Maeve Fogarty

Hometown: Bethlehem Pennsylvania
Education Background: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Penn State University

How did you get interested in your field?
I spent a lot of time outside as a kid, and I like to think that it instilled a deep love for the natural world in me. Whether it was going to the beach, riding my bike, hiking, running, or gardening, I have always felt most comfortable and happy when I am outdoors.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
I studied landscape architecture at Penn State University.

Why did you choose Penn?
I chose Penn for their top-tier education, resources, research and faculty! I was most drawn to the close-knit environment within the LARP department and felt like a valued member of the community from the first day. Plus, Philadelphia is a great place to study in and live!

What has been your favorite class so far?
I have most loved LARP Theory 1: Histories and Theories of Landscape and Environment. It was exciting to dive into the tangled history of landscape architecture and meet the key figures and study their designs.

What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
I am learning how to maximize my own creative abilities through narratives that tell a story, while also developing design through intense research and analysis. I also am continuing to hone my representational skills and, of course, continuing to study plants!

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
I love the people! It is an exciting city with a deep history and great culture.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
Outside of classes, I am a teaching assistant for Theory 1. In the summer, I was an Art and Design intern for the City of Philadelphia in their Department of Planning and Development.

What are your career ambitions?
One day, I hope to work professionally in a city. I am most interested in the public realm and in the potential of landscape architecture to affect a place’s cultural and ecological fabric. I enjoy drawing, writing, thinking critically, and studying history, and I hope to continue doing so long after my time at Penn.