
ENGINEEREDWETLANDS
DISCHARGE
BIO-SWALES
BIOLOGICALDETENTIONBASINS
DEEPOCEANOUTFA
LL
WATERSHEDSLIPSE
CISTERNS
OVERFLOW
PUMPINGSTATION
AQUATIC HABITAT
PRESERVED AND RESTORED MANGROVE FORESTS
PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FIELD
FORESTED WETLAND
SALT MARSHLAND
ACTIVE RECREATIONAL LAWN
DEEP WATER MARSH
BEACH
DUNES AND COASTAL THICKET
PROPOSED CANOPY AND
MARITIME RE-FORESTATION
MEADOW
SUCESSIONAL SCRUB
EXISTING CANOPY AND
MARITIME RE-FORESTATION

10. Wetland Restoration
Coastal wetlands can absorb surge waters and reduce wave impacts within coastal
communities. Severely reduced from their historic footprint, these valuable ecologies
are threatened by coastal development, erosion, and sea level rise inundation. Sediment
replacement and nourishment strategies are to monitored and continually adapted over
time to maintain and expand the protective ecological infrastructure. Dredge material
accumulated over time and from the development of the Coral Detour is proposed to in-fill
the foundation of wetlands being created and nourishment of existing wetlands.
Coastal Ribbon /Terraced Ecologies
Rocky bulkhead shores are a common strategy of coastal defense throughout the
Caribbean,inMontegoBaythemajorityoftheregion’sseawallandbulkheadinfrastructures
are ecologically damaging, limiting to human and marine ecological interaction, and/or
were destroyed or structurally impaired within the last three years of tropical storms. The
coastal ribbon is a absorptive terraced edge and designed to mimic the native coastal
ecologies of the area.
The predominate ecologies of the coastal ribbon include but are not limited to the
following: lagoons, mangrove forests, marine cays, barrier islands, dunes, forested
wetlands, saltwater marshes, maritime forests, terraced edges, ocean exposed fringing
reefs, and sub tidal patch reefs.

11. Sea-Wall Typologies
In the urban context even small-expansions of the typical vertical bulkhead rocky shores
can provide opportunities to diversify and increase the amount and accuracy of the city’s
urban ecology. These absorptive edges have been proven to biologically grow structural
strength with time. Along with safeguarding the coast the systematic layering of ecologies
further provides Montego Bay with an array of real visceral experiences and opportunities
to engage with the marine environment.
Urban -Marine
interaction pier and
Sea-wall strategy for the
waterfront promenade.
Urban habitat providing
Sea-wall strategy for thicker
sites including terraced water
planting beds and below
pavement cisterns.
Urban habitat providing
DEPLOYABLE Sea-wall
strategy for thicker sites
allowing for nature tidal
dynamics to take place.
Urban habitat providing
Sea-wall strategy for
thicker sites including
terraced water planting
beds and below pavement
cisterns.

12. The Blue Belts
The diffusing reefs were designed and located based upon the research obtained from John
Knowles at the Jamaican Nature Conservancy and generalized theories. Moving forward
with the project more accurate data should be obtained and environmental modeling should
be preformed to maximize the strategies efficiency.
The location of the proposed interventions was guided by the three principle functions they
preform. Environmental inventory and analysis identified where conditions were defined to
be ideal. The strategies only diffuse the treats of climate change by reducing wave hight and
velocity, they do not keep water out.
This new partnership allows for nature to be on the front line of coastal defense. Absorbing
the brute of the force and self regenerating itself. This will dramatically reduce the
continually capital the city devotes to infrastructure with time. With the initial investments
in reef restoration and creation cost on average thousands of dollars less than traditional
means of mitigation.
OCEAN EXPOSED FRINGING REEFS
SUB-TIDAL PATCH REEFS

