Many students are graduating during this difficult economic down-turn. Below is a recent graduate of Michigan State University interested in interviewing with companies who need to maintain their fresh competitive edge.  Hiring a recent graduate is a great way to stay competitive: 

Sarah Ann Huddas: Student ASLA: Passionate for Design: Landscape Architecture

The best landscape designs are created with a passion for knowledge, creativity, beauty and function.  Sarah Ann Huddas is a 2009 Landscape Architecture graduate from Michigan State University, and a student member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Recently, Sarah represented Michigan State's Landscape Architecture Program in the television series ' Extreme Makeover '.  In addition, Sarah wrote the following article on 'Croatia's Modern & Historical Architecture'.  Her passion is Landscape Architecture and she is currently interviewing with firms that promote practical yet outstanding  design solutions for clients projects.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: Home Edition Television Program

Landscape Design and Installation by Sarah Huddas and fellow MSU Landscape Design Students

Sarah Huddas & Extreme Makeover Home Edition owner Arlene Nickless meet Sarah Huddas’ journey to the Landscape Architecture (LA) program at MSU wasn’t long or hard, in fact it’s proven to be a perfect fit for her interests in art, anthropology and the outdoors.

Sarah’s interest in making a difference has been piqued during her five years at MSU (LA is a five-year program). This fall she had the unique opportunity to be involved in Extreme Makeover Home Edition when the show came to rebuild a home in Holt, Michigan MSU students from the School of Planning, Design and Construction and the College of Engineering, helped on multiple projects at the site, including landscape design, construction management and interior decorating.

Sarah and two other Landscape Architecture students were part of a special team that was responsible for the entire landscaping of the home. MSU associate professor of landscape architecture Pat Crawford, who is also a landscape architect, served as the lead designer for the landscaping project.

Virtually unheard of on the show, producers and art directors from Extreme Makeover Home Edition, permitted Crawford and her students to come up with a design and have it approved by the Hollywood producers. They might never work under these conditions again, but the reality is now they know they can. You can check out my interview with Sarah during construction  https://www.msu.edu/~evansst/ehm.flv

The crew had 106 hours to install all of the hardscape, new ground fill and all the new plantings – it was hard work. But it paid off – a complete house and gorgeous outdoor environment that meant a lot to the family. Later in the fall, Sarah had the privilege of meeting the homeowner Arlene Nickless. Nickless was completely gracious and loved talking to Sarah about the house and landscape.

Though Nickless was unable to show us the house at the time because the show hadn’t aired, it was a great opportunity for both women to meet and thank each other for the work and opportunity.

Sarah Huddas