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 K-12 landscape design, project management, residential estate design, visual impact analysis, community master planning, and environmental compliance assessment. With a B.A. in botany, a Business Foundations Certificate, and a master’s in landscape architecture, her skills encompass all phases of design and construction. Her current passion is managing teams to create landscapes that inspire people to live their best lives.
Why did you study landscape architecture? If you were drawn to the field at a young age, what drew you to landscape architecture? If you transitioned away from another career into the field, what prompted the change
During high school, I took a summer job at a plant nursery to be outdoors more and fell in love with plants. While in college I kept working in nurseries and eventually met a landscape architect who introduced me to the profession. I was the perfect blend of art, science, math, culture, history! Even though my university didn’t have a Landscape Architecture degree, I studied botany to attain a well-rounded education and earned my Masters in Landscape elsewhere.
From a young age, Lauren has had an affinity for plants and gardens. She is pictured here, at right, helping in her Great-grandparent’s garden in Lancaster, PA.
How did you end up at Io LandArch? What about Io LandArch resonates particularly with you?
I found Io LandArch’s job advertisement online and applied immediately. I am based in Texas, part of a military family, and was looking for a virtual job in landscape architecture (not easy to find!). Io’s job posting was exactly what I would have written for myself. It focused on personality traits, problem solving, and leadership styles as the most important factors. Those factors, combined with the beautiful historically and culturally sensitive design, convinced me this was a company worth working at.
Tell me about the projects you’re most proud of and why. What was your role?
Honestly, all of them! I have been here for less than a year and have touched almost every project during that time. As Studio Director, I am most proud when teams learn to utilize each other’s talents to create beautiful landscapes clients and visitors love.
As Io LandArch’s Studio Director, Lauren supports and guides our team across a wide range of projects.
Across your professional work, what do you enjoy the most?
I truly enjoy seeing ideas become a reality. There are so many details to consider, personalities to manage, unforeseen opportunities, and so much background work that goes into every design.
For you, what is the most rewarding part of being a landscape architect?
I really enjoy being able to share a view of landscapes with others, from a point of view they may not have considered. People take their surroundings for granted and forget they have the power to shape their environment in significant ways. It is always rewarding to see friends, family, and clients start to view their surroundings with critical and creative eyes.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere! I’ve moved 16 times in my life and spent 14 years overseas. Every place provides inspiration, often in the little details. Even music, movies, or art can lead to a design I wasn’t expecting. Most importantly though, I don’t shy away from exploring new ideas. I love shifting my paradigm and shattering preconceived notions.
In her spare time, Lauren paints beautifully detailed watercolors, like this painting of a strawberry from 2021.
If you could give one piece of advice to women considering pursuing a career in landscape architecture, what would it be?
Know that you don’t have to be the world’s best designer to be a successful landscape architect! The most successful landscape architects are masters at bringing together great teams of specialists to solve problems creatively. It took me a while to learn that some LAs are more technical, some love design, others possess encyclopedic plant knowledge, and yet others hardly know plants at all. The profession allows you to succeed, no matter where your passion lies. The secret is keeping great teams motivated to provide great customer experiences while bringing inspirational landscapes to life.
Lauren, center, is pictured here constructing an Exhibition Garden at RHS Chelsea in 2010.
What is a creative project (inside or outside of work) that you are currently excited about?
I am always learning something new and my latest hobby is reupholstering a Victorian parlor chair. From stripping wood, to selecting fabric, to installing seat springs, to learning the tricks of the trade, it is a complex process that I am loving.
At this private residence garden in Suffolk, England, Lauren helped craft a wildflower meadow (seen in the background) formed from reshaping the landscape to accentuate the curves of the river.
