People first, landscape architecture second. That may sound a little odd coming from a landscape architecture firm, but it’s how we approach everything we do: focusing on your needs rather than our own.
Yes, we rely on our experience – several decades’ worth, at last count – along with our education and expertise and credentials. But what it really comes down to is listening. To owners, to architects, to maintenance staff. To those who will be using the places we make. Because good landscape design is more than the expression of craftsmanship; it’s a responsiveness to the interaction of both social and natural systems – which, in turn, leads to memorable places that delight and inspire.
Just as landscape architecture is ultimately about striking a balance between the natural world and the built environment, SPVV’s success rests – at least in part – on our ability to connect seemingly disparate characteristics. We’re fun, yet disciplined. Creative, yet collaborative. Professional, yet relatable. A highly trained team of consultants capable of providing cost-effective solutions. Not to mention outstanding customer service.
Together, we can go beyond the obvious. Let’s have a conversation.
OUR DESIGN TEAM
“I watched Expo ’74 evolve out of railyards. And I thought, A landscape architect did this? It was mind-blowing. And at that point, I was done. I was 14 years old.”
Tom’s responsibilities at SPVV include project planning, public involvement processes, project design and construction documents, and construction administration. With 38 years of experience across the entire spectrum of landscape architecture under his belt, he focuses primarily on public and private work, parks and recreation, municipal facilities, and K-12 through higher education. Tom not only handles most of the business development aspects of the firm, along with the dreaded accounting side of things, he…likes it.
EDUCATION:
- Washington State University, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, 1982
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION:
- Washington State No. 489
- Idaho No. LA 16717
- Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards No. 6499
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Society of Landscape Architects
- Construction Specifications Institute
- CLARB Representative, Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB), 2014-2020
“When you think about it, landscape architecture reflects the values of a community and the social organization of its people.”
A strong background in urban revitalization, park planning, government facilities, and business park development – coupled with practical experience in the agriculture industry and landscape maintenance and construction – gives Ken a unique perspective grounded in the basics of form and function. His specific emphases at SPVV include street beautification, park planning, and large-scale residential projects. Ken’s responsible for both design and management, construction documents, specifications, as well as human resources, business development, and financial planning.
EDUCATION:
- Washington State University, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, 1987
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION:
- Washington State No. 647
- Idaho No. 702
- Montana No. 145
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
- Washington Chapter American Society of Landscape Architects
- City of Spokane Park Board