Research New England Books Etc. 56 finds it entertaining and informative to scan the want ads when he reads the paper. He got the job, and now, as the department's sole landscape architect, he oversees site planning and design for American embassies all over the world. In conversation, de Vergie quickly dispels the notion that he thinks mostly about plants. He must consider a multitude of factors for each location, ranging from site drainage to lighting for parking lots to pedestrian routing for the many different types of visitors who arrive at embassy buildings each business day.
Security is a paramount concern, naturally.
First and foremost, we have to protect the safety of our employees and visitors. Beyond that, an embassy complex is expected to be attractive, yet it must not appear ostentatious or extravagant. It presents an image of America in a foreign capital, and a widely held sentiment at State is that it should reflect the openness and optimism of the American people. Nonetheless, de Vergie finds that creative thinking can overcome many of these challenges. And success is possible despite the chronically low budgets passed by Congress.