We recently had the chance to connect with Lori Hawkins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lori, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
As I’ve been aging, I’m starting to think about life in retirement. I love my work and want it to continue, but friends and family have had health issues and I worry about work/life balance. Since I adore what I do – I see that as extending the enjoyment of my life and I can slow down little by little.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have been a registered landscape architect since 1991. After graduating from Penn State- I first worked for large commercial landscape architectural/engineering firms in the Washington DC area. After about 10 years, I found a better fit for my personality and skill set in the realm of residential design. I now help homeowners with large, or small projects that involve their love and enjoyment of their outdoor spaces and elements that can elevate their properties. My owners have been very pleased with my responsiveness, sense of classical style and knowledge of their construction projects.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
At the age of 18 I became a Christian through the ministry of Young LIfe. It completely changed my life and my world view- now through the lens of how God looks at us, our relationships, and our purpose. I try to treat every customer with love and respect as I use my God given gift of design and creating beautiful and functional spaces.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I was laid off by a large design build firm during the Great Recession. It threw me for a loop- as I was totally unprepared to be unemployed. After the dust settled, I feel that the Lord really put people in my life that helped me through that situation and set me up for future success. I met someone who was using the 3D program that I now use- and I took 7 months to learn how to use it myself. That skill revolutionalized my skill set and I set out with my own professional practice. Hawkins Landscape Architecture was born. I never looked back and it created so much success in my personal professional life.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would say that my family and personal relationships matter most to me. I am a hard worker and value my customers and the designs that I deliver to them. I want to make sure I use the utmost integrity in my dealings with my customers and the highest quality in my final product.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I valued people over possessions. I worked hard and always had the utmost integrity and treated all people with love and respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hawkinsla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3dlandscapearchitect/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hawkinsla/
- Twitter: https://x.com/HawkinsLa2017
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawkinsLA2016/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lorihawkins9371
Image Credits
Pictures by Micciche Photography
