Johnathan Hampton

My major is landscape architecture, and I'm currently in my third year here at UTA. I completed my undergraduate degree at Auburn University in horticulture, with a focus on pre-landscape architecture. Since childhood, I've always had a curiosity for the natural environment and an interest in plants. I joke with my parents about how I used to harass them for growing supplies—potted plants, potting soil—but I had no idea what I was doing and ended up killing most things I tried to grow. Eventually, I successfully grew soybeans from a kit and an impatiens plant that bloomed. That process of watching things grow and develop—learning patience and cultivation—really stuck with me.

Growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, one barrier was the lack of educational access to agriculture or horticulture in city schools; these subjects were taught primarily in county schools through organizations like FFA. During high school, I started my own neighborhood landscaping business with significant help from my parents. This experience solidified my passion for design and influenced my decision to study horticulture at Auburn University. Later, during my senior year at Auburn, I transitioned into landscape architecture and continued here at UTA.

What excites me most about landscape architecture is the opportunity for outreach. Landscape architects sit at the forefront of community-based opportunities addressing environmental justice, sustainability, energy efficiency, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I've always wanted to give back to my community through service, and landscape architecture equips me to explore that professionally.

I'm currently working on my thesis project, which focuses on landscape architecture education and outreach within DFW Metroplex high schools. The thesis evaluates the presence and relevance of existing resources in local schools to refine current materials and inform future initiatives. It's exploratory because there's limited documentation on resource effectiveness; each city or metro area has unique backgrounds influencing awareness.

My goal is to extend this work beyond graduate studies into professional pursuits, emphasizing outreach and awareness. Additionally, I'm exploring how to combine my horticultural interests—particularly ethnobotany and foraging—with landscape architecture since both fields often face public misunderstandings regarding their scope.

For me, it starts with youth education—that's foundational. Coming from horticulture into landscape architecture, I've noticed significant demographic diversity in age distribution; many discover their passion later in life after other careers. This made me question why there's such a gap in awareness.

I believe addressing this gap involves introducing design-oriented mindsets at younger educational levels—not necessarily explicitly teaching landscape architecture but integrating its foundational principles into existing curricula. Community visibility is also crucial; landscape architects can operate regionally but should engage directly within communities.

Our program director Dr. Diane Jones Allen exemplifies this through her impactful community-based design work in New Orleans post-Katrina, advocating designers' roles within communities.

My proudest achievement was winning the Landscape Architecture Foundation Ignite Program award, officially announced in October 2024. It's a national program specifically supporting African American undergraduate and graduate students in landscape architecture through financial aid and mentorship.

Previously placing as a finalist gave me familiarity with the program; winners join a supportive cohort network. Last June, we attended the annual Landscape Architecture Foundation Symposium in Washington D.C., meeting professionals nationwide and attending presentations by Olmsted Scholars—research fellows within our field.

The mentorship provided through portfolio reviews has directly impacted my job search positively. Overall, this award significantly influenced my progress as a student at UTA.

It's a combination of faith and family support. Growing up in a Christian household instilled core values of service and outreach from an early age. Many mentors have guided me throughout my journey; giving back feels essential because others invested their time into helping me succeed.

My parents have been anchors throughout this journey—even when moving here to Texas without prior connections was a huge leap of faith for all of us. Initially unaware of opportunities here until a mentor introduced me to UTA's program chair, I've since experienced many doors opening.

I'm grateful for the supportive community here at UTA—the EDGE Center staff, faculty members, classmates—all who significantly aided my transition here.

Invaluable.

The EDGE Center's resources—including career days like "Sin Miedo al Éxito," smaller seminars such as support system calls on Teams, scheduled career meetings (especially helpful for thesis contacts), printing services crucial for large design projects (like 24x36 prints), study rooms essential for interviews—have profoundly impacted my academic journey.

For instance, last year our design project involved Fort Worth’s Garden of Eden community drafting proposals for city officials; thanks to EDGE Center printing services we provided them copies they otherwise couldn't afford.

Overall, the EDGE Center's resources have been invaluable during my studies at UTA.