I think I always was a landscape architect. I didn't always know it, however! I grew up in California and Oregon. In Oregon I played in the forest and on the farms where I lived. Summers were idyllic, with forays to collect wild strawberries and blackberries...or into the woods to find secluded fern glens for hidden forts.
My first garden started to take shape when I was about 13. That was also the time I received my first book on landscaping. It was the Reader's Digest Guide to Practical Home Landscaping, but it had works included by the greats: Osmundson and Church, to name a couple. I was entranced by the book...and I still have it. It gives me great comfort to delve into its pages.
As for a career path....it wasn't straight to landscape architecture. Psychology was first...which gave me an extensive science background. Then the LA degree. Combined now with an extensive design background, these two parts of my education compliment each other; they both seek to find truly elegant solutions. I have a Ph.D. in Biopsychology from the University of Florida (1988 ) as well as a Bachelor of Science (Summa cum laude) in Landscape Architecture from West Virginia University (2000).
A combination of factors drew me to the field of Landscape Architecture: a love of good design, a concern for the environment, an interest in problem solving, and a love for plants, construction and art. Having completed both a degree in Landscape Architecture and a Ph.D. in Biopsychology has given me a unique ability to design landscaping that is optimal for my clients in form, beauty, and function.
My design approach is to create elegant useable spaces that are comfortable. A good design solution has many layers of great experiences for the user, who should discover something new and wonderful about each space as time goes by. The best design solution has those elements as well as being a unique, custom space that incorporates cutting-edge products or innovations.
I have worked both in the commercial and residential areas. These experiences and my skills give me the ability to design in any style and for any size project—from large estates, regional parks to small, intimate gardens.
I worked in an A/E firm, Alpha Associates, in Morgantown WV for two years before moving to California in 2002. In California I worked for Landsystems Landscapes in Redwood City as well as Bertotti Landscaping in Petaluma.
I address all aspects of the landscape design: from grading and drainage issues, to coordinating with engineers and architects, choosing site amenities such as lighting, and designing custom elements from furniture to barbecues. Additionally, my native plant expertise allows me to design ecologically friendly, drought-tolerant planting designs.
I am also active in the American Society of Landscape Architects, Northern California Chapter, where I served on the Executive Board as President and Secretary-Treasurer.
