Sahar Farmand
Buffalo, New York
About
I am a landscape architectural designer whose childhood, shaped by living in various countries, ignited my love for art, nature, and diverse cultures. My passion for both art and mathematics led me to study architecture
and landscape architecture. I am deeply committed to continuous learning, expanding my technical expertise, and excelling in construction administration. I thrive in team environments, where I can share my knowledge and mentor others, helping them grow in their careers. Outside of work, I enjoy archery, painting, exploring new cultures, and learning new languages.
Experience
Senior Designer II
Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
Aug 2019 — Jan 2025
- Led production efforts on 6+ projects, developed hand grading studies, CAD technical drawings, and urban design guidelines while coordinating with civil and structural engineers, lighting and fountain designers, architects, soil scientists and MEP consultants as well as play equipment manufacturers while managing internal team workflows from schematic design through construction administration.
- Mentored junior staff by providing training in CAD drafting, hand and CAD grading, on-boarding support, fostering professional growth and technical proficiency within the team.
- Organized playground reviews, drafted play related specifications, and coordinated monthly meetings with manufacturers to ensure design quality and compliance across all playground projects.
Projects
Hermann Park The Commons
04/30/2024
The Commons is a 21 acre project located southwest of Hermann Park. The centerpiece of this design is a two-acre playground, set into a sculpted landform. The park features a live oak deck that embraces the park’s landmark oak trees, renovated historic pavilion, a carousel and an expansive central lawn. Roles and Responsibilities: - Graphic Production - Technical Documentation Including Preparation of Grading, Material and Furnishing, Soils, Layout, Jointing and Site Preparation Plans, Sections and Details - Consultant Coordination with Lighting Designer, Civil Engineer and Play Manufacturer - Construction Administration Including Respond to RFI, Review Shop Drawings and Submittals, Site Visits, Field Reports and Weekly Meetings
Harold Simmons Park - West Overlook
01/31/2024
West Overlook is a 22-acre of green space designed to reconnect Dallas residents with the Trinity River floodway. The park’s key attractions include a land bridge linking the east and west sides of the park, a repurposed steel fabrication shop transformed into a central shade structure, an event building, a café, play gardens, a natural pond and event lawns. The project involves the construction of new roads to connect the proposed buildings and park entrances to the existing street network. Roles and Responsibilities: - Graphic Production - Technical Documentation Including Preparation of Grading, Material, Jointing and Site Preparation Plans, Sections and Details - Consultant Coordination with Lighting Designer, Civil and Structural Engineers, Architects and MEP Consultant - Presentation Development - Production Management
Tony Marron Park
10/31/2021
TMP is an existing park that is expanding from 19 to 41 acres and is set to become the largest public park in the East End of Houston, Texas. The park features a variety of amenities, including sports fields, a kayak launch to the bayou, a playground, nature play, a barbecue pavilion and expansive rolling lawns. Roles and Responsibilities: - Graphic Production - Technical Documentation Including Preparation of Grading, Material, Soils, Site Preparation Plans, Sections and Details - Consultant Coordination with Lighting Designer, Architect, MEP Consultant, Soil Scientist, Civil and Structural Engineers - Presentation Development - Production Management and Leadership - Public Meeting Preparation
Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park
01/31/2020
RCWCP will transform a neglected waterfront into a vibrant 22-acre urban oasis, seamlessly connecting the city to the Detroit River. The park will include comfort stations, two park houses with indoor sports facilities, lawns, play gardens, promenades, and plazas. Role and Responsibilities: - Technical Documentation Including Preparation of Grading, Material, Furnishing and Soils Plans, Sections and Details - Consultant Coordination with Play Manufacturer - Construction Administration Including Respond to RFI, Review Shop Drawings and Submittals, Site Visits
Education
Master's Degree
Cornell University
Aug 2017 — May 2019
Landscape Architecture
Bachelor's Degree
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Sep 2008 — May 2014
Architecture