Voices of Women in Landscape Architecture, Part 13

Left to right: Jessica Jacobs, Affiliate ASLA, Salonee Chadha, Associate ASLA, and Katie Summers, ASLA

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.

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These profiles will appear on the PPN's LinkedIn group, Facebook group, and here on The Field. This post includes Jessica Jacobs, Affiliate ASLA, Salonee Chadha, Associate ASLA, and Katie Summers, ASLA.

Jessica Jacobs, Affiliate ASLA

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

I think it was more of a series of life chances and opportunities that I found landscape architecture and really developed a deep passion for creating places and spaces for people. During a downturn in the economy around 2010 as a young urban designer, I was able to pivot and utilize my understanding of scale and sense of place to help the landscape studio at my prior company. It wasn’t until I was immersed in this profession that I found so much joy in our craft and understood the impact of our creations.

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

My mother immigrated to Ohio in the 80s. After meeting my father, getting married, and having me, she continued to both work, maintain our household, and shuttle me to literally every extra-curricular activity known under the sun. She has ingrained in me a sense of dedication and grit; her and my father were able to set roots in another country and provide me with everything I could have ever asked for and more. Even to this day, I recognize that their contribution and sacrifice for me has allowed me to be successful as both a designer and a mother.

Jessica Jacobs, Affiliate ASLA / image: TBG Partners

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

Find someone in the field that you connect with and develop a mentor/mentee relationship with them.
Get internship experience—not all studios are the same—and find what really interests you.
Be a sponge. Read the book. Go to the lecture or panel. Ask all the questions even if you think they’re silly – don’t be afraid of what you don’t know.

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

The Groves, a community in Humble, Texas, is probably one of my favorite projects. I was able to craft visions of parks and amenities for the community from paper all the way through making sure things were perfectly rotated and aligned to my vision during installation. That community is a testament to my growth of knowledge and built my confidence as a landscape designer. Each park or amenity that got delivered has an attached memory and learning lesson that I find myself looking back at and referencing as I pursue new projects moving forward. But I think ultimately, what makes me the proudest of this project and community is when I ask my kids which playground they would like to visit, and they always pick Mini Groves.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Go for it, don’t be afraid.

Cherry blossoms at Washington Square Park, New York / image: Salonee Chadha

Salonee Chadha, Associate ASLA

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

Growing up in India is where it started for me. The Indian peninsula has six major landscape terrains within a span of 2,300 miles.

Picture crossing the Himalayas, the Thar desert, the fertile alluvial plains culminating in tidal forests, and the Indian Ocean all along the length of the Mississippi. Each terrain tells a story, shaped by the elements and the people who call it home. My childhood travels through these diverse landscapes imparted an understanding of humanity’s role in ecological stewardship.

I have carried this sensitivity with me throughout my ten years of learning and practicing landscape design, both in the East and in the West. My experiences in India were foundational to my understanding of design rooted in ecological balance, while my time in the U.S. introduced me to innovative techniques and diverse perspectives.

At Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, India / image: Salonee Chadha

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

Kate Orff, FASLA’s work embodies everything that draws me to the field of landscape design. Her book, Toward an Urban Ecology, is my go-to source for inspiration. For example, the Living Breakwaters project illustrates risk reduction through natural systems and stands out as a powerful example of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Another key inspiration for me is Rebecca Solnit, the award-winning author of several impactful books. She has introduced me to new forms of cartography, capturing the essence of ordinary lives through her words and illustrations. Solnit masterfully tells the story of a place and time across multiple scales. Though I’ve never been to New Orleans, her book, Unfathomable City: A New Orleans Atlas, makes the city feel close to my heart.

Both women beautifully narrate the stories of the people and ecological systems that shape the landscapes in which landscape architects work.

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

I encourage women to fully embrace their unique perspectives. Our profession is evolving daily to meet the demands of today's society, and your voice is essential—let it be heard with confidence. By building a strong network, you will connect with many eager collaborators and advance the agenda of care. You have made a commendable choice in your career; step into the leadership role you are destined for.

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

Last year, I had the privilege of being part of an interdisciplinary team restoring a 200-year-old historic mixed-use building.

As landscape architects, we advocated for reversing the historical degradation of the site caused by paved surfaces and compromised soils, emphasizing environmental stewardship. We removed existing pavement to introduce state-of-the-art infrastructure for managing and filtering stormwater through a rain garden on the property.

Additionally, we cleared invasive species from the riparian zone of the neighboring wetland and planted native species in the rain garden. Successfully completing this project reflects my deep belief in landscape design: creating vibrant, healthy environments where both people and the ecosystem can thrive together.

Historic residence landscape renovation by WDA Design Group, Westborough, Massachusetts / image: courtesy of Salonee Chadha

What advice would you give your younger self?

Failure is not fatal—it is a part of the journey. Each setback brings valuable lessons, shaping who you become. In those moments, you have a choice: let a momentary pause hold you back or recalibrate and persevere! Once I accepted failure, I found innovative solutions to novel problems, without being weighed down by fear or judgment.

If I could advise my younger self, I’d say: “Be patient and stay resilient. Success is never a straight path. Just keep going — you’ll be grateful later.”

Katie Summers, ASLA

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

The road to finding the field of landscape architecture was not a straight trajectory by any means. Growing up, I always enjoyed being outside in nature and art was one of my favorite subjects in school. However, when it came time to pick a career path, I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do. When I finally discovered the field of landscape architecture, I knew immediately that I had found a career that married the two things I enjoyed the most: nature and creativity. From then on, I never looked back. Being given the opportunity to positively influence people’s lives through the unique shaping of their experience with their natural surroundings is ultimately what inspired me to start this path and encourages me now daily to continue to make those connections, doing my part to make the world a better place.

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

My mom has been my ultimate role model. She sacrificed her own career to put all her attention into myself and my brothers growing up. She is the one that encouraged me to go outside, to question the way things work, and to be kind and want the best for others. The way I collaborate with others on a day-to-day basis, problem solve a challenging design problem and push myself to do my best to create design solutions that will benefit others are because of those early life lessons she instilled in me. She has always been my biggest cheerleader, and I will forever be grateful.

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

Don’t give up. If you have a passion for bringing nature and people together, you will be fulfilled in ways you did not expect. I swell with pride when I see people make memories in spaces I have helped create and plant communities thrive. Looking back on the positive impact on your corner of the world is extremely rewarding.

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

Easily the proudest moment in my career has been a neighborhood park in Manvel, Texas called The Backyard. The site is nestled under a preserved cluster of beautiful 100+ year old live oak trees. The design intent for the park was to create a playful place for kids to interact with their local nature, those heritage trees. Through the design, those in the community are encouraged to play under the trees with integrated play equipment under the tree canopy, weave in and out among the trees through interconnected pathways and get up high in the trees by way of a series of custom treehouse platforms connected to a play tower. After it was completed, I stopped by one weekend to check in on it and as I walked through the park, I heard a little girl on the opposite side scream at the top of her lungs “I love this place!” In that moment, I felt I had absolutely peaked. Seeing what I designed influence someone’s core life memories with such happiness live in that moment instantly blew me away. To me, that is what it is all about.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Whether great or small, what you are doing matters.

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2024 WILA Profiles:

Voices of Women in Landscape Architecture, Part 1