About
I am Phương Thảo (yes, my first name contains two words), the author of this page. If have to introduce myself according to my work, then I am a designer and a scientist. However, I surely will add more items to this package, therefore, I would say I am just me! Similar to Leonardo da Vinci whose works expand numerous disciplines, this man would properly spend more time giving out a title to people than the introduction itself. Therefore, he was just da Vinci.
My Vision
My greatest passion is to live a life beyond the boundaries of any definition. I support the idea of freely exploring our abilities over a job title, race, or gender. By doing so, we can recognize that there is always more than one choice; when one door closes, many others open, and life becomes a fascinating journey. While the more one takes on, the more challenging the journey can be, I do not imply that it is easy. For this purpose, I use this website to share my stories and those of the people I meet who embrace this sense of freedom. I hope you will find the inspiration and encouragement needed to build up a unique life for a unique incredible you!
Additionally, with my current expertise in landscape design and environmental conservation, I strive to share my knowledge with others. As the saying goes, “What you give is what you keep”. Sharing this information not only helps me structure my thoughts but also allows me to recognize my limitations and identify areas for improvement. This practice keeps my mind engaged and analytical, just as much as the body needs to exercise, so does the mind. While it may be challenging, it is also exciting! I hope that you can find valuable insights for your projects and studies.
What You'll Find Here
- A Library includes my Posts about life reflections, journeys, lessons, along with two other practice packages in environmental conservation and landscape design.
. The Conservation package features essays on case studies, ecological policies, and more.
. Meanwhile, the Landscape package focuses on applied ecology in design and technical explanations of construction details, which practitioners can reference.
I recommend approaching these with an open and critical mind; our perspectives may differ, but constructive communication and interaction will strengthen our understanding. - A Gallery that showcases my photos, paintings and drawings. I love capturing the beauty of nature and life moments, which are my hobbies.
My Journey
I was born in the Central Highland of Vietnam and raised as a Catholic. Despite our religion, my family embraces Vietnamese traditions and culture. We celebrate Lunar New Year and other special events of the nation. I personally found the ethical core in values of my culture and religion aligned with each other.
BE. Horticulture & Landscaping
I started my professional study in 2013 right after graduating from high school. Growing up in the countryside, my heart was filled by a love for nature and my childhood memories tightened greatly with the highland. The green of the leaves, the smell of the pines in cold winds, and the sunlight that looked like pouring gold on the rocks. This passion led me to my career in Horticulture and Landscaping. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Engineering in 2018, from Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as University of Agriculture and Forestry).
Landscape Designer
During my time at Nong Lam University, I met the CEO and the Manager of LJ-Group. They were giving a lecture at my class and drew my attention to their design philosophy that respected natural characters of the land, embraced biodiversity, and promoted creative thinkings. I asked the CEO, "How can I work for your company?", he gave me his namecard and told me to reach out. Four years later, I reached out, and started working with the team since 2019 until I moved to the US.
MSc. Environmental Conservation
I moved to the US in 2023 for my higher studies at Nelson Institute, UW-Madison. This was the first time I lived in a foreign country and not just for traveling. Madison changed me in many dimensions. I earned my Master of Science degree in 2024.
