Susan Van Atta, FASLA
Guillermo González, ASLA, LEED® AP
Bill Wildenberg, RLA, ASLA
Anne Ballweg, LEED® AP
Scott Capps, ASLA
Dorothy Gary-Leveille
Susan Van Atta, FASLA
President
President
Long before sustainability became a focus in the landscape architectural profession, Susan Van Atta’s work reflected a commitment to environmentally appropriate landscape design, habitat restoration, and the use of native plants. Susan approaches design with a deep understanding of environmental processes gained from a degree in environmental studies, an early career in California coastal planning and environmental impact assessment, and over twenty-five years as a practicing landscape architect. 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.
Van Atta frequently lectures on topics of design and sustainability at colleges and community forums and her book about Southern California Native Plants was published by Gibbs Smith. In 2009, Susan was elected to the ASLA Council of Fellows for outstanding contribution in design to the profession of Landscape Architecture.
Guillermo González, LEED® AP
Senior Associate
Senior Associate
After graduating with a Masters in Fine Art from the University of Arizona, Guillermo returned to graduate school to obtain a Masters in Landscape Architecture. Following his completion of coursework in December 1999, Guillermo moved to Santa Barbara and joined Van Atta Associates. Guillermo’s work as an Artist explored the relationship between human-built space and the natural surroundings in search of a balance. This relationship continues to be a major focus in his work as a Landscape designer. His previous experiences with natural and artificial light, materials, color and space had proved to be a great asset. Some selected projects in which Guillermo has participated while working for Van Atta Associates include: USD Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, San Diego, California; USD Science Center, San Diego, California; Ojai’s Newest Park, Ojai, California; Pelican Park, Isla Vista, California; and UCSB Lagoon Park, Santa Barbara, California.