Susan Van Atta, FASLA
Long before sustainability became a focus in the design professions, Susan Van Atta’s work reflected a commitment to environmentally appropriate landscape design. Susan approaches design with a deep understanding of environmental processes gained from a degree in environmental studies from University of California Santa Barbara and an early career in California coastal planning and environmental impact assessment. Her experience includes over twenty-five years as a practicing landscape architect since obtaining a degree in landscape architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Van Atta’s award-winning designs pay careful attention to form and detail, but her work transcends mere aesthetic improvements. Instead, Susan strives to “make places better” by regenerating the land, engaging the public in site understanding and site stewardship, and promoting health for both people and the environment.
In 2009 Susan Van Atta was elected to the ASLA 2009 Council of Fellows for the impressive body of work she has created with a two-decade-long commitment to landscape design, habitat restoration, and the use of native plants. She is often called upon to give lectures on topics of design and sustainability at seminars, colleges, and other community forums.