ASLA’s Women in Landscape Architecture Professional Practice Network (WILA PPN) is sharing the next set of profiles of women in the profession (see last week’s right here). If you’d like to be featured, the PPN’s call for submissions will remain open, with profiles being shared on an ongoing basis.
Submit a WILA profile!
These profiles will appear on the PPN’s LinkedIn group, Facebook group, and here on The Field. This post includes Rituparna Simlai, ASLA, Laurie Hall, ASLA, Kristen Sweatland, and Donna Rodman.
Rituparna Simlai, ASLA
What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?
As a child, I had an innate proclivity of being closer to the natural world. The organic rhythms of nature, the dappled sunshine filtering through trees, the waves in the ocean—I could spend hours capturing these moments. In nature, I felt a stirring energy within me that resonated in a unique way unmatched by any other setting.
While practicing as a licensed architect in Delhi, I constantly felt the desire to integrate ecological principles into design practices. I recognized the principles of landscape architecture, in particular, offered me an opportunity to choreograph spatial flows, enrich people’s experiences, and foster human connection with nature, creating harmony.
This led me to pursue a Masters in Landscape Architecture, and eventually start my own practice, Studio Arth. ‘Arth’, a Sanskrit term, embodies the essence of our studio’s ethos. It signifies design with purpose, guiding our mission to transcend conventional landscape design paradigms of form and function. Our approach extends beyond mere planting plans, aiming to craft experiences rooted in intentionality. Designing with purpose encompasses more than functionality; it delves into the intangible concept of “genius loci,” or the inspiring force, connecting with the inherent spirit of a place. At Arth, we create designs that aim at embracing this unique, timeless energy inherent in each space. We create landscapes that foster a profound connection with nature and humanity’s integral role within its ecosystem.
Finding fulfillment in being immersed in nature while contributing to the preservation and enhancement of natural ecosystems drives my work.
Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?
In shaping my professional journey, Andrea Cochran, FASLA, has played a pivotal role. Her design approach is characterized by simplicity, fostering a deep sense of alignment between nature and architecture. Highly rooted in the context of the site, her approach to planting and curating design palettes resonates deeply with me.
Collaborating with Jaya Kader, an architect based in Miami, has been instrumental in my professional journey. Beyond her architectural prowess, I admire Jaya’s commitment to ethical practices and her exploration of regenerative architecture by exploring the idea of the built realm as a part of nature, which has served as a guiding light in my career path.
What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?
I believe we need more individuals in the profession who possess both passion and compassion. Landscape architecture offers a fulfilling career path for those who enjoy visualizing ideas and seeing them through to fruition. It involves a perfect blend of design, space-making, graphic communication, understanding client needs, and above all balancing the ecological needs of the site. Landscape architects are equipped to act as proactive agents of transformation that use design as a tool for space-making, creating awareness about our environment, and connecting people with nature. Knowing one is an integral part of nature, enables one to make informed choices for making the world a better place. I believe that when you intuitively engage with nature, it effortlessly guides you to more humane and compassionate solutions. As a landscape architect, imbue spaces with purpose and intention, and allow people to seamlessly align themselves with nature in the space you choreographed for them.
Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?
Of all the projects we have done, I’m particularly proud of the Plaza on Brickell, a condominium planting restoration project we worked on. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, this residential complex, located along the bayfront in Miami, faced significant devastation, with its landscaped streets, pool deck, and garden areas left in ruins. The initial intention of the board members and the contractors was to replant the pool deck with smaller versions of the same trees, a project estimated to cost $200,000. Disregarding the unsuitability of this tree species to the hurricane-prone area, they were set to repeat the same mistakes of the past.
As a resident, I volunteered to work with the management, contractors, and board members to save and restore heavily damaged trees and design a planting palette that included native and wind-tolerant trees. The final landscape plan was designed to have more green spaces, by pulling out concrete from the sidewalk and making the tree wells larger, creating meandering paths nestled among palm trunks for people to walk, curating gathering spaces from every available piece of land in the dense context of downtown Brickell, and expand planting areas to allow for stormwater infiltration and reduce runoff. The design created pocket parks in the dense downtown environment. The complex was revitalized, contributing lush greenery to the local streetscape, and creating an oasis in downtown Brickell, Miami.
