Fundamentally my career as a landscape architect began in the passenger seat of a truck, driving across the wide open grasslands of North Central Montana. Empty and flowing, the rolling landscape spoke to me and my curiosity would evolve into a life-long involvement in the profession of landscape architecture.
Initially, l began my career in Landscape Architecture studying horticulture, ecology and residential landscape design. Working as a grower and designer in the design build trade, I constructed residential gardens and small commercial landscape projects. This beginning work shaped my belief in the role of Landscape Architecture and the significance of an “ordinary” landscape. After working in a small landscape architecture practice focused on residential roof top gardens, remediation and site design, I pursued a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Colorado. This study defined my philosophy that the landscape is not merely an object of consumption, but grounds for thoughtful questioning, a place of renewal and fulfillment.
After completing my Master’s degree, I joined EDAW / AECOM, working as lead designer and project manager for 9 years on projects ranging from urban design, park design and planning, resort design and large scale site planning. Notable projects include international design work in India, the Middle East, China, and Chicago, where I helped lead the design for the 31st Street Park and Harbor, which once complete won two President’s Award of Excellence for design. The breadth of my career has spanned over 15 years and now includes the formation of META, a continuation of the core design team of the last 6 years. In my free time, I enjoy writing romance novels…..with a twist at the end.
