MLA Graduate ResearchResearch Associate Spotlight: Anna Desmone
MLA Graduate Research Associate Spotlight: Anna Desmone
Meet Anna, a Master of Landscape Architecture student who led our Biltmore Park West study.
Tell us about what you are studying and how you were introduced to the Program.
My name is Anna Desmone, and I am graduating from the Master of Landscape Architecture Program in May 2025. Landscape architects design spaces that connect people with their surrounding community and environment. We are a unique group of people, full of professionals from diverse educational and career backgrounds who provide a wide range of skills and knowledge to the profession. With that being said, landscape architects can work in a variety of niches. Through the Pappas Real Estate Development Program, I was able to explore one of the many niches that landscape architects can fill. I was introduced to the Pappas Real Estate Development Program through my studio professor, who recommended me for an upcoming project. I received an email about the inquiry and decided to investigate further. I ended up starting my assistantship position in Spring 2024, and it went on for a little over 6 months.
What project(s) did you work on with the program? What was your role on the project?
I started working with the Pappas program as part of the Biltmore Park West study, located in Asheville, North Carolina. I was designated as a research associate and student lead, working alongside an amazing team composed of Chuck Flink, Adam Walters, and Elizabeth Gabriel. Together, we conducted an analysis and design ideation study to determine the feasibility of a potential development on historical Vanderbilt land. During this project, we had internal group meetings, milestone meetings with Biltmore Farms LLC, and a design charrette with Buncombe County stakeholders. As a student lead and research associate, I was in charge of scheduling, time management, research, and presentations. Throughout the project, Adam and Chuck met with me frequently to give feedback and keep me on track. At the end of the project, Elizabeth spearheaded the graphic design of our final deliverables, including an ArcGIS StoryMap and a printed report booklet. My study team was such a pleasure to work with!
How has the assistantship shaped your academic experience and professional development?
The assistantship shaped my academic and professional career by exposing me to experiences that are not available in the typical classroom setting. As student lead and research associate, I was able to refine my graphic and communication skills through the creation of maps and presentations. Learning how to represent concepts and discoveries to non-landscape architects was a specific skill I gained from this assistantship. I also came out of this assistantship with time management skills, which will prepare me for future career opportunities, such as becoming a project manager one day.Lastly, conducting research was a unique aspect this assistantship offered, which I had not been exposed to since my undergraduate studies. The research uncovered interesting connections between our site and Frederick Law Olmsted. I was able to visit the historic site at Fairstead, which brought me closer to the profession and the history of Asheville, NC.
What would you share about your experience with other MLA students considering assistantships in the PRP program? What advice would you share?
To other MLA students who are interested in an assistantship: GO FOR IT! My assistantship position with the PRP program was a positive and influential experience. Some advice I would give is:
1. Set frequent personal deadlines and meetings, and work in person when possible. Sometimes, you hit a lull in project production and meetings can help move it forward. Having a great study team to work with is key to get you through any ruts.
2. Make connections with NCSU library folks, or similar. There were several instances where they pulled specific research articles or books that were applicable to my project. These leads typically ended up being a major component of our research.
3. Don’t be afraid to say yes! The Biltmore Park West project was “a project of firsts” and I ended up being presented with incredible opportunities throughout the duration, including presenting, traveling to Asheville and Boston, and meeting amazing people.
What’s next?
I am not entirely sure what is next on my journey as a landscape architect. After graduation, I plan to take a break for a couple months before jumping into a 9-5 position. I am primarily interested in exploring options that are super niche, such as zoo design, or something in the public realm, such as arboretums or gardens. I am really interested in education through design, and connecting people with animals and the environment.
My long term goal is to get licensed and explore living somewhere other than Raleigh, which has been my home for the last 7 years. I have yet to discover if that will be in a city, or something more laid back, like a beach town. I am looking forward to whatever I end up doing. Thank you, Pappas program, for getting me to where I am today!