Todd Haiman

Landscape Design, May 2009

Please tell us briefly about your academic background and employment history.

At a very young age I was aware that I wanted to pursue a career in the arts as a visual communicator. I graduated with a B.A. in English/art history from SUNY Albany. After college, I apprenticed for several photographers of note, and then established my own studio as a photographer shooting advertising and editorial assignments. Throughout a twenty-year career, I was fortunate to work with many talented clients, among them Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, design and branding firms and several magazines. During my photography career I also attended NYU Film School and progressed into film.

Why did you decide to enroll in the master's program in Landscape Design and what was your experience like?

I was at a point in my career as a commercial artist where I was seeking new challenges. Concurrently, I was intrigued with a newfound interest in landscape and horticulture. Desirous to further this avocation, I began taking classes at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, which then led me to work toward the certificate programs in gardening, horticulture and landscape management at the New York Botanical Garden's (NYBG) School of Professional Horticulture.

Within my course of study at NYBG, I firmly realized that Landscape Design was "the next chapter" of my life. I considered the options for further study available to me locally and consulted and researched with professionals in this field and related ones. The Columbia program appealed to me as its primary focus is centered on small-scale public landscapes and residential design. Just as important was the level of academic rigor that Columbia provided and expected from a graduate student as well as instruction by educators that were accomplished in their field.

Could you walk us through your career path leading up to your most current position?

While at Columbia I was fortunate to have one of my projects featured in an international exhibition on vertical gardens and be part of a group from the Columbia program to receive a small grant from the NYC Department of Parks to assist in upgrading an underutilized park in upper Manhattan. Both of these awards jump-started my career.

Since graduating in 2009, I have formed a company, acquired my own clientele, and partnered with many of my peers from Columbia on various projects. I have been fortunate in finding wonderful clients to create these residential landscapes within the tri-state area, locally in Brooklyn and Manhattan, as well as out of state in Connecticut and New Jersey. Of note is a roof garden I am involved in designing for a not-for-profit client in midtown Manhattan - the SSMA Club (Soldiers', Sailors', Marines' + Airmen's Club), which provides temporary affordable housing for veterans and military personnel.

What is a typical day like in your current position?

As with many entrepreneurial small business owners my day can be spent instituting the building blocks of a business, which means my days are spent "wearing many hats." This all starts with a business plan, the formation of a company, the creation of an identity for oneself, which is art directing a brand for yourself. Being pro-active in marketing oneself, managing present clients, developing new clients, building an identity for oneself from word-of-mouth through a digital presence, networking and constantly educating oneself.

How has the degree helped you in your career?

Earning a graduate degree from Columbia, one of the pre-eminent universities in the world has given me instant credibility as I begin a new career. Just as important as the caliber of instruction received and the intellectual rigor, is the network of support from my fellow students and instructors, which has continued after graduation. Almost all of these wonderful, diverse individuals I speak with on a regular basis, work on projects with or professionally consult with.

What advice would you give students interested in entering your field of work?

Be passionate and continue to be a "student" after you graduate.