Studio West Landscape Architecture & Planning (SWLA) is a boutique, woman-owned Landscape Architecture and Planning firm based in San Diego, California
Studio West Landscape Architectue was founded with the philosophy of creating beautiful and functional landscape spaces that are inspired by the unique characteristics of the West and carefully integrated to unite landscape with nature and the history that surrounds us. Michelle Landis, the founding principal, has a long history of regionally appropriate design and habitat restoration projects in the western United States and uses this knowledge to expand the definition of what is perceived as landscape. In addition, our extensive background of developing projects for a multitude of agencies, municipalities, private development and the community gives us the upper-hand when it comes designing beautiful and sustainable site solutions.
Landscape
SWLA designs landscapes by conceiving of quality, livable outdoor environments to benefit our clients. These landscapes are designed to provide an attractive and comfortable setting that matures and evolves to compliment the project’s natural and architectural surroundings. By reflecting client’s goals and desires through design and integrating that design solution into a site’s unique context, our team ensures the best possible composition is conceived, developed and implemented.
Habitat
We support habitat planning and restoration through our extensive regional understanding of the diverse and complex ecosystems found in the west, including design to support natural hydrological processes. This allows us to generate solutions for natural systems that integrate into larger environmental connections and helps to restore and protect water, our region’s most precious natural resource.
People
We collaborate with people by working closely with clients, talented staff, consultants and the general public to provide a welcoming environment that inspires creative solutions yet is backed by the technical expertise to make such design solutions a reality. In addition, our extensive background of developing educational programs for agencies, corporate clients and the community give us the upper-hand when it comes designing sustainable site solutions. The Studio West team makes it a point to engage our local community through educational events and the occasional community involvement or advocacy projects.
Our Team
Michelle Landis – Principal Designer
Ms. Landis has enjoyed an exceptionally diverse career that collectively enhances her skill in the industry. In her role as a landscape architect, Ms. Landis has been involved in a wide range of projects including: environmental planning, airport planning, park design, habitat restoration, healthcare design, military projects, corporate design and specialty institutional projects. In addition, she has specialized expertise in regional ecosystem assessment, planning and design through her work with local wildland agencies, municipal clients, and private development clients.
Marian Marum – Senior Project Manager
Ms. Marum has practiced Landscape Architecture in San Diego since 1979 as the founder of Marum Partnership. Over the past 40 years, she has maintained a focus on sustainable, water-conserving and aesthetically pleasing landscapes for a diverse range of public and private clients.
Marian has served as Principal Landscape Architect and design leader on numerous military facilities, public infrastructure projects, civic spaces, as well as healthcare, corporate, and education projects. She excels in the management of complex projects that require careful attention to detail. She has gained a respected reputation for proficient service, design excellence, and proactive problem-solving. The Studio West Team is pleased to add Marian’s expertise to our in-house team of talented design staff.
Jamille Gabionza –Project Manager
Ms. Gabionza brings her creative design style and international experience to the team. She is a Registered Landscape Architect from the Philippines with a degree from the University of the Philippines. In 2011, Jamille received a design excellence award, which gave her the opportunity to train in China. In addition, she is a recipient of multiple student design awards from ASLA-San Diego. Ms. Gabionza has extensive 3D visual simulation skills, and combines 3D imagery with hand drawing to create accurate simulation modeling that also conveys the inherent artistry of a designed space.
Jessica Clark – Landscape Designer & Office Manager
Jessica is an experienced landscape designer and office manager who adds depth to the Studio West team. She has completed her Associate of Science in Landscape Architecture from Southwestern College and specializes in residential landscape design. When not in the office she balances her work life with the important work of raising three children and enjoying the natural beauty found in San Diego. In addition to her other tasks, she is also the proud owner of a bearded lizard.
Jeanine Sharkey – Landscape Designer & Program Facilitator
Ms. Sharkey is a program consultant and the public interface person for the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover program. Her strengths include spatial thinking, design, oral and written communication. Trained in design from the UK, she is scheduled to complete her Master’s in Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in Spring 2023.
Jeanine is an active member in her community, providing garden and design activities for all to learn and enjoy.