Falling In Love With Landscape Architecture…World Landscape Architecture Month 2025
Sandy Bliesener, PLA, LEED AP
OCBA President, Landscape Architect
We all know what architecture is and the result of working with an architect is typically a well-designed and aesthetically unique structure that is a step above a building for which design is not high on the list of priorities. Landscape architecture is not quite as straightforward – the signs of our work are more subtle and, in some cases, may not even be recognized as a designed space in the natural world. I fell in love with landscape architecture when I realized all of the outdoor spaces that are so enjoyable to be in and just feel right are the result of the work we do. My favorite landscapes are those that incorporate just a touch of organization and refinement in a completely natural setting; the kind that leave you wondering if they have been enhanced in some way or just inherently exist in such a perfect state. Having the opportunity to see the before, understand the project goals, then set out to create an outdoor setting that feels like it belongs in its location and is at its highest and best use is incredibly fulfilling.
Rachel Hughes-Nilsson, PLA
Landscape Architect
I originally started out as an Archaeology major in college. I wanted to study ancient sites because I was always intrigued by how different cultures had created their built environments. Some cultures clearly valued security above everything else while others clearly valued visual aesthetics with architecture, nature, and art. Unfortunately, I realized early on in my studies that I would have to spend many years obtaining multiple degrees in order to work in the field. So, I took a “what should I be” test at my counselor’s office and the top choice was Landscape Architecture. Thankfully my university already had a Landscape Architecture program. I enrolled into the program and discovered that instead of studying the built environments of ancient cultures, I could be the one designing built environments instead.
Since then, I have learned that I love working closely with communities to create places that people enjoy. I appreciate talking with people and finding out what makes them feel safe and included in their neighborhoods and communities. Sorting out the puzzle of everyone’s different opinions and developing a successful design from all of that information is a challenge that I enjoy. Landscape Architects are often the common link between multiple different design disciplines and help to connect buildings and communities.
Katie Chase, PLA, ASLA
Landscape Architect
In eighth grade, we had to do a report on a career that interested us. We took an online quiz that helped narrow our options based on our areas of interest. Among my results was Landscape Architecture. I had never heard of Landscape Architecture before, but it intrigued me, and I began to research it. The more I learned, the more interested I became. I had always loved my art classes and taking on various creative endeavors at home. I also loved to be outside and as a kid I spent time creating outdoor spaces around the playhouse in our yard. I also loved getting lost in nurseries and learning about each of the plants. I kept this career path in mind as I continued through high school, knowing that I needed to have a career that allowed me to be creative. I considered other paths in design-related fields, but knew that whatever path I chose would need to be one where I felt I was having a positive impact in a larger way. Growing up in a small town in Illinois, I didn’t know any Landscape Architects, so in a last-minute pivot as I entered college, I opted for what I felt was a more practical route and chose to study Art Education. I enjoyed my time in that field but felt all along that maybe I’d missed my calling. Ultimately, I decided to enroll in graduate school to finally study landscape architecture. For me, it has been the perfect blend of problem-solving, creativity, and impacting communities in a positive way.
Tammy Stefl, PLA
Landscape Architect
As a child on long road trips, my consistent source of entertainment was to design campgrounds with wildly creative (and very unrealistic) playgrounds… little did I know how telling this was!
Fast forward to high school…I was always a creative person with a love of art. My parents informed me that there was no way in h*#@ my plan of going to a small art school in Chicago was going to happen. Instead, I enrolled as a general art student at a large University thinking I’d give graphic design a try. Needless to say, that didn’t work out. I was forced to declare a major and landed on landscape architecture after flipping through a catalog of majors offered by the University (that was when we still had paper catalogs). It combined my need to be in a creative profession, a love of the outdoors, and introduced me to a world that I hadn’t given a second thought to—plants.
Working in both the private and public sectors throughout my career, plants have been my constant. Creating spaces and being able to invoke a feeling through material selections and “decorating” with plants has been a joy. As my daughter told me at a very young age, “landscaping is not just a job, it’s a passion”. Little did she know just how true that was.
Deborah Dawe, PLA, ASLA, CPSI
Landscape Architect
I grew up exploring the woods, building forts, and creating spillways and trenches through the yard on rainy days (that my friend’s mom did not appreciate!). My family grew vegetables and I watched my mom carefully select and nurture her favorite perennials in the garden. We traveled to numerous national, state, and provincial parks, where we explored lakes, mountains, or canyons and immersed ourselves in the wonders of geology, habitat, and varying climates. When I discovered landscape architecture, I was drawn to the blend of math, creative problem-solving, and art. It was a way to apply my skills creatively with real-world lasting impact. The field offers so many possibilities and specialties, from cultural and historic landscape to ecological restoration, and from firms like OCBA to working for the National Parks Service.
When I was deciding between landscape architecture and architecture at Ball State, one professor shared that “Time makes the landscape more beautiful.” It requires effort and work to develop its fine patina and encourage growth, but trees and blooms only improve with time. While our work goes far beyond ‘landscaping’, vegetation and responding to natural growth remain some of the most powerful tools we use in design. I love that landscape architecture gives me the opportunity and tools to shape spaces that not only benefit the people of today but also the people and places of the future.
Samantha Fee
Landscape Designer
Since elementary school, I have always enjoyed art class, eagerly signing up for after-school art clubs and embracing the creative process of bringing something new to life. In high school, I took a Studio Art class that opened my eyes to the fact that art is more than just a form of self-expression—it can also be a professional pathway. This realization led me to explore both Elementary Art Education and Architecture, fields where my creativity could inspire others. Ultimately, I chose architecture (without knowing landscape architecture was an option).
After spending a semester in Ball State’s first-year program, I discovered my passion for landscape architecture. My projects naturally began to integrate and mimic nature, reflecting my deep appreciation for the environment. I realized that landscape architecture is more than just designing with nature—it’s about harnessing it. It’s about creating micro-biomes that sustain life in ways that are accessible, meaningful, and healing. These spaces provide opportunities to disconnect from the chaos of daily life, surrender to the unpredictability of nature, and find solace in its rhythms.
This professional art form extends beyond aesthetics; it requires a profound understanding of both human aspirations and the non-negotiable needs of the natural world. It is a collaboration—a delicate balance between what people seek and what the earth demands. And all I can say is, what a privilege it is to work for our planet.
Molly Page
Landscape Designer
When I was in middle school, all I wanted to be was an architect. My favorite character in my favorite book series wanted nothing more than to be the greatest architect of all time. As I read about her journey, I found myself daydreaming about following in her footsteps. I wanted to be just like her, shaping the world with designs that would stand the test of time. So, as I grew older, I decided to pursue that dream and went to school for architecture. I was fascinated by the design process and opportunities for creativity that architecture offered. However, I quickly realized that it wasn't quite the right fit for me.
I have always had a passion for the outdoors. I have been camping, hiking, and exploring nature for as long as I can remember. Whether it was long weekends in the wilderness with my family or quiet moments spent appreciating the beauty of a forest trail, nature has always been a sanctuary for me. Landscape architecture opened my eyes to a world where my passion for design and my love for nature could coexist and complement one another. It’s a field that blends creativity with environmental stewardship, where the goal isn’t just to create aesthetically pleasing spaces but to also honor and enhance the natural world. I realized that by designing outdoor spaces I can help people connect with nature in a meaningful way. I can inspire others to appreciate the beauty around them and cultivate a sense of responsibility toward the environment. I want to craft spaces that spark a love and respect for the natural world, just as I’ve experienced throughout my life.