Nature has its rhythms and every disaster presents an opportunity for new beginnings that are more grounded—it is a wake-up call urging us to honor the sacredness and supremacy of nature. The realization is profound, allowing us to embrace the purpose of design beyond aesthetics and functionality. Understanding the ecological processes and designing resilient landscapes that not only survive future challenges but also facilitate steady recovery after disasters is key. This project became the stepping stone for the inception of Studio Arth, which is built on the foundation of design with purpose.
What advice would you give your younger self?
One piece of advice I would certainly give to my younger self is to trust your intuition more often. Over time I realized it’s more powerful than the logical brain because logic is based on the available information. If information is limited, your logic can be limited, too! Being informed is essential, as is trusting your intuition! Intuition allows you to connect to a space beyond the limits of what your senses perceive. Trusting your intuition leads to alignment between one’s internal and external world, where creative thinking is enhanced.
Laurie Hall, ASLA
What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?
I was drawn to landscape architecture as it blurred the lines between art and science. As with so many, my view of landscape architecture was limited when I began the program at the University of Florida, but through my time in school and involvement in ASLA, I quickly learned what a broad and exciting field landscape architecture is. There are so many opportunities to pursue specific interests and passions in this field.
Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?
I am so fortunate to have met Emily O’Mahoney, FASLA, while still a student at the University of Florida. Emily has been a mentor and friend throughout my career, when I was starting my family, and as I’ve grown in my engagement in ASLA. She has been a big support and has challenged me when I needed challenging. It’s been a privilege to watch her growth in ASLA and cheer her on from the sidelines!
What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?
Find things you’re passionate about both in your career and outside of work. Surround yourself with people who know your goals and can support you, both at work and at home. Seek out female mentors. There are more and more women in leadership positions, but it is still very male dominated. If you don’t have female leaders in your company, reach out to others and seek those relationships outside of your office. It is so important to have women in your life that you can lean on during different stages of your life and career!
Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?
I am fortunate to be able to work on a lot of public work including higher education, parks, and community master planning. My favorite projects are the ones that support their communities and become important places for the people who live there.
Over the last 14 years, I’ve worked on a park project for the city I live in, from master planning to multiple phases of construction. Over the course of those 14 years, I’ve gotten married, had 3 children, and now, my kids play soccer at this park. It’s been so rewarding to watch the project grow from an idea and an aspiration into such an important community asset. Sitting on the sidelines on a Saturday morning, it’s very humbling to think about that journey and the impact on not only my community, but the personal impact to my family as well.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Never be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or take chances. I would also say to slow down, take time off, and celebrate your accomplishments, even if they seem small in the moment.
Kristen Sweatland
What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?
Like many landscape architects, I originally went to school to peruse architecture. I ultimately decided to follow the landscape architecture path for two reasons: I realized I was paying closer attention to the exterior spaces early on in school and the landscape architecture professors seemed to be more passionate about design, which inspired me.
Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?
My female collogues are the ones who have mentored me and influenced me to be better—their attention to detail and focus on the betterment of the profession for all of us.
What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?
Be patient and listen first before responding, a lesson I am still learning on a weekly basis. We need to be prepared and share our knowledge with everyone. If you do not know the answer don’t be afraid to give that response. However, always follow it up with research and a response in a timely manner.
Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?
I have been fortunate enough to have worked on several projects early on my career in the Central Florida area that fall under the resort and themed entertainment realm. A few include: the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure, Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club, and a few that are currently under design or construction that remain confidential.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To have fun, get outside in the field as often as possible, make the mistakes again so you are able to learn, and appreciate the simple tasks.
Donna Rodman
What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?
I chose to become a registered landscape architect back in 1984 after graduating from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Urban Geography. Then I had several choices: planning, architecture, or landscape architecture. I chose what I was most passionate about because of beauty and the health of this planet. I wished to be and have the capacities as a practicing design professional to make a difference on this planet and provide access to nature to as many people as possible and to increase awareness of the creation or place in this universe of this planet Earth. I believed then that nature influenced our health and wellness and thrivability.
