Landscape Architects

As an owner of PKJ, I have over 18 years of experience in landscape architecture and horticulture. This has allowed me to make significant contributions to a wide range of public and private projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region. My work reflects a rare combination of creative design talent and technical horticultural knowledge, resulting in vibrant, socially inviting spaces that engages users and celebrate nature and the enviornment.

I have developed a proven ablility to deliver buildable, budget conscious designs that meet aesthetic and functional goals. My attentiveness to client expectations and awareness of local requirements have given me the foreknowledge to create projects that conform to cost restraints while delievering stunning and sustainable landscapes. My passion for beauty and sustainablity have united teams in one common goal, to create efficient, water-wise landscapes that reflect the vision of the owner and the stewardship of the land.

Outside of work, you will find me out in my garden, which brings much peace to me on busy days. I enjoy being outside in the yard with my husband and kids. I also love creating happy memories and adventures that my family can look back on. Whether that be fun activities we do, or going on roadtrips or vacations.

As an owner of PKJ, I bring more than 25 years of experience in landscape architecture, urban planning, and master planning from concept to completion. I have successfully led projects across both public and private sectors including urban, commercial, and large-scale mixed-use developments. I have worked extensively with cities and government agencies, private developers, engineers, and architects serving as a project manager, environmental planner, and landscape architects.

As a registered landscape architect, I have been progressive in my search for better use of our lands and resources. My concern for the environment and the need for more sustainable and symbiotic design has led me to produce concepts and integrate native grasses, shrubs, and trees for a more natural appearance addressing the limitations of current landscape trends.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors. I have grown up boating and have loved sharing this hobby with my wife and kids. I also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and working on projects to enhance my home and property.

I am an Associate and owner at PKJ Design Group, L.L.C., where I play a key role in shaping innovative, sustainable, and visually compelling landscapes. With a strong foundation in both design and plant science, I approach landscape architecture as an integration of ecology, aesthetics, and long-term environmental stewardship. I specialize in designing regenerative, climate-responsive environments that prioritize water conservation, native and adaptive plant communities, and long-term sustainability.

I hold a Master’s degree in Plant Science and spent over 15 years as a professor at a major university, specializing in horticulture and plant systems. My academic background provides a deep technical understanding of plant performance, soil systems, and ecological relationships that directly informs my design work today.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the natural landscapes that inspire my designs through canyoneering and hiking, often seeking out unique terrain and ecological systems. I also have a creative side in crafting mocktails, experimenting with flavors and presentation as another form of design and expression.

I am our Executive Director and Lead Horticulturist. At PKJ Design Group I lead and manage projects and teams. My strengths lie in my knowledge of plants, how they will work in the landscape, and communicating this information with clients and contractors. I have worked extensively with cities, institutions, developers, nurseries, and homeowners. I’m passionate about plants and how they not only beautify our world, but how they also fill the soul.

I am ISA Certified Arborist and have a degree in Residential Landscape Design and Construction from Utah State University. I also am a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL), and a Utah Certified Nursery Professional (UCNP).

When I am not at work, I spend time outside in my garden or with my children and grandchildren. My husband and I enjoy getting up into the mountains hiking or riding our side-by-side. I also squeeze in a little time for Family History or create fresh and tasty meals from the garden. If I go anywhere, there had better be a Botanical Garden on the itinerary.

As an Executive Director of PKJ Design, I provide strategic leadership and trusted guidance that supports the organization’s continued growth and success. With extensive experience in business operations, I serve as a key advisor to company leadership, helping evaluate opportunities, navigate challenges, and make informed business decisions.

In addition to overseeing strategic initiatives, I am deeply committed to fostering a positive and healthy workplace culture. Through mentorship, open communication, and employee-focused leadership, I work to create an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best.

One interesting fact about me is that every other year at Christmas time, my family and I go to Mexico.  While in Mexico we build homes for 7-8 families that are in need. We also take down clothes, candy, shoes, and toys and distribute them to local people.  We have been blessed to be able to do this for the last 6 years and hope to do it for many more years to come. 

At PKJ, I serve as the organizational backbone of the office, overseeing onboarding, training, and day-to-day operations that keep projects running smoothly. I also manage employee relations, maintains compliance with company policies, and foster a positive workplace culture—acting as a vital link between staff and leadership.

My responsibilities span proposal coordination, billing and invoicing, task management, administrative systems, and tech support, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. This role demands strong organizational skills, clear communication, attention to detail, and the flexibility to juggle competing priorities.