13. The Coral Explorer
The Coral Explorer allows for visitors to visually connect
with the marine environment. the building sits one piers
that have a biological concrete foundation that in time will
grow reefs. An artificial reef and the coral farms each sit
in view of the bottom portal of the structure. Guest can
ascend the structure as well to over the estuary from a
elevated vantage point. The coral explorer also hosts
a nature center where visitors can engage in marine
conservation and stewardship focused programs including
but not limited to: guided walking tours, large events,
group clean up efforts, lectures and demonstrations, tours
and interact with the staff.
DESIGN PROCESS SKETCHES
SUBMERGED INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE of the Coral
Explore’s artificial reefs where visitors give the opportunity
to viscerally connect with the local marine environment.
ELEVATED INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
of the wetlands oriented to highlight
the relationship to the urban
environment.
DIAGRAMMATIC SECTION
depicts the deployable slurry wall enabling the
auditorium to collect and retain water in the event of
a natural disaster

14. View of the Humpback’s Bay Nature trails and proposed
eco-tourism opportunities.
View of The Sea Pools at the proposed Montegobay
Eco-campus.
Render of the Bogue Village sustainable fishery and
demonstration facility.
View of the Restored Bogue Village LaWater level view of the underwater sculpture garden depicting the public beach and the array of marine recreational
opportunities.

15. Zipping to the Sea point on view render depicting the zip
line approach to the floating class room.
View of the water front promenade highlighting the urban context of the proposal.
Perspective view of the public playgrounds geared to
evoke the youths marine curiosity conscious.
View of the demonstration pier and touch pool at the
proposed Montegobay’s Eco-Campus.
agoon from the Humpback’s Bay Eco-Center and Kayak launch.

17. “
”
An artist paints, dances, draws, writes, designs, or acts at the
expanding edge of consciousness. We press into the unknown rather
than the known. This makes life lovely and lively.
Julia Cameron

18. UK HYDRO-THERAPY
CENTER MASTER PLAN
Lexington, Kentucky | 2013
This project’s purpose was to experience the
theory and practicum of the construction
documentation process in landscape
architecture. This included site design, site
engineering, implementation, and commonly
utilized standards. The final product entailed
base information, design plan, contract
document set, and technical calculations.
The design includes: public art display areas,
earth works berms, bio-swales, rain gardens,
an Olympic lap pool, aqua-jogging pool, kid’s
pool and play area, observation deck, jogging
trail, service area, parking, and the main
structure with adjacent outdoor meeting
area, which is all enclosed by a security fence.
Revit
Interior Render
of Facilities Main
Entrance
Revit
Exterior Render
of Main Entry
Sequence

19. Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=20’)

20. Layout Plan
All dimensions are systematically
located by two center points and
radiate outwards on 5 and 10 ft
intervals.

21. Grading Plan
The re-grading of the site
implements a sustainable water
management system of bio-
swales and rain gardens.

22. Axonometric Perspective
SUPER BLOCK
REINCARNATION
Savannah, Georgia | 2013
This project was an urban infill and adaptive
reuse design for Savannah’s Civic Center,
done in conjunction with relocation of the
existing arena occupying half of the building.
The concept was to develop an identity for the
site by embracing its current solitary presence
as Savannah’s only super block. Capitalizing
on these unique opportunities timelessly
ferments the site into Savannah’s environment.
An Aquarium reuses the arena structure and
serves as the site’s main draw. Permanent
and temporary public art displays line the
pedestrian circulation, and allow the site’s
new identity to evolve. A central pedestrian
axis from the SCAD Museum of Art to New
Orleans Square breaks apart the super block
and increases the site’s accessibility. Green
roofs, roof top gardens, bio-swales and rain
gardens improve the ecological environment
and aesthetics of the site.

23. Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=50’)
Vertical Site Section Elevation
(original design scale 1”=50’)

24. Mixed-use Infill Exterior Perspective

25. Streetscape Section
Details the new stormwater management system,
public art display, seating area, and the sites
relationship to the adjacent boulevard
Mixed-use Infill Section
Depicts the necessary spatial requirements of
proposed mixed-use infill, the semi-private roof-top
garden, and the diversity of prospective units

27. “ ”
To truly make good public space, you have to erase the distinctions
between architecture, urbanism, landscape, [and] media design.
Liz Diller

28. The Spine Perspective
Building Character Zones
Storm Water Management
Hardscape Types and
Program
Landscape Types and
Program
Pedestrian and Bicycle
Connection
Diagrammatic Site Plan
MASHVILLE
Nashville, Tennessee | 2014
This entry for the Two Worlds Ecological
Competition sought to predict economic and
ecological futures for mid-size American cities.
A brownfield site along Nashville River was
selected, as it contained many challenges
of urban infrastructure, contamination,
and vulnerability to flooding and sea level
rise. Flexible space indoor and outdoors
was paramount, with live/work typologies
accompanying an environmentally focused
program. Future systems of delivery and
transport were imagined as a spine for various
forms of connectivity.

29. Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=100’)

30. highway/pedestrian plazaHub live/work residential
Energy Facility
Energy Harnessing
Wave Energy
Technology
Geothermal
heat/cool
Energy
Staged wetlands
recycle greywater
Storm Water Collection + Reuse
Cottage
Hub Historical Analysis of Trends in The Work Place
Home New
Cottage
UnmannedFactory
Hub+Arterial Delivery
Order placed Hub ships item Item received via
evacuated transport
Assembly line

31. bikeway
connectionwetland live/work residential flexible hardscapewetland
Home Future Home
Upper Floors
Live ShopsWork Workshop
Ground Floor
Render of Modular
Live Work Residential
Units and Community
New costs

32. Above Left
Wetlands and Flexible Landscape Perspective
Below Left
Flexible Hardscape Perspective
Right
Natural Pools and Waterfront Perspective

35. “ ”
The desire that guides me in all I do is the desire to harness the
forces of nature to the improvement and service of mankind.
Nikola Tesla

36. DELTA URBANISM
New Orleans, Louisiana | 2014
The rising sea levels, increased intensity
and frequency of storms and floods will be
the challenge par excellence for coastal
cities across the globe. The main goal was to
eliminate the distinction between built and
natural ecosystems; instead, addressing them
both as components of the environment.
By doing so the methodology places the
design of a sustainable built ecosystem
at the core of its values. The approach is
unconventional in the sense that it mimics
the natural wetland ecosystem. Discovering
that the most sustainable ecosystems are
those that are the most diverse in function
lead us to embrace diversity in all areas, be
it ecological, economical or sociological. The
design employs a new depth of biomimetics
based on the assumption that all factors in
an ecosystem are links in a circular chain, be
it urban or natural. The sustainable master
plan transforms the Upper Ninth Ward into
a functioning water mitigation and storage
system. This model could remedy the present
and future issues facing similar coastal
cities facing the inevitability of changing
circumstances brought on by climate change.
Lead Concentration Sectional Study
Flood Plane
Flood depthFlood Damages Sectional Study

37. Lead Concentration Wetland Loss Subsidence Threat
Existing Storm Water Infrastructure Existing Stormwater Infastructure Sectional Study
1
8
3
9
1
8
7
0
2
0
2
0
1
9
9
3

38. carnivore
omnivore
herbivore
vegetation
apex predator
Portrait Analysis Existing Urban Ecosystem
Composite
Portrait
permeability
economic strength
land use
subsurface
cultural assets
social diversity
urban form diversity
topography
biodiversity
Economy
The main regulator in an ecosystem is
its apex predator. In the Upper Ninth
Ward this role is filled by capitalism and
it is failing. Its inequities cascade down
to all other layers.
Material Infrastructure
Many of these problems manifest
themselves in the built environment. Too
much of the surface is non-porous. The
presence of water is the only constant in
this ecosystem.
Communities
New Orleanians pride themselves with
the strength of their communities. The
issues of the higher layers take their toll
on the identity of these neighborhoods.
Access and Mobility
The movement of elements and energy
play a central role in the physical form of
any ecosystem. Many of the surfaces in
this area attempt to serve that purpose.
Landscape
The natural mural is the starting point
for all activities in the ecosystem.
Changing its traits have been the fruits
of mankind’s labors since its inception.
MATERIALCYCLES

