Originally from Montana, Shawn attended Washington State University where he played on the WSU Golf Team. He graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. He started his professional career in 1998 with Hills & Forrest and became a principal in 2010. Shawn has a competitive background in golf which gives him a unique perspective on creating courses that are both playable for the average golfer and challenging for the world's best players. He is a student of the game and specifically the courses and designers from the Golden Age of Architecture. His background, knowledge, and attention to detail allow him to excel at ensuring the accurate restoration of older golf courses and the creation of new courses with a classic character.