Outside of work, I enjoy being extroverted/introverted in equal measure. I am a musician and enjoy playing guitar, singing and attending live music events. I also love cooking, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.

I have created beautiful landscape designs throughout Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. My work at PKJ includes high-end residential projects, commercial and civic developments, interpretive and educational landscapes, and historic site restoration.

I have extensive experience creating designs for the Parade of Homes in Utah and Idaho, with my work being recognized with Best of Show and Best Landscaping awards. I excel at collaborating and communicating with multi-discipline teams to bring innovative outdoor projects to life.

My education includes a Bachelor’s degree in English literature from Oregon State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Residential Design and Construction with a Horticulture minor from Utah State University. I am QWEL and UCNP certified, a member of the ASLA, and am currently working towards earning my Landscape Architect license.

When I’m not working, I enjoy growing dahlias, fruits, and vegetables in my home garden. I love to travel, read, fish, and camp in the mountains with friends and family.

I am a Landscape Designer at PKJ , where I contribute to the planning and development of outdoor spaces that are both functional and enjoyable for the people who use them. I am passionate about designing environments that thoughtfully connect people with the outdoors. In my position, my focus is on commercial projects and I bring experience in water-wise plant design and municipal requirements.

Individually, my strengths include attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and building a collaborative approach to design. I graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. I enjoy working through complex site challenges and helping transform ideas into spaces that feel natural, welcoming, and purposeful.

Outside of work, I spend much of my time outdoors and enjoy hiking, biking, and birding. I appreciate being in natural settings and drawing inspiration from them, whether exploring new trails or simply spending time reading outside. These experiences often shape my perspective on design and support my interest in creating spaces that encourage others to get outside and experience nature.

I am the Horticulture Manager here at PKJ. I have worked for 10 years as a horticulturist after completing my bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from BYU-Idaho. In that time, I focused on water conservation and plant diversification in commercial and residential landscape settings. My experience with maintaining landscapes contributes to a better understanding of plants and their maintenance requirements. My work with educating community members has helped me see a greater need for well-thought-out designs that are biodiverse and sustainable. I love to work hard and get satisfaction from a job well done.

When not at work, I enjoy spending time outside. One of my favorite places to travel to was my grandparent’s property in western Oregon; I loved exploring the woods in their backyard and visiting the coast. I’ve hiked across the Grand Canyon, and enjoy tent camping. I also enjoy spending time with my family and doing things for them, including crocheting blankets for my nieces and nephews, cooking and eating together, and playing games. I also enjoy reading and learning new things.

I am a Environmental Professional at PKJ Design Group, where I combine technical expertise with a collaborative approach to sustainability. Driven by a passion for creating lasting, positive change, my strong problem-solving skills allow me to thoroughly assess project sites and address potential hurdles for both clients and municipal partners, ensuring smooth and successful outcomes.

Understanding that environmental work requires a unique blend of discipline and adaptability; I lean heavily on patience and clear communication. I merge the gap between complex technical concepts—such as wetland delineation and ecological sustainability—and the practical needs of clients and cities. I believe that recognizing small, steady successes is key to achieving major, long-term environmental goals.

Outside of my professional work, I stay active and connected to the outdoors. I enjoy boating, camping, and riding dirt bikes in the mountains. When I am at home you can find me playing soccer, spending quality time with friends and family, or unwinding with video games.

I am a Landscape Designer at PKJ Design Group, where I contribute to design development and construction documents across a variety of landscape projects. I bring over five years of CAD experience and am comfortable working efficiently while maintaining clear, accurate, and well-organized drawings. I enjoy both the technical and creative sides of design, especially developing ideas into buildable solutions.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and a wide range of creative activities, including baking, cross-stitching, bracelet looming, and drawing. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and kids, who often join me in crafts and drawing at home. I have coached my children in sports, primarily baseball and softball, and have experience teaching dance, particularly ballroom.

As a Landscape Designer with PKJ, I have contributed to the design process through creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and a strong artistic perspective. My role includes creating Photoshop color plans for landscape designs, assisting with redline corrections, and performing quality checks to help ensure each project is accurate, cohesive, and visually impactful. I enjoy bringing creativity and precision together to support thoughtful landscape solutions.

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through hiking and running outdoors and exploring my creativity through painting. These hobbies allow me to continue developing my artistic eye and appreciation for design, which I bring into my work at PKJ.