Jess Nelson
Jess Nelson
Jess Nelson
Jess graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 and began her career working for a landscape architecture firm in the San Francisco Bay Area where she gained experience in all aspects of landscape architecture including site design, construction detailing and documentation, program management and construction administration. In 2009 she moved b
Jess graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 and began her career working for a landscape architecture firm in the San Francisco Bay Area where she gained experience in all aspects of landscape architecture including site design, construction detailing and documentation, program management and construction administration. In 2009 she moved back to her hometown of Virginia Beach and established her own firm focusing on low impact and environmentally responsible design. Jess has a commitment to environmental stewardship and a passion for harmonizing natural processes with the desires and needs of clients. Throughout her 16+ years of professional practice, Jess discovered her true interest lies in the experiential quality of landscapes and the health benefits they provide. Her connection to nature started at an early age and this deep appreciation has inspired her to assist others in developing their own outdoor sanctuaries to ease stress, soothe the senses and provide balance in today’s fast-paced world.
Jason Thomas
Jess Nelson
Jess Nelson
Jason graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 and began his career working for a design–build firm in San Diego, California where he gained experience in all aspects of Landscape Architecture including residential projects, landscape installation, and construction detailing. From there, Jason then moved back to his hometown of Virginia Beach
Jason graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 and began his career working for a design–build firm in San Diego, California where he gained experience in all aspects of Landscape Architecture including residential projects, landscape installation, and construction detailing. From there, Jason then moved back to his hometown of Virginia Beach to continue his passion for integrating modern life with the surrounding natural world. Jason is very active in the community and recently served as president of the Virginia chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA). Jason has an affinity for the estuaries and shorelines of coastal Virginia and the fringe spaces that connect us to these landscapes.
Caitlin Sage
Jess Nelson
Caitlin Sage
Caitlin graduated from Clemson University in 2019 with her Bachelor's of Landscape Architecture and began working for a commercial architecture studio in Chesapeake, VA where she gained experience in project management and construction documentation. During her time at Clemson, she had the opportunity to study in both Barcelona, Spain and
Caitlin graduated from Clemson University in 2019 with her Bachelor's of Landscape Architecture and began working for a commercial architecture studio in Chesapeake, VA where she gained experience in project management and construction documentation. During her time at Clemson, she had the opportunity to study in both Barcelona, Spain and Charleston, South Carolina, where she gained insight into working in interdisciplinary settings. Caitlin is passionate about incorporating context, meaning and function into all of her projects.
Grace Joyner
Jess Nelson
Caitlin Sage
Grace is a University of Virginia graduate in Environmental Thought and Practice, with a focus in sustainability. After graduating Grace worked with an environmental architect specializing in green, bioregenerative architecture. She is passionate about finding sustainable solutions to landscaping materials and practices and the principles
Grace is a University of Virginia graduate in Environmental Thought and Practice, with a focus in sustainability. After graduating Grace worked with an environmental architect specializing in green, bioregenerative architecture. She is passionate about finding sustainable solutions to landscaping materials and practices and the principles of biophilic design. She believes deeply in the integration of natural elements into indoor environments to promote human wellness, productivity and ecological interconnectedness.
Meredith N. , VA
Meredith N. , VA
Meredith N. , VA
I cannot speak highly enough about Painted Fern. From concept development to installation and even help with upkeep, they continue to be a joy to work with. Using native plants, they created a garden that is beautiful year round. Their selections and placement ensured that when one plant species goes dormant another one takes its place creating a constant rotation of colors and textures. They listened to our ideas and desires, made thoughtful suggestions, and were enthusiastic about the entire project. Our yard is quite large but the intentional way the landscaping has been designed creates special sections of interest throughout and at all times.
Linda M., VA
Meredith N. , VA
Meredith N. , VA
Jess designed our front yard with native plants in mind. Our yard is the showcase for the neighborhood. The yard is full of wonderful flowers that love our growing conditions without any fuss. With the plantings came a variety of birds that pass through now and the native creatures such as lizards have returned to eat our bugs! For the first time we haven't had any major bug problem in our yard without any insecticide.
Charles H., VA
Meredith N. , VA
Charles H., VA
I have worked together with Painted Fern staff since 2016 on various professional projects for landscape architecture design as-well-as related conceptual design services such as land planning, zoning ordinances, and conceptual site design. With this success, I've turned to them for projects at my own residence. We really appreciate the personal attention, open-mindedness, and affordable experience, no matter the size.