Don’t Wait to Plant the Trees: The Long-Term Joy of Starting Today
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Modern Proverb Even as a landscape architect, I have to admit — I missed the mark on this one. When my family moved into our historic home in 2017, we had a toddler in tow and another […]
Reflections on NYC’s Public Landscape: Sustainable and Essential
Exploring NYC’s public landscapes has deepened my appreciation for their critical role in urban living. These spaces, though beautifully designed, face constant pressure from intense foot traffic, clearly demonstrated by widespread fencing protecting planted areas and winter grass cover. This protective approach underscores the reality that beloved public spaces are indeed “loved to death,” highlighting […]
Central Park as a Timeless Urban Refuge
Central Park is a true testament to timeless design and enduring relevance. During the peak of the Industrial Revolution, city officials astutely recognized the critical need for green space amid the dense urban core of New York City. Constructed between 1858 and 1873, Central Park was intended to provide a natural refuge and spaces for […]
An Architectural Gem with Complex Spaces: Little Island
Welcome back to our six-part blog series exploring some of New York City’s most notable public spaces through the eyes of a Utah Landscape Architect. In our previous posts, we’ve journeyed through the bustling plazas and serene parks that make up the city’s urban fabric. Today, we explore Little Island, a unique addition to the […]
The Super-Natural Manifesto
At Io LandArch, we believe landscapes should do more than look good or function efficiently—they should feel alive. Super-natural landscapes go beyond sustainability. They are generous, connected, and expressive. They repair what’s been broken. They invite us in. They remind us who we are. Super-natural landscapes are rooted in ecology, but also in culture, creativity, […]
Reimagining Urban Infrastructure with The High Line
When I first learned about The High Line, I was absolutely enthralled. This iconic linear park exemplifies everything I dream of in landscape architecture: adaptive reuse, integrated recreation, vibrant culture through public art, biomimetic design principles, and thoughtful adaptation of native plants and ecological associations. Originally constructed in the 1930’s as an elevated freight railway, […]
Connecting and Disconnecting at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Join me, a Utah landscape architect, as I continue my journey through New York City, exploring its public spaces through the lens of culture, nature, and place. In this post, I’ll discuss Brooklyn Bridge Park. A prime example of urban redevelopment, the park attempts to merge bustling city life with tranquil natural settings. An Example […]
Domino Park as a Case Study for Transforming Industrial Landscapes
One of the things I love most about landscape architecture is the creative ways we can breathe new life into spaces that once served entirely different purposes. Domino Park, located along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, exemplifies this. A beautifully executed example of adaptive reuse, industrial heritage merges gracefully with contemporary urban life in […]
Utah Landscape Architect Visits New York City: A Multi-Part Blog Series on Culture, Nature, and Place
As a landscape architect, I am deeply invested in the intersection of culture, nature, and urban places. Particularly, I’m fascinated by how distinct regional identities emerge when communities interact with their unique environments over time. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit New York City as part of the integrated site studio class I’m teaching […]
Opening Doors & Creating Opportunities: 2025 ASLA UT Conference
Shalae Larsen, ASLA, PLA joined Daniella Hirschfeld and Nancy Monteith for a panel discussion entitled: “Opening Doors and Creating Opportunities” on April 11th at the ASLA Utah conference. Together, they facilitated a conversation around the experience of being a woman in landscape architecture. In turn, this uncovered some insights into how we might create more […]
Nurturing Nature Connections: Intermountain Sustainability Summit
Last month, Shalae moderated a discussion titled Nurturing Nature Connections at the 2025 Intermountain Sustainability Summit. The conversation provided a hopeful perspective on actionable steps to increase ecological engagement. Moderated by Shalae Larsen of Io LandArch, the panel included Kat Andra from Salt Lake City Public Lands, Troy Callantine of the GOAL Foundation, Andrea Nelson […]
Get to Know the Io LandArch Team: Sydney Olech
For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to the amazing women on the Io LandArch design team. Get to know Sydney, landscape designer for both our community design and residential studios. Sydney brings a unique blend of interpersonal finesse and design acumen to her role as a designer and project manager at Io LandArch. […]
Get to Know the Io LandArch Team: Shalae Larsen
For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to the amazing women on the Io LandArch design team. Get to know Shalae Larsen, co-founder of Io LandArch and landscape architecture principal. Shalae Larsen weaves culture and nature to create meaningful and sustainable places. With over two decades of experience as a landscape architect, her expertise […]
Get to Know the Io LandArch Team: Lindsay Lloyd
For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to the amazing women on the Io LandArch design team. Meet Lindsay Lloyd, historic landscape specialist and landscape designer. Lindsay believes that beautiful spaces inspire people to live fulfilling lives, and that historically sensitive design provides context, meaning, and a sense of connectedness to communities. Her lifelong […]
Get to Know the Io LandArch Team: Lauren Colunga
For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to the amazing women on the Io LandArch design team. Get to know Lauren, landscape architect and Studio Director. Lauren connects people with nature by designing landscapes that celebrate nature, encourage community, and promote resiliency. Having lived 14 years overseas as a military spouse, her experience includes […]
Get to Know the Io LandArch Team: Natalie Jones
For Women’s History Month, we are introducing you to the amazing women on the Io LandArch design team. Meet Natalie, residential studio lead and landscape designer. Natalie is passionate about designing human spaces that are both functional and beautiful. With a strong background in the field, she has worked on a variety of projects, from […]
Designing for Play
Over the years, we have had the privilege and joy of working with many municipalities, private institutions, and individuals on a variety of playscape projects. Each project has been unique, but certain themes in the design process have carried throughout. Designing for play requires a thoughtful design process which includes gathering feedback on desired play […]
The Wattis House: A Case Study in Prairie Style Landscape Preservation
The E.O. Wattis House landscape is a great example of preservation of an Arts & Crafts landscape. The project included envisioning a period appropriate landscape; incorporating historic research, landscape inventory and assessment; practicing historic preservation and rehabilitation; and re-creating a prairie school garden. Prominent local architect Eber Piers designed the Wattis House, constructed in 1914. […]