Meet the newest member of our growing Landscape Architecture team, Andrew Tufts! Mr. Tufts has worked for the City of Portland for the last few years as a City Planner and has run his own landscape design firm out of the Brunswick area since 2009. He is a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in Landscape Architecture and has been pursuing a Masters Degree in Planning, Policy and Management at the University of Southern Maine. Please join us in welcoming Andrew to the Sebago team!
Where did you grow up and what other places have you lived in throughout your life?
I grew up in Topsham, ME, and have lived in Syracuse, NY, Amsterdam, NL, Harpswell, ME, and Portland, ME.
Favorite place(s) to go in Maine?
Deer Isle, Baxter State Park, Islesboro, and Merrymeeting Bay.
What three traits define you?
Adventurous, Creative, Curious.
What was your very first job, and what did you learn from it?
Loader, Skillins Greenhouse.
I started working at Skillins in early High School, and am very grateful for the experience. As a loader, I was at the bottom of the ladder, but I took the job very seriously. It was a great environment to learn and practice customer service, which allowed me to go on to start my own business in college. I also learned how to take pleasure in jobs that might be considered too laborious, specifically sweeping the greenhouse floors at the end of the day. To this day, I don’t think those floors have ever been cleaner.
What is your favorite part of the type of work that you do?
I love playing a role in literally shaping Maine’s future. I’ve worked in landscaping, conservation, planning and design, and I think this role allows me to synthesize and utilize those experiences to create design concepts that strike a balance between serving the needs of Maine people and the environment.
What was your journey like to get where you are?
Non-linear. I knew from a surprisingly early age that I wanted to study landscape architecture, but beyond my education, my life has unfolded based on a combination of planning, chance, curiosity, hard work and optimism.
What are your hobbies outside the office?
I love to travel. Outside of Maine, my favorite state is Alaska which I’ve been fortunate to have experienced a few times now. I also enjoy traveling abroad, to experience new foods, landscapes, people & languages, and whatever takes me out of my comfort zone.
I also love being active, whether it’s running, biking, skiing, swimming or playing tennis. Gardening is also a lifelong passion.
What inspired you to work for Sebago Technics?
A combination of pursuing my dream to become a licensed Landscape Architect, and especially the people.
Favorite thing to do in Maine?
Spend time outside with friends.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken tagine.
Top three life highlights?
- Living in Amsterdam.
- Experiencing the Fêtes des Vignerons.
- Meeting my partner.
If you were an animal what would you be?
A cat.
Where would you like to go on a dream vacation?
Peru or New Zealand.
Favorite Holiday and why?
Solstice. I love the idea of gathering on the shortest and longest days of the year as a chance to celebrate the earth.
What is the best concert you attended?
Guster (I’ve been to many).
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I started a heritage/cider apple orchard in Harpswell, ME.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family?
Going for walks and exploring Maine’s land trust preserves.
When you think about working at Sebago Technics, what makes you proudest or most excited?
I’m proud of taking the leap to make a career shift and am excited to learn from all the talented people at Sebago.
