Experience

Experience
Kara M. Kalupson chose the field of landscape architecture because she wanted to design gardens. With a strong background in art and horticulture, she believed landscape architecture would enable her to utilize both of these talents. She opened Tree House Studios to focus her talents on residential designing.
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Education & Background Design Tools Examples

**Education & Background**
In 1984 Kara graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Landscape Architecture. Before receiving her Professional Registration in 1987, she was employed by several landscape architectural firms in the Philadelphia area specializing in playground and residential design. After moving to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1987 she was employed by local engineering companies specializing in subdivision and land development planning. For the past 13 years she's been refining her technical skills in residential subdivision design, road design, grading and stormwater management, erosion & sediment control, landscape and lighting plans, and construction detailing. She has also prepared and presented many proposed subdivision and land development projects to local Township/Borough Planning Commissions,Supervisors, Borough Councils and Zoning Hearing Boards.
		In addition to working full-time, Kara continued to design and prepare masterplans for friends and family. She is proud to offer residential design services on a full-time basis with the opening of Tree House Studios.

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**Design Tools**
	Kara uses her IBM Thinkpad and Autocad LT 2000, a computer drafting program, to generate all her final drawings.
The drawings are plotted on a Hewlett Packard monochrome plotter and are plotted on 24" x 36" bond paper.
	Kara also uses Horticopia software, a digital reference library of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. She is able to provide a slideshow of plant material for all her clients.

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**Work Examples**

Before-Spring 2000 The owners of this home wanted to make the entryway more appealing. The existing flagstone path was overgrown and the plant material was unappealing.	After-Summer 2000 A new concrete walk and plant material were installed by the owners in the summer of 2000. The curve of the walkway provides movement along the entry and the plant material will continue to grow and provide a variety of colors and textures throughout the seasons.

Before- Spring 2000 The east side of the house was unappealing with a garage door leading to nowhere. The owners wanted to expand their driveway for additional parking and easy access into the home.	After- Summer 2000 A stone driveway and low retaining wall were installed by the owner. The curve of the wall adds movement to the design and the new plant material will continue to grow and fill the space with a variety of color and texture.

A PERENNIAL GARDEN
	Before- Summer 1992 The owners of this home wanted a perennial garden on the east side of the home incorporating the outhouse as a unique design element. The concept for the new design was to create a garden with year-round interest and provide access from the outhouse and basement to both the front and rear yard.


During Construction - Spring 1998 The perennial garden is taking shape. A flagstone path provides access from the basement doors and existing outhouse to both the front yard and the rear yard. A few perennials and shrubs are planted.

Summer 1999 After only one growing season, the garden is flourishing. Planted with a variety of ornamental grasses, shrubs and perennials, this small garden provides year round interest. The small bird bath and bird bottle located left of the outhouse attract a variety of small songbirds. A section of fencing was constructed to screen a work area behind the outhouse. This garden will continue to grow and change throughout the seasons.

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email: kmk@tree-housestudios.com

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