A native of Guilford, Connecticut, Loyd arrived at UVM initially drawn to agroecology, envisioning a future with the Peace Corps and hands-on agricultural work. But it didn’t take long for him to realize his interests extended beyond farming and into a more creative landscape.

“I quickly switched my major to Landscape Design,” Loyd said. “It’s the perfect culmination of all my interests: art, nature, architecture, while still allowing me to be in an environmentally forward industry.” Complementing his major, Loyd pursued a studio art minor, deepening his commitment to creative expression and design thinking.

That blend of artistry and sustainability has defined Loyd’s college experience—and earned him significant recognition along the way. He was named the 2025 Vermont Nursery and Landscape Association Horticulture Student of the Year, sharing the honor with Morgan Jablonski. Alongside his classmante Gavin Young he received the 2026 Burlington Garden Club of Vermont scholarship.  

His design work also stood out in collaborative settings: alongside teammate Fortino Acosta, Loyd earned top honors in the 2025 Vision Montpelier Competition, winning both Best Landscape Design and Design for a Sustainable Future for their innovative “three hearts” concept.

Loyd described the Vision Montpelier project as one of the most impactful experiences of his academic career. “Working alongside Fortino was incredible! He has an insane wealth of knowledge and seeing how he applies it in real time was super valuable,” he said. “That project also showed me how design can, and should, be shaped by community input. We adapted our work based on what we heard in meetings, which made the outcome much stronger.”

His collaborative spirit extended beyond design studios. In spring 2025, Loyd worked with Civil and Environmental Engineering capstone students, contributing visual elements to a project that ultimately took first place in a poster competition.

Hands-on learning also played a critical role in his growth. During a spring internship with Common Roots Farm, Loyd gained insight into nonprofit operations, marketing design, and even picked up some cooking skills. That experience was followed by a summer position at Ambler Design, where he worked directly in landscape construction. “I learned construction project management, heavy machine operation, hardscape installation, and planting design,” he said. “It really rounded out my understanding of how designs become reality.”

While academics and professional experiences shaped his career direction, some of Loyd’s most memorable moments came outside the classroom.

He joined the UVM Men’s Rugby Club in his sophomore year, initially as a way to stay active and connect with peers. It quickly became one of the defining aspects of his college life. By his senior year, the team went undefeated and won the national tournament, a milestone Loyd describes as unforgettable.

“I love everyone on our team. We’ll be friends for life,” he said. “Rugby is one of the easiest sports to bond over because of the physicality. You really build strong connections.”

Loyd credits several mentors with helping him grow both creatively and personally. Professor Fortino Acosta stood out not only as a collaborator, but also as a consistent source of inspiration. “He’s always challenging us to design functional beauty and think futuristically,” Loyd said. “He really cares about his students and has a unique ability to connect with us.”

Acosta expresses similar admiration for his student, “Harry has inspired his peers and Vermont's citizens through his intellectual curiosity, artistic skills, innovative ecological landscape design, and enduring resilience during his transition from teenager to the professional world. Harry shows us how to be fearless about being the best version of ourselves.”

Another influential faculty mentor Loyd cites was Kristy Hughes, who taught Loyd sculpture in spring 2024. “She showed me how important improvisation and change are in the design process,” he said. “That class reminded me why I love making art, and I created pieces I’m really proud of.”

Beyond academics and extracurriculars, UVM also played a role in shaping Loyd’s personal life, he met his girlfriend, Maeve, on campus. The pair plan to travel through Europe together after graduation, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

As he reflects on his time at UVM, Loyd encourages younger students to embrace uncertainty and take risks. “Don’t stay within your comfort zone,” he advised. “If you feel an impulse to try something, talk to your professor, go to a random club meeting, even declare a weird minor, do it! College is valuable because of the diversity of experiences you’ll be exposed to.”

Looking ahead, Loyd has ambitious goals. He hopes to eventually establish his own interdisciplinary firm that merges art and landscape design. In the immediate future, he plans to pursue a job at a design firm in New York City, with graduate school, and a Master of Landscape Architecture degree likely is on the horizon.

“I feel prepared for the next step,” he said. “The ALE professors here have been incredibly helpful in guiding us through this transition.”

From rugby fields to design studios, nonprofit farms to award-winning competitions, Harrison Loyd’s journey reflects a willingness to explore, adapt, and create. As he leaves UVM, he carries with him not just skills and accolades, but a clear vision for shaping spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful.