We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Day and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how do you think about risk?
Risk is interesting. I wouldn’t be where I am without risk taking, but as I get older I think my risks become much more calculated. I am definitely a “clench your butt cheeks and lean in” kind of person. Lol. I’ll close my eyes and jump off the cliff. What I also consider risky is being a total and complete idealist. With each project I’m trying new things that I have never done before, or the contractor has never done before. I thrive off of breaking the mold and discovering new ways to work with old materials or discovering how to integrate a project’s systems into a functioning, human scaled art piece. I think it’s important though, when you are kind of risky, to really hone in on your truth and trust your gut. I really really pay attention to my gut. It definitely guides me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an artist practitioner. I’ve been practicing as a licensed Landscape Architect for 6 years, navigating the profession as an aspiring designer for the past 14 years. Defining landscape architecture as an artform and a practice has been a challenge, but I consider my work experiential art- conceptually driven, narrative based. The first half of my life, I spent training to be a professional ballerina. My background in dance translates directly to my work as a landscape architect and designer- most notably in designing a choregraphed experience of place- transcribing a feeling, a memory, a story as distinct experience. I believe that distinct experience directly translates to memory, which can instill identity and contribute to a stronger sense of self. It is certainly a challenge to infuse these ideals into every project. There are so many real life hurtles to maneuver- budget, physics, budget, building code, multiple stake holders, budget, did I mention budget? But, above all things, we strive to make beauty equitable. Most design firms get started in the private realm- a much easier market to break into. We are working toward building a practice where 75% of the projects in the office are within the public/ semi private realm. All people should have equal access to beautiful places to experience.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
gigi’s in candler park has excellent food and the best chill vibe in Atlanta. I haven’t been able to eat there yet, but i’ve sent colleague’s from LA to so so fed where they’ve reportedly had their best meal. palo santo has a great roof top bar overlooking atlanta’s industrial landscape- get a cocktail with worm salt- really weird but nice umami. My friend and fellow designer, Giana Shorthouse, hosted her birthday party here recently. She ended the night buying everyone an espresso martini and a soft serve ice cream cone. Best birthday cake I’ve ever had.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several people I’ve encountered along this journey of becoming that stand out to me. It’s pretty incredible when you think back on the winding road- who those pivotal people were that caused a pause and a shift, altering and informing the route you take. Sheila Wertimer, an incredibly talented landscape architect in Charleston, SC took a risk hiring me as an intern my senior year in college back in 2008. I had absolutely no background in Landscape Architecture as a Biology major minoring in French Studies, but regardless, Sheila found the space to mentor me. Thank you, Sheila, for opening my eyes to the beauty of the built environment and exposing me to the profession of Landscape Architecture. I am forever indebted to you for that initial experience as it has certainly provided shape to my life- a healthy obsession I would say.

Website: www.dayandday.company

Instagram: @dayandday.company

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-ives-day-887b0a2a/

Image Credits
Heidi Harris Emily Followill

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.