Category: Works of Landscape Architecture

Company/academic title: Van Atta Associates Inc., Santa Barbara, Calif.

Education: B.A. in environmental studies in 1977 from the University of California?EUR??,,????'???Santa Barbara and her B.S. in landscape architecture in 1983 from California Polytechnic State University?EUR??,,????'???San Luis Obispo.

Susan Van Atta has created an impressive body of work commited to environmentally appropriate landscape design, habitat restoration and the use of native plants. Van Atta?EUR??,,????'???s award-winning designs pay careful attention to form and detail, but her work transcends mere aesthetic improvements. She strives to ?EUR??,,????'??make places better?EUR??,,????'?? by regenerating the land, engaging the public in site understanding and stewardship, and promoting health for both people and the environment.

Thoughts from a Peer: ?EUR??,,????'??Susan?EUR??,,????'???s rigorous background in environmental studies, her early work in environmental planning, her love of the California coastal landscape, her extensive knowledge of native plants, her dedication to cultural landscapes and her commitment to creative collaboration combines to yield a broad, informed and environmentally-balanced practice that has produced an impressive list of award-winning works. Susan Van Atta promotes the goals and ideals of our profession with everything she does.?EUR??,,????'?? ?EUR??,,????'??+ Charles Birnbaum, FASLA, FAAR