We’re proud to announce the addition of Sydney Councill to the M2L Associates team, further strengthening our environmental design, urban planning and sustainability capabilities with this recent hire. Sydney comes to M2L as a graduate of Auburn University’s environmental design program, a multidisciplinary degree that emphasizes a strong foundation and variety in architecture, landscape architecture and planning, and urban design.
M2L Principal Lynn Mauer said, “Sydney’s versatile training and passion about sustainability are among numerous traits that set her apart and make her such a strong addition here at M2L. She’s a go-getter who hit the ground running on several important projects and is already bringing creative ideas and innovative thinking to her work.”
More about Sydney in her own words:
How did this subject area first pique your interest and then become a career choice?
I have always been interested in renewable energy and sustainability with design. The environmental design program at Auburn allowed me to explore different design disciplines such as urban design and landscape architecture. After traveling to Seattle for a design studio project last summer, I quickly discovered my interest in urban areas and how we can transform them with sustainable landscape designs.
M2L is a small firm with big footprint. What drew you to a small firm? What do you like about our company culture?
I really enjoy the small studio setting and getting to know my peers. I also like that small firms enable us to work on so many different aspects of projects rather than specializing in one area. At M2L I’ll be able to grow stronger as a designer and be exposed to more variety and different types of project work. To that end I’m most excited to work on large community park projects and anything relating to urban design. I believe these kinds of projects impact our community socially, sustainably and economically in beneficial ways. I’m particularly excited about conceptual design development and seeing the designs come to life..
What excites you about living and working in Houston? What’s on your bucket list for your new hometown?
I’m from Huntsville, Alabama and have never lived in a big city, or moved much for that matter. I love the city skyline and the many downtown areas to explore. Houston is so beautiful and has so many parks and green spaces to offer. I’m excited to visit as many as possible and really be immersed in the city landscape. I look forward to getting involved with more downtown events and experiencing the big city life!
I love sports and am excited to become a fan and attend more Rockets and Astros games. I also plan to attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, considering I have never been to it before! Being new to Houston, I’m excited to explore the social scene, the variety of outdoor events that Houston has to offer, and the nearby beaches. I also plan to get involved in an organization that benefits and researches homelessness; it is something I have always been passionate about, and I believe a big city will have a lot of avenues to offer.
Tell us something fun and unique about you.
Here are a few things: I am a triplet, and both of my siblings attended the University of Alabama, my rival school. I could eat Tex-Mex or seafood every day. I have an INFJ personality type [introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging; sometimes referred to as an advocate or idealist]. I’m so excited to live in the fourth (perhaps soon to be third) biggest U.S. city and do what I love every day!