This resume provides a summary of Michael Ritacco's qualifications and experience in landscape design, construction, and horticulture. It includes highlights of his educational background in landscape architecture from UMass Amherst as well as various design and construction projects he has worked on. Sample project graphics are also included showing his skills in design, drafting, construction details, and small-scale residential designs.

2. CONTENTS
RESUME 3
DESIGN PROJECTS
Springfield Riverfront 4
Greenway Design 8
Multi-Family Housing Development 10
SMALLER SCALE PROJECTS 12
CONSTRUCTION SKILLS 14

3. 14 Alexander Road Worcester, MA 01606
ritacco.mike@gmail.com
774.364.2651
MICHAEL RITACCO
QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS WORK EXPERIENCE
AutoCAD Mullins and Armington Landscape Associates, MA
Google Sketchup Designer/ Foreman - Summer 2011 - Present
Designed multiple high end residential designs, and
Adobe Design Suite Applications
led landscaping crew for various residential and
GIS
commercial construction and maintenance jobs.
Public Presentations
Customer Relations What Else Landscaping, Central MA Region
Construction Equipment and Heavy Machinery Landscape/Garden Design - Summer 2009-2011
Drafting and Design. Co-founder of the What Else Landscaping Company
focusing on grounds and hardscape maintenance.
Designed residential gardens, hardscapes, and
planting plans; followed by presentation to a client.
(References upon Request)
EDUCATION Town of Holden, MA
Tree Maintenance - December/Summer 2008
Worked around central MA clearing trees,
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
branches, and brush left over from winter 2008 ice
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture
storm. Trained in the identification of the Asian
– Class 2012
Longhorn Beetle and proper care and removal of
infected trees.
Worcester State College, Worcester, MA
Public Speaking Course – 2007
UMass President’s Office, Shrewsbury, MA
Essentials of speech production and speech writing
Desktop Support/Office Internship - Summer 2007
for large and small groups. - 3 credits
Member of the ASLA and ASLA student chapter at
UMass Amherst

4. RIVERFRONT DESIGN
GIVING the CONNECTICUT
BACK to the PEOPLE
of SPRINGFIELD
4

5. N Revitalization
This project reconnects the people of the South
End and Forest Park neighborhoods to each other and the
riverfront. Through this design, the people of Springfield will
be able to rediscover the value of the water, and the many
assets it can provide as they engage the waterfront.
River Rise Park brings new mixed-use development to
the river’s edge to stimulate multi-seasonal use with a variety
of active and passive activities. The citizens of Springfield
will be able to enjoy the recreation areas which include
everything from walking and bike paths to rock climbing walls
and kayak rentals. The unique buildings contain commercial
shops along West Columbus Ave. as shown in the section
below, which will stir year round activities, as well as provide
an opportunity to enjoy the high end residential and office
space overlooking the majestic river.
Mike Ritacco 5

6. RIVERRISE PARK
6

7. River Rise Park gets its name from the elaborate pedestrian system that gives the users many
different perspectives of the Connecticut River. A boardwalk is the first level which runs along
the entire length of the park at the river’s edge to allow actual interaction with the water. The
Connecticut Walk and Bikeway has been re-vamped and runs through the wooded riverbanks
and overlooks the boardwalk. The River Rise Highline is a unique feature to the park.
While this walk seems to float in the tree tops allowing for new view of the
Connecticut River, it also connects to the spacious roof gardens of the
River Rise buildings and to the newly designed promenade along
the South End Bridge.
Mike Ritacco 7

8. GREENWAY DESIGN
“A City Runs Through It...”
8

9. Cultural Enhancement
The Mill River Greenway studio project was a collaborative project,
worked on in teams of four. The goal of the project was to create a
greenway from the headwaters of the Mill River in Conway, all the way
to its confluence with the Connecticut River. This focus area is aimed at
resurrecting the historic Mill River that had once run through downtown
Northampton, while creating a public open space geared towards the
education and culture of the city’s history. Parts of the actual river bed
will be restored allowing for a regular flow of water through the historic
channel, which can be viewed from constructed nodes and overlooks with
signage describing the historic restoration and industrial legacy of the Mill
River.
The conceptual design of thisnew open space calls attention to
the Roundhouse building and features a deck overlook of the restored
river bed, a boardwalk through the water, a grand lawn, and an overlook
extension of Pulaski Park.
Mike Ritacco 9

10. HOUSING DESIGN
This studio project was worked on in teams of two, however the graphics shown were
done individually on vellum with graphite. These sections show how the housing
clusters are focused around open spaces, which are formed through
landform and planting media. The pedestrian circulation
system and the network of open spaces interact
with the rainwater, as it is collected and
infiltrated on site.
1110
12

11. The multi-family housing development is located in Amherst, MA,
on a farmland site that encompasses about 26 acres. The goal of this
project was to create a community focused around a series of private
and community green spaces, while using sustainable methods to reduce
environmental impacts and maximize the amount of housing units per
acre. The design connects the residents to the open spaces and each
other through a system of pathways which create a complete circuit
throughout the entire site. The housing units and open
spaces are placed to provide for more desirable views
out to the landscape, while respecting
the wetland buffers around the site.
Mike Ritacco
Mike Ritacco 11

12. Pic 1:
BACKYARD PATIO
This model was built in a
residential design studio
for a client in Granby, MA.
The view into the back
patio shows the shows the
connection to the intimate
spaces of the property.
Pic 2:
GALLERY SPACE
The proposed multi-
functional gallery space
in Springfield provides
a network of plots for
farmers markets, while the
centralized pergola allows
for art gallery exhibitions
as it directs you towards
the indoor market shown in
picture 3.
12

13. Pic 3:
MARKET GATEWAY
The planted gateway forms
an urban plaza for the
residents of Springfield as
they enter the proposed
indoor market.
Pic 4:
VERTICAL GARDENS
These semi-permanent
vertical structures is designed
to be placed in an urban
environment. The modular
levels can be stacked to fit the
city’s needs allowing space
for citizens to engage in the
community gardens.
Mike Ritacco 13

14. Pic 1:
BOLL ARD DETAIL
Detail sample for a bollard
and light attachment
describing proper electrical
and stability requirements.
Pic 2:
PRIVATE GARDEN
The upper garden,
supported by fieldstone
retaining walls on all
sides, is the first in a
series of circular nodes
off a central walk leading
down to the back.
(design by Mullins and
Armington Landscape
Associates, Leicester, MA)
14

15. Pic 3:
PL ANTING DETAIL
Detail sample for a small
caliper tree planting,
including directions for
proper installation and care.
Pic 4:
SCULPTURE GARDEN
A rustic pathway leading to
a moss covered sculpture.
The first node in a series
of paths for a residential
sculpture garden.
(Location: Holden, MA)
Mike Ritacco 15