MLA Graduate Research Associate Spotlight
MLA Graduate Research Associate Spotlight
Meet Jules, a Master of Landscape Architecture student on our Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) team.
Tell us about what you are studying and how you were introduced to the Program.
Hello, my name is Jules Mainor, and I’m in my third and final year of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at NC State. I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology and ecological studies from Appalachian State University. Growing up, I was fortunate to spend a lot of time outdoors and on working farm landscapes, which sparked my deep appreciation for nature and landscape stewardship. I discovered the field of Landscape Architecture toward the end of my undergraduate program and knew I would eventually have to return to school to pursue it. After the challenges of COVID, I seized the opportunity to come back and follow my passion.
What project(s) did you work on with the program? What was your role on the project?
The program here at NC State is incredibly comprehensive. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on everything from urban infill designs and coastal resilience master plans to design-build projects. I’ve taken on lead designer roles in several of these endeavors, collaborating closely with my peers. Currently, I’m the lead designer on a stormwater infrastructure project on campus. It’s been an extremely rewarding experience to see my designs materialize and to learn firsthand how they function in a real-world context.
How has the assistantship shaped your academic experience and professional development?
My assistantship position with the CORE project has sharpened my time management skills and taught me how to present work to actual clients. I’ve also learned the importance of listening to stakeholders, reassessing project priorities, and adjusting timelines accordingly. Having the opportunity to stretch my technical skills outside the classroom, while developing feasible design ideas, has been an invaluable step forward in my journey toward becoming a Landscape Architect.
What would you share about your experience with other MLA students considering assistantships in the PRP program? What advice would you share?
To my underclassman cohort, I would say: be like a sponge! Even if you come from a non-design background, persevere and soak up as many technical and theoretical skills as you can. These will equip you to tackle complex issues in a fulfilling way. To my classmates, thank you for the unwavering support and camaraderie over these last three years. I can’t wait to see the remarkable landscapes you’ll design in the future. And to those who are thinking about pursuing an assistantship, go for it—it’s hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding, helping you refine your skills and expand your professional network.
What’s next?
Next, I hope to find a small-to-medium-sized private firm that focuses on public landscapes, particularly ones involving stormwater management and adaptive reuse of urban spaces that have been neglected. I’ve developed a strong interest in repurposing brownfields and other overlooked areas, recognizing the social and ecological value they can offer. Right after graduation, I’d like to travel to see some of the influential landscapes I’ve studied. I believe that experiencing these places in person is essential to designing environments that are both functional and inspiring.