Archives

The Jerry Pate Design Team Welcomes New Design Associate Gabriel Curran

August 22, 2022 1:25 pm Published by

We here on the Jerry Pate Design team are thrilled to announce a new addition to the firm: Gabe Curran, our newest Design Associate! With degrees from Auburn and Cornell, an extensive background in landscape architecture, and previous roles in community planning with organizations the likes of UWF Historic Trust and NAVFAC Atlantic, Gabe Curran comes to us with ample experience and proof of his passion for the art of landscape architecture. He credits his time working as a civilian for the United States Navy as a formative experience that broadened his skill sets and perspectives. He is also a pro with AutoCAD, SketchUp, InDesign, Rhino, and other industry-beloved programs, and he is a fluid Spanish speaker. When he isn’t busy crafting beautiful environments, Gabe might be found enjoying his hobbies of ultimate frisbee, camping, or playing guitar. He and his wife, Jenny, come to Jerry Pate Design from Norfolk, Virginia, and together they love to travel. Asked to comment on his new role, he says “I’m excited to make this pivot from planning to landscape architecture and design!” Welcome, Gabe! We’re excited too!

Nature-Deficit Disorder: Why Green Spaces for People Are So Important

August 15, 2022 2:06 pm Published by

For much of human history, time was spent predominantly outdoors. In the beginning, we mostly lived outside—in the woods, the fields, the open expanses. And even in decades as recent as the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, we spent ample time exploring in the open air.   But with the advent of so much incredible technology within the home, we have experienced a shift in how we spend our time, both in childhood and beyond. Now, there are literally endless options for things to do in the palms of our hands. We find avenues of play on iPads in toddlerhood. Schoolwork is made possible by Google. Our work life demands that we stay very much glued to our screens. The conversations that connect us with friends and family are so often centered on the shows we’re all watching.  We live, undeniably, in quite a novel age. But all this technology keeps us indoors, away from nature. And we should still prioritize nature where we can. Because our mind and body crave it. Without it, a sense of disconnectedness and loss sets in. It’s called Nature-Deficit Disorder.  What Is Nature-Deficit Disorder?  In 2005, Richard Louv introduced the concept and coined the term in […]