39. Proposed Urban Ecosystem
Economy
In this model economic feasibility meets sustainability.
A flexible market space sells locally grown produce.
Adjacent street corridors become hubs of
economic activity. The industry of
Eco-Tourism is introduced.
Material Infrastructure
The urban packing vary in this proposal. Between the
main corridors medium-rise high-density buildings are
home to office space, stores and
dwelling units alike.
Communities
Civil structures and urban spaces strengthen the
neighborhood. A large public building serves multiple
functions, from communication to
disaster shelter.
Access and Mobility
Rain and flood water is cycled through a series of
bioswales into the retention basin. The revitalized
wetland greatly increases evapotranspiration. Excess
water is drained off site.
projected sea level rise
current topography
Landscape
The new urban ecosystem is prepared for flooding
and also the rise in sea level. Alternative energy, green
roofs and vegetation infill ensure life with nature and
not against it.
BOTTOMUPDESIGNAPPROACH
TOPDOWNSUSTAINABLEBENEFITS

40. Illustrative Master Plan
(original design scale 1”=350’)

41. Wetlands Perspective Commercial Infill Perspective
Vertical Site Section and Diagrammatic Activity Program
Horizontal Site Section and Diagrammatic Activity Program

43. “
”
I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world.
Albert Einstein

44. DIGITAL PROTOTYPING
Savannah, Georgia | 2015
This project was designed and modeled in
Rhino 3d. The design depicts a pavillion
composed of various contemporary forms and
surface geometries. Learning this tool has
opened my eyes to the seemingly limitless
possibilities of surface architecture and
furthered my understanding in the language
of contemporary design by studying/looking to
the arts for inspiration.

46. URBAN SKETCHING
United States of America | 2014-15
These quick (20-60mins) sketches were each
done on-location within the laster year. While
drawing on location from direct observation,
I am viewing the past or what already exists.
The drawing process is utalized to gain
understanding, insight and at times inspiration.
The lessons learned serve as the foundation
for my design process. Using a pen to analyse
the built environment helps me to imagine,
draw and design the future.

48. EYES OF THE WORLD
Lexington, Kentucky | 2013
Eyes of the World is a 15’ x 8’ spray paint mural
thatIpaintedforTheLearningCenteratLinleee.
The Learning Center is a specially designed
program that serves students in grades 7-12
who thrive non-traditional more hands-on
school setting. The faculty’s goals for the mural
were for it to be interactive with the students,
and to mirror the school’s mission: getting kids
to be blind to the grays in their life and to see
the color around them. From here I worked with
the faculty and developed conceptual sketches
until a design was accepted. Painting began by
laying the base coats of paint on the wall that,
after dried, were abstracted by the students
under my supervision. Once dried, I then spray
painted the gray scaled eye abstractions on
top of student abstracted background.

49. “3 x 1 = 1”
Lexington, Kentucky | 2013
“3 x 1 = 1” is a wall mural competition winning
entry that I designed and collaboratively built
with Jon Morris (professional metal sculptor).
The competition was for wall murals that
were themed around inspiration. I began by
researching people who have inspired me
throughout my life. In doing so I discovered
that each of these people did so by breaking
from normality. They each accredited
these breakthroughs to being achieved by
first balancing themselves. The concept of
inspiration I then defined as being something
only achievable through the balancing of
one’s self. The piece compositionally is an
abstraction of the balance present in a mind,
body and spirit Venn diagram. The combination
of three different materials into parts allowed
the piece to visually play on said balance.
The piece also breaks normality by being a
mural comprised of sculpture and shadow,
as opposed to traditionally two dimensional
mediums.

