Voices of Women in Landscape Architecture, Part 14

Clockwise from left: Brittany Lowe / image: PBK Marketing; Caroline Donaldson, ASLA / image: SeamonWhiteside; image: Nick Meyers; Emily Bousaada, ASLA / image: courtesy of Emily Bousaada

ASLA's Women in Landscape Architecture Professional Practice Network (WILA PPN) is sharing the next set of profiles of women in the profession (see the previous installment right here). If you'd like to be featured, the PPN's call for submissions will remain open, with profiles being shared on an ongoing basis.

Submit a WILA profile!

These profiles will appear on the PPN's LinkedIn group, Facebook group, and here on The Field. This post includes Caroline Donaldson, ASLA, Emily Bousaada, ASLA, and Brittany Lowe.

Caroline Donaldson, ASLA

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

Growing up, my dad taught me about native plants and animals, which instilled a deep appreciation for nature. I have always loved design and art, but I didn’t know anything about landscape architecture until college. For undergrad, I earned a dual degree in English and Fine Art. In an art history class during my senior year, I read a section in a textbook about Olmsted and landscape architecture. It was my first exposure to the field and sounded like a perfect combination of my interests in nature, design, and communication. I ended up taking a leap and going straight into my MLA at Clemson University following undergrad.

Caroline Donaldson, ASLA / image: SeamonWhiteside

Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?

While I have been inspired by the design work of well-known female landscape architects, I have experienced a lack of in-person female role models in my professional career. During grad school, I worked for a small design firm and a local city government with all male bosses. Following school, I started my current job with SeamonWhiteside, a multidisciplinary design firm, at their Greenville, SC, location. I have had wonderful mentors and peers, but I was the only female landscape architect in my office for several years. Since then, the firm has seen great growth in gender diversity on our team and in our office. Part of my desire to continue to grow in leadership is to provide others with female mentorship, which was lacking early in my career. I want women entering the field to see women in positions of power and know that all doors are open to them.

What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?

Actively seek opportunities that align with your interests. As an artist, design is the passion that has directed my career path, so I have worked to create a role for myself that is heavy in concept design and planning. Developing expertise in specific areas of your profession will help you create a fulfilling career. Taking the initiative to further your education and expand your skills will make you an asset to the firm and can inspire you in ways you may not have thought possible.

Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?

The first project that comes to mind is my work with Pinestone, a mixed-use infill project on a greenway in Travelers Rest, SC. This was one of the first large projects where I took a leading role in design and management. It was a complex project that required years of collaboration with the development team and negotiation with the city. I learned a lot about advocating for good design and the value of working with good development partners.

Another project I am proud of is the Federal Courthouse in Greenville, SC. This was one of the first SITES-certified projects in the state and required me to learn on the job. I quickly gained hands-on experience designing projects that meet rigorous sustainability standards to earn this certification. The project required a high level of coordination between federal and local governments and design and construction teams to bring the project to fruition.

Caroline Donaldson, ASLA / image: Jeffrey Ferrell

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for yourself. As women, we can carry cultural baggage into our careers about how we ‘should’ behave and speak. As a naturally quiet and people-pleasing person, I missed opportunities early in my career out of fear of how I was perceived. As I’ve matured, I realized the value of being confident in your competence.

Emily Bousaada, ASLA

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

I pursued a career in landscape architecture because I’ve always felt a deep appreciation for the environment and the powerful role it plays in shaping healthy, resilient communities. Landscape architecture allows me to creatively blend my technical knowledge with a passion for sustainability, designing spaces that not only enhance their surroundings but also serve a greater purpose. I love the challenge of crafting outdoor environments that are functional, beautiful, and resilient, providing lasting value to the communities they serve. It’s incredibly rewarding to work in a field where I can contribute meaningfully to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had many female role models in my career because I just haven’t had the opportunity to work with many women in my past roles. Now, in my current workplace, there’s a much better balance, and I really enjoy working with all my teammates. It’s refreshing to have a mix of perspectives, and I feel like I’m learning a lot from everyone around me. Having more women on the team has definitely made a difference in my experience, even though I’ve valued the insights from all of my colleagues.

What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?

Be technical and make sure your voice is heard. Landscape architecture is a field where technical knowledge is essential, so continually build those skills—they’ll give you confidence and credibility. Also, remember that you’re responsible for the quality of experience you receive. If you aren’t feeling challenged or supported in your role, don’t be afraid to seek another place where you can grow and thrive. Advocate for yourself, pursue opportunities that excite you, and don’t settle for anything less than a workplace that values and invests in your development.

Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?

I'm incredibly proud to be working on Moakley Park, which is a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime project. Moakley Park is a large, resilient public space designed to serve the community for generations, focusing on sustainability, flood protection, and creating a welcoming, multifunctional environment. Even though I wasn’t heavily involved in the initial design work, I feel grateful to be part of such an inspiring team and am impressed with the work that’s been done so far. Seeing how everyone’s efforts come together to shape a project of this scale is rewarding, and I’m excited to contribute to a park that will have such a lasting impact.

What advice would you give your younger self?

The advice I’d give to my younger self would be: trust your instincts—they’re often right and will lead you to incredible places. There will be moments of uncertainty, but following your intuition will open up opportunities you couldn’t have imagined. Stay confident in your path, even when it feels unfamiliar, because it’s leading you exactly where you need to go.

Brittany Lowe

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

I decided to pursue a career in landscape architecture while studying abroad in Italy. The heart of so many cities there revolve around piazzas. They were always filled with people enjoying so many different activities. That was when I realized I wanted to pursue landscape architecture and design spaces for people to enjoy their everyday lives, whether it be on their walk to work, their lunch break, or an evening stroll.

Who are the female role models who have influenced your career?

My mother has always been a large inspiration in my life. She has worked hard all her life to provide for our family. I look at all her hard work and want to make her proud.

What advice do you have for other women pursuing a career in landscape architecture?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to speak up; let your voice be heard.

Can you share with us a project you are particularly proud of and why?

The Mammen Family Public Library Trail Masterplan. This project is located in the Texas Hill Country and has become a community center for the town, and as such they are constantly working to fill the needs of their community. This project expands their outdoor activities to include a series of nature trails with breathtaking vistas that lead you through a series of gathering spaces. The gathering spaces consist of a council circle highlighting a preserved escarpment cherry tree, a natural play area for kids of all ages, and an amphitheater for gathering and teaching moments.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t let fear rule your life.

Submit a WILA profile!

2024 WILA Profiles:

Voices of Women in Landscape Architecture, Part 1