Design and BIM software developer Vectorworks Inc. has hired three new design experts for its landscape, entertainment and architecture product marketing teams. Brian Nicholson has been named the company’s senior landscape product specialist.
The others are Jim Woodward in entertainment and Luc Lefebvre as senior architect product specialist.
Vectorworks says its industry experts, led by Jeremy Powell, senior marketing director, “act as advocates for customers and the industry relating to the marketing and development of products.” They provide one-on-one demonstrations of product capabilities, participate in professional associations and visit firms in the field.
Because all are recently practicing designers, Powell said, “they’ll bring additional perspective to our team to ensure our products speak to the needs of designers.”
Brian NicholsonNicholson earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape horticulture with a concentration in design/construction from Colorado State University. After operating his own residential design/build firm in Denver, Nicholson earned a master’s degree in landscape architecture at the University of Colorado Denver and began practicing urban design and landscape architecture.
After laying the groundwork for his career in landscape architecture, Vectorworks says, Nicholson quickly discovered his inclination toward sustainability. Among numerous other projects, he served as lead landscape designer for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Research Support Facility, which was designed to be net-zero energy and achieved LEED platinum certification and sustainable SITES gold certification.
He also handled the site construction administration for additional projects across 35 acres on NREL’s campus.
Currently, Nicholson maintains multiple landscape architect licenses and is an accredited green roof professional and LEED accredited professional. He also serves as the Colorado chapter president of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Ruppert expands with another Maryland branch
Ruppert Landscape has expanded its Maryland operations to include a new branch in White Marsh. Serving the northern Baltimore region, this branch joins 19 existing branch offices in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Texas, supporting both the landscape construction and landscape management divisions of the company.
“Like many of our branches, the White Marsh office evolved from a satellite operation and its permanent establishment is a strategic move designed to better serve our customers,” said Tom Barry, vice president of the landscape management division. “When we open new facilities in the regions where our customers’ properties are concentrated, it allows us to be more responsive and efficient in our work.”
Damien Barber will lead Ruppert’s Baltimore branch.The opening of the new branch results in several personnel moves in the Maryland region.
The White Marsh branch will be led by Dan Trocher, former branch manager in the company’s Laytonsville, Maryland, landscape management branch. Trocher, a 10-year Ruppert employee, has successfully led the Laytonsville branch for almost two years and will be transferring to White Marsh to help grow its fledgling team.
Recently appointed associate branch manager, Mike Fleming, will report to Trocher and will continue to play a leading role in building Ruppert’s presence in this market, the company says.
The Laytonsville branch will be led by John Harich, former branch manager in the Baltimore landscape management branch. Harich is a 13-year Ruppert employee.
Recently appointed associate branch managers Tom Flint and Jenna Hicks will report to Harich.
The Baltimore branch will be led by Damien Barber, who was hired last year as branch manager.
“Damien has been supporting the Baltimore branch in a business development capacity while undergoing branch manager orientation,” said Doug Halsey, region vice president. “This has allowed him to get re-acclimated to the Ruppert team, culture and systems.”
Barber is a landscape industry certified technician (CLT) and holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape management from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Cobleskill.
