It allowed me to understand and value the immense richness of Colombia

After graduation, what was your first role in Landscape Architecture?

My principal role since graduating has been to publicise and position landscape design in my country, Colombia.

I started giving lectures and designing, then founded my own firm - Ecotono Ltda - that ran for 20 years, until I had the opportunity to promote, design and direct the first Masters academic program in Landscape Design, in Colombia

What is an average day like for you in your current role?

Typically I split my time between delivering academic courses, acting as an adviser for architecture and engineering firms and conducting my own research.

My time in Sheffield was a great experience, both academically and personally. Sheffield was very welcoming to me.

Gloria Aponte García

Director of Masters in Landscape Design, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colombia.

How did your degree prepare you for your current role?

My degree and my experience in Sheffield prepared me to advocate for the importance of public, private and community landscape design in Colombian society.

Why did you decide to study Landscape Architecture at Sheffield?

I decided to study in Sheffield because of the 12 landscape programs that existed in England at the time, I thought it was the best one. I also had the opportunity to get a grant from the British Council.

What did you most enjoy about your time in Sheffield?

My time in Sheffield was a great experience, both academically and personally. Studying abroad was not that common 40 years ago.

Academically, it changed my focus from the architectural to the landscape space. Personally it allowed me to understand and value the immense richness of Colombia, which challenged my idea of it being a "poor country". Sheffield was very welcoming to me.  

How did your course prepare you for your current job?

My course gave me a solid basis that I have developed, through practice, to where I am today.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying in the Department of Landscape Architecture?

You won’t regret it!