50. “Lunch with Mr.White” (2012) 36”x48” Oil Painting

51. “The Thinkers” (2010) 36”x48”Graphite Drawing

53. “ ”
I do not merely wish to be considered the best of the best at what I
do; I desire to be considered the only one who does what I do.
Jerry Garcia

54. CURRICULUM VITAE
objective
Seeking a Urban Design internship to accommodate required experience of becoming a registered
landscape architect, that utilizes knowledge and experience in the place making of functional, attractive,
and sustainable places.
education
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN | SAVANNAH, GA
Masters of Architecture Urban Design
degree expected in 2016
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY | LEXINGTON, KY
Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture
degree received in 2012
awards
DESIGN WORK SHOP’S DESIGN WEEK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, APRIL 17-21, 2012
individual award: Outstanding Academic Exploration as Team Leader
team award: Best Concept
community contributions
SUMMER 2014 | CONFERENCE ON ECOLOGICAL +ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION | NEW ORLEANS, LA
Selected international speaker and will be presenting the biomimetic design process implemented
in the sustainable master plan and design project “Delta Urbanism”.
SPRING 2013 | LEARNING CENTER AT LINLEE SERVICE PROJECT | LEXINGTON, KY
Met with school faculty and student body, supervised a background abstraction with
students, designed and painted a 15’ x 6’ mural.
SPRING 2013 | UK 100: LIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN | LEXINGTON, KY
Lectured findings of independent research pertaining to combinatorial creativity.
Software Skills:
Adobe CC, Rhino 3d,
AutoCad 14’,
3dsMax Design 14’, Revit,
Sketchup Pro, ARC Map,
Microsoft Office 08’

55. professional experience
SPRING 2015 | SCAD: GRAPHICS FOR BUILDING ARTS STUDIO PROFESSOR INTERN | SAVANNAH, GA
Lectured and conducted studio projects that examined the language of three-dimensional form
and deal with a wide range of analysis and representation of form, including mechanical drawing,
freehand sketching and various means of rendering.
SUMMER 2014 | TERRY GUEN DESIGN ASSOCIATES URBAN DESIGN INTERN | CHICAGO, IL
Worked as Studio Gang’s landscape consultant for the master plan of the University of Chicago’s
Campus North, personally was responsible for the design and Rhino model of two rooftop courtyard
gardens, grading, soils, planting, furnishing, and paving bid document plans, attended progress
update meetings at SGA. Verified construction implementations, staked out design altercations, and
tagged trees working as lead consultant on Field Operations’ Navy Pier Renovations and Michael Van
Valkenburgh and Associates’ Maggie Daley Park.
SUMMER 2013 | AMERICAN GARDENS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT INTERN | ELMHURST, IL
Designed residential landscapes and urban annual arrangements, produced grading and drainage
drawings, supervised residential landscape and hardscape installations, client presentation and
public relations
SUMMER 2012 | ROBERT JENDRA STUDIO GRAPHIC DESIGNER | CHICAGO, IL
Designed: menu layout, logo, and flyers for Cocoro Japanese Steak House; produced assorted flyers
and business banners. Digitally enhanced photographs, conducted photo shoots, custom framed
images, water colors, and oil paintings for commission
SUMMER 2012 | THE LANNERT GROUP LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT INTERN | GENEVA, IL
Designed and hand rendered waste transfer sites, produced technical drawings on AutoCad for
multiple projects, attended public and private meetings, formatted Powerpoint presentations and
proposed design ideas for large scale landfill reclamation proposals
hobbies
TRAVEL: Lived and worked in 8 cities, Visited the Caribbean multiple times , Traveled the USA extensively
ART: Oil paints, water color, guache paint, spray paint, chalk and oil pastels, charcoal, graphite, prisma color,
marker, pen and ink, graphic/digital, mixed mediums, and tattoo design
RECREATION: Guitar, golf, snowboarding, rock climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, and longboarding

56. Master of Urban Design | Landscape Architect
Tel: 267.608.4570
acelsw2@gmail.com
Aaron Christopher Elswick, ASLA