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 encompasses the adaptive re-use of historic sites, trail design, and an extensive knowledge of native plants. As Io LandArch’s principal-in-charge, Shalae’s leadership has empowered communities across Utah to reinvigorate and safeguard places and spaces which resonate with a vibrant sense of communal identity.
Why did you study landscape architecture?
I studied Landscape Architecture at Utah State University. From a very young age I enjoyed art, math, and science. When I was in Junior High school I attended a career conference for young women, and had the opportunity to meet a Landscape Architect. Hearing her describe her job and how it integrated these diverse areas of expertise really appealed to me!
How did you end up at Io LandArch? What about Io LandArch resonates particularly with you?
I co-founded Io LandArch with my former mentor and business partner Susan Crook. Susan and I shared an interest in documenting and preserving historic and cultural landscapes, as well as native and ecological landscapes. This area of focus has strong connections to the importance of stories and meaning in urban design and community revitalization.
Shalae co-founded Io LandArch with her former mentor and business partner Susan Crook.
Tell me about the projects you’re most proud of and why. What was your role?
Our role in the ongoing revitalization of Ogden is something that I am particularly proud of. It has been so rewarding to see projects that we envisioned over a decade ago now coming to fruition through multiple phases of work. Projects like the Ogden Business Exchange (Former Ogden Union Stockyard) and the Nine Rails Creative District have been truly transformative, integrating history, culture, and nature to create truly supernatural place experiences!
Shalae shares an article on the Dumke Arts Plaza at a reception event.
Across your professional work, what do you enjoy the most?
I’m a big-picture thinker, and eternal optimist who sees opportunities inside almost every challenge. I’m a big-picture thinker, and eternal optimist who sees opportunities inside almost every challenge. Not only is this perspective a good fit for starting your own business, but I also enjoy collaborating with clients and working with challenging sites/places to help envision and manifest creative solutions that are truly unique and place-specific. I’ve always enjoyed writing and drawing/sketching as my primary tools to help communicate new ideas!
Shalae stands in front of a larger-than-life version of her Farmers Market Ogden sketch at the Ogden Downtown Alliance Headquarters.
For you, what is the most rewarding part of being a landscape architect?
Being a steward of place, the land, the community, the culture – to create places that are not only vibrant, but also authentic.
Where do you find inspiration?
Ever since I was a child I’ve been drawn to the mountains. But I also love to spend time in unique downtowns, especially visiting small town main-streets that blend vernacular architecture and local culture with their unique outdoor/natural setting.
Shalae can still be found gleaning inspiration and joy from the mountains, alongside her husband and two kids.
If you could give one piece of advice to women considering pursuing a career in landscape architecture, what would it be?
Finding mentors, including peers, employers, or working professionals is the most important thing you can do throughout your career. So don’t be afraid to reach out, establish connections, and follow-up with people!
Shalae and Lindsay (Landscape Designer and Historic Landscapes Specialists) pause for a photo during a community planting event at Ogden’s Corner Plaza.
What is a creative project (inside or outside of work) that you are currently excited about?
I’m excited about all of our projects! But our design work for Lester Park (park in progress) has been particularly personal. The park is right next to my house, and I’ve been visiting this park for over 20-years, so I’ve really had a lot of time to observe and understand the space really reflect on it’s potential transformation. It’s been fun working with the community to understand how everyone else views this park and it’s potential, and helping to coalesce all of this into a vision for the park that weaves together the history of the park with it’s natural, social, and physical context, to create a plan that both unique and authentic.
