What first inspired you to pursue landscape design, and how has your background shaped the way you approach your work today?
I was encouraged to pursue landscape architecture by my dad, who’s an engineer—and it turned out to be the perfect fit. I love the blend of science and art the field offers. Some days call for analytical thinking and spreadsheets, while others are filled with creative exploration. That balance keeps the work both engaging and inspiring.
How would you describe your design philosophy, especially when working in community-centered environments?
I believe design should be genuinely useful to the communities it serves—adaptable to both their evolving needs and the realities of climate change. In community-centered projects, listening is the first step. The community bring perspectives a designer alone wouldn’t have. Their insights strengthen the final design, and when community feedback is truly reflected, it fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the space.
What do you find most meaningful about collaborating with COGdesign and its neighborhood partners?
For our Weston & Sampson team—Lanie Cohen and myself, Farah Dakkak—the most meaningful part was seeing how COGdesign helped channel the community’s passion into real, shared improvements. Working with COGdesign and the Trustees was incredibly energizing, thanks to their organized, thoughtful, and truly collaborative approach.
How do you begin developing concept ideas for a new site, and what guides your creative process?
Dartmouth Green was a particularly challenging site, with limited sunlight, steep slopes, and surrounding tall residential buildings. Our process begins with site analysis including sunlight, exposure, existing uses, and site features. From there, we explore concepts that balance functionality with playfulness, using community feedback at each step to guide the design. This ensures the final outcome responds to the unique characteristics of the site.
What excites you most about contributing your skills to community-driven projects through COGdesign?
The most exciting part is knowing that our work can help bring a community’s vision to life.