February 24, 2015 -
Green Buildings
Name: MacKenzie Sharp
Title: Landscape Production Manager
Company: PFI (Plant Fantasies Inc.)
Location: Chelsea / NYC
Birthplace: Princeton, NJ
Education: Master of Landscape Architecture (University of Pennsylvania), BA (St. Lawrence University)
First job outside of real estate (landscape design/build): I spent a few years working as a ranch hand and training horses in New Mexico and Colorado. I needed to get that out of my system.
First job in real estate or allied field (landscape design/build): My first significant job in the landscape industry was with The Lannert Group, in Geneva, IL.
What do you do now and what are you planning for the future? I'm in my sixth year at PFI where I am responsible for oversight on the installation of our major installation projects, whether in-house, or contract work.
One of my favorite aspects of my position is working with PFI's design team tackling unique solutions to any number of design challenges.
How do you unwind from a busy day in landscape design/build? Riding my fixed gear bike to job sites and meetings helps me unwind during the workday, and in my free time, I'm often tinkering with a bike. I also enjoy kayaking, working out at the gym, and time spent with my rescue dog, and 16 year-old son.
Favorite book or author: That's a tough one, too many books I love, but I go back to "Bird By Bird," by Anne Lamott over and over again.
Favorite movie: "The Big Lebowski," Coen Brothers
Last song you purchased/downloaded? "Cavalry" by Mandolin Orange
One word to describe your work environment:
Rules to live by in business: Be adaptable, be authentic. Be responsive, not reactive. Pay attention to people.
If you could invite one person to dinner (living or dead) who would it be and where would you go? My late father, because there are a lot of things I should have talked to him about before he died.
What is your dream job? I always wanted to be a large animal veterinarian, but barring a late in life career change, I can't imagine anything that would suit me better than the job I have right now.