Temple University

When was the first time you realized you were interested in landscape architecture?  

"I discovered the field of landscape architecture when I was in my senior year of high school. I've always been a creative person, and I was browsing through lists of careers on various college websites (as a wayward high school student does). When I stumbled upon a career that could fuse my love of art with my love of nature and the outdoors, I was instantly enamored with the idea of pursuing landscape architecture." 

What’s a typical day like in your studio?  

"Things are always exciting in the Landscape Architecture studio courses. A day could consist of a lecture and a design charette, drawing and desk-critiques, pin-ups, or even a field trip. This year is even more variable, as we are currently in the process of designing a structure for the Ambler campus that have an opportunity to actually build, so we will have construction days, as well. There is a great balance of group and individual work, and because our class is so small (only 5 students, including myself), we are able to get very thorough feedback and build great relationships with our professors and each other. Even when we are working on solo projects, we are learning from and leaning on one another. The atmosphere is always lively. Professors and students alike are passionate about what they do." 

What have you learned about yourself through your practice?  

"I've learned that my creative process is very sporadic. Sometimes I will have a burst of energy or a stroke of inspiration and work for hours at a time, while others, I'll sit at my drafting board stuck on the same problem. Creativity takes work. What's important is being persistent and willing to continually improve upon your ideas. It was hard for me to be flexible at first, but when you are really passionate about a project, you will find a way to make it happen." 

What was your initial opinion of Tyler, and how has that changed since being here?  

"I was actually an art education major when I first came to Tyler. A sudden change of heart at the end of my senior year led me to apply for this program. It wasn't a good fit. I enjoyed my drawing and art history courses, but I felt out of place. I decided to revisit landscape architecture, which had been so exciting to me before. When I made the change that Spring, suddenly everything felt right. I had found my place at Tyler. I especially enjoyed getting to go to the Ambler campus, where so much of our hands-on learning happens. The entire campus, including the greenhouses, gardens, arboretum, and forests, is a living laboratory that we get to explore every day. It's an incredibly unique college experience that I wouldn't trade for anything." 

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman in your program or an undecided major?  

"Landscape architecture is one of the most rigorous, exhausting majors you can choose. It is also by far one of the most rewarding and satisfying. Your creativity, knowledge, and understanding of the world around you will evolve and expand in ways you couldn't possibly imagine. You can also know that your work can one day truly make a difference. People need nature in their lives, and right now, nature needs people to rescue it. It's a beautiful kind of symbiosis that landscape architects get to help facilitate." 

Madelyn Scott, '23, (she/her) is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture with a concentration in Horticulture.