As a designer, my work is informed by my background in art and sustainability.

I obtained my BA from Berea College, where I studied Art and Sustainability & Environmental Studies. My education included the study of ecological indicators and ecological design, as well as international studies including sustainability models in Costa Rica and community development in the Southern Mexico states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. I earned a MLA from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, where I studied urban and suburban ecology, dioramic modes in landscape architecture, and ecological strategies for disturbed sites. In addition, I participated in design studios that included the study of vernacular architecture, ecological tourism, and sustainable development in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and the long-term economic and environmental planning of the Los Angeles basin.

My interactions with the natural environment suggest a world of provocative interpretation. Similarly, I found an affinity in the principles and uniqueness of Landscape Architecture. Landscape Architects possess a diverse repertoire from which to form the composition of our landscapes - ecological, social, economic, institutional. I believe Landscape Architects have a unique role to play in recognizing the intrinsic value of the natural environment, contributing to social responsibility, environmental justice and sustainability, and improving quality of life.

At Yunsoo Kim Design I'm responsible for building and maintaining a strong and consistent brand through a wide range of online and offline marketing materials, including project cut sheets, staff resumes, and the company website.

My marketing responsibilities assist me in implementing effective business development strategies, including preparing Request For Proposals (RFP) for project pursuits and developing strategic relationships and partnerships with key industry players, agencies, and allied disciplines.

My work is big conceptually, colorful, and often chaotic. I employ a broad range of media, including printmaking, painting, ceramics, and digital modes.

I’m inspired by drag, Buddhist ideology, and the natural environment. Drag offers the opportunity to challenge society’s expectations, including those I impose upon myself. To paraphrase RuPaul, “Drag doesn’t cover something up; it reveals who we are.”

Buddhist meditation teaches awareness of the present moment. There is no past or future, the present moment is all we have. Practicing mindfulness, intentions are clear, sensations are vivid, and understanding is accessible.

My most intimate relationship with the natural environment happens in my garden. Growing my food has enhanced my connection to the earth and instilled in me a sense of environmental stewardship. Examinations of the natural world solidified both the connection between environmental degradation and social injustice and my commitment to sustainability.

Selections include student work from:

Color Conditions assignment
Two-Dimensional Design Class, Los Angeles Valley College

Students used a landscape template to paint a variety of specific weather conditions i.e., Fall, 73 degrees, hazy, calm breeze, 75% humidity, 4:30 PM. Parameters included using color to create an illusion of depth and create a sense of either a cool or warm condition.

Occupied Spatial Unit assignment
Design I: Figure-Ground Studio, Cal Poly Pomona

Students created 3-demensional site specific interventions in the landscape. Emphasis centered on creative investigation of space and form in relationship to the human scale.

Site Analysis assignment
Restoration Strategies in the Santa Monica Mountains Studio, Cal Poly Pomona

Students picked topics to research and create diagrams depicting their findings. They information was used to develop a restoration framework plan.

Restoration Strategies assignment
Restoration Strategies in the Santa Monica Mountains Studio, Cal Poly Pomona

Guided by their framework plan, students picked a site and developed two restoration strategies.

Howdy Y’all,

I started the Instagram account @dollypartonandrainbows on 12/2/2020 as a pandemic project. It’s a fan account where I post inspirational images of Dolly Parton and rainbows. It’s fun and absurd. For the first year, I posted daily. Since then, I’ve devoted a lot time to the account and it continues to be a labor of love.

Creatively it is very important to me. Initially, I gave myself a time limit of approximately 20 minutes to work on the days post. When the time was up, even if I didn’t like it, I posted it. This served as a tool to remind me not to take it too seriously and avoid the trap of trying to make something that is “perfect”.

Sick with covid on my honeymoon, the same day Roe v. Wade was overturned, my account was suspended because of “impersonation”. Not cool! More than six months later, I was able to start over. Ultimately, it was a good lesson in non-attachment. If you haven’t already checked out @dollypartonandraindows I invite you to give it a look. I hope it makes you smile.

xoxo