The journey to become a registered landscape architect was extremely challenging and difficult due to the opportunities available to a mature graduate. There are few of us, yet too often the competition for our corner of the design industry is tough, both within the profession and outside of it. Ours is the first budget item that is removed when monies are tight on a project. Our profession has diversified to compete and this I have seen in my short lifetime as well. I am a specialist in universal design. I love to do planting designs that restore aquatic environments like streamsides, wetlands, and estuaries. I left nursing to include more green spaces in hospitals, group homes, and social housing projects. Yes, I researched Kaplan’s work and listened to my professors at the University of British Columbia—of note, Dr. Patrick Mooney and Ms. Moura Quayle.
It appeared to me that walls were always in front of me, doors and glass ceilings needed to be broken through to bring universal design in to the design professions in 1988. However perseverance, good friends, family, and colleagues, and the road to licensure kept me going. It wasn’t so much about money, as it was about creativity, blending science and art, helping others. And okay…art, as I paint the landscape with the colors of everything. We definitely have a professional culture and identity. It is a privilege to play and work with and enhance God’s creation.
As a registered nurse then (now retired), my goal was to get green spaces into hospitals. I believe in the power of nature to heal. I also believed that all people had the right to have access to nature. Both fundamentals flow together in my mind. I was encouraged by my family to pursue and reach as far as I could reach. I love our planet and our humanity. I did contribute to the space research community regarding therapeutics of working with plant materials to sustain astronaut health and well being. I led the Life Sciences & Systems Technical Committee for the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) between 2006 and 2007.
In summary, I have taken many paths but I chose landscape architecture and this is where I am today. Part of the Earth Team! As a researcher, planner, and a designer, there is no turning back.
Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?
Cornelia Oberlander, Moura Quayle, Jacqueline Lowe, Adrienne Brown, Margot Long, ASLA.
What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?
My best advice is to enter into a firm with a multidisciplined team of design professionals. I have not found it to be advantageous to be a lone warrior. It is best to go into a partnership and work from a foundation of ‘more minds make lighter work.’
Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?
The writing of my book Universal Design Guidelines for Outdoor Spaces: Plan and Design for Choice, published in 2009, was an accomplishment. It drew together all my 19 years of experience in universal design, plus my writing and graphic skills. It allowed me to provide a tool for evaluating landscape designs through a checklist that was not prescriptive but rather allowed for a practical review of accessibility for field work in gauging and meeting (or not meeting) accessibility standards—with selections of ‘completely accessible,’ or the design was ‘achievably meeting ADA standards,’ or ‘does not comply at all.’ It allowed for a quick, easy evaluation that could be taken back to an office for a design rework.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I think rather than an undergrad degree in Urban Geography (though I loved the subject/major), I should have tried for an Engineering (Civil) as my undergrad and then entered my master’s in landscape architecture. I wish I had started the career adjustment as a “younger” person, and I wish I had discovered landscape architecture sooner and had been hired by a medium size firm for about 10 to 15 years. I wish I had been hired straight out of graduate school and I know my path would have been far easier and far more fruitful.
Submit a WILA profile!
2024 WILA Profiles:
Voices of Women in Landscape Architecture, Part 1
- Carolina Jaimes, ASLA
- Connie Scothorn, ASLA
- Emily Greenwood, ASLA
Voices of Women in Landscapes Architecture, Part 2
- Kathryn Talty, ASLA
- Aida Curtis, FASLA
- CeCe Haydock, ASLA
Voices of Women in Landscapes Architecture, Part 3
- Qing Lana Luo, ASLA
- Caeli Tolar, ASLA
- Jan Satterthwaite, ASLA
- Kristina Snyder, ASLA
Voices of Women in Landscapes Architecture, Part 4
- Jennifer Cooper, ASLA
- Anne Chen, ASLA
- Meghan Mick, ASLA
Voices of Women in Landscape Architecture, Part 5
- Dana Hernalsteen, ASLA
- Lucila Silva-Santisteban, ASLA
- Martha Fajardo
2023 WILA Profiles:
Women in Landscape Architecture Profiles, Part 1
- Alexandra Mei, ASLA
- Angelica Rockquemore, ASLA
- Sandy Meulners, ASLA
- SuLin Kotowicz, FASLA
Women in Landscape Architecture Profiles, Part 2
- Shuangwen Yang, Associate ASLA
- Heidi Hohmann, ASLA
- Tristan Fields, ASLA
- Joni Hammons, ASLA
- Sahar Teymouri, ASLA
