Hello
I am a landscape architect with an MLA from Harvard and 10+ years of built practice at MVVA.INC - one of the most respected firms in the field. I manage diverse projects from intimate $100k residential gardens to $75M complex public parks, lead teams of all sizes through every design phase to bidding and construction while bringing a genuine passion. I’m currently freelancing and open to the right opportunity.
My experience includes project management, design development, construction set documentation, construction administration, as well as visual storytelling through rendering and videography. I have worked extensively with complex public and private clients, leading coordination across large multidisciplinary teams, and supporting projects through all phases—from proposals and budgeting to community engagement and final delivery.
For a landscape architect, bridging creativity and reality is essential; doing so successfully requires the ability to synthesize ideas, communicate clearly, and act decisively. I believe landscapes can create meaningful change and enrich lives and am committed to work that brings together people, nature, and the arts through clear, impactful design.
Collaboration and curiosity are at the heart of everything I do. I bring a balance of rigor, adaptability, and integrity, along with a strong commitment to fostering positive, inclusive, fun, and high-performing team environments—both in-studio and remotely.
Thank you for your consideration. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate soon.
CV
EDUCATION
Harvard University Graduate School of Design, MLA, 2015
University of Vermont, Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources & Urban
Ecology/Minor in Film Making; Cum Laude, 2010
Mount Holyoke, South Hadley, MA Spring 2006
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY Fall 2005
PROFESSIONAL
Founder, Hillary Archer LLC, 2026-Present
Senior Associate; Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, 2014 – 2026
Registered Landscape Architect (NY), 2020
SKILLS
Modeling + Analysis: Mac/PC, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite,
AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Rhino, VectorWorks, 3DS Max
Analog: Model Making and Hand Drafting
Video Production: Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere
Research: Academic/Field-based, Analog/Digital, GPS Tracking
AWARDS
GIPSON PLAY PLAZA
CID, Commercial Stone Design Award (2026)
Grand Award, American Council of Engineering Companies (2026)
Downtown Raleigh Alliance Imprint Award (2025)
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM STATE PARK
Women in Design Award (2026)
LILA Jury Award (2024)
ASLA Honor Award (2022)
ASLA Student Award Nominee by Michel Desvigne and Inessa Hansch (2015)
Top 30 Finalist, Les Jardins de Métis, Nouveaux Jardins Festival International (2015)
ASLA Student Award Nominee by Kelly Doran (2014)
Cum Laude, University of Vermont (2010)
Dean’s List, University of Vermont (2007-2010)
Travel Research Grant, Teaching Creativity, Harvard Graduate School of Design (2014)
Emmy Award, New England, Cinematography, “BLOOM” (2011)
Judges Award for Best Film, University of Vermont Film Festival (2010)
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, University of Vermont RSENR Program (2010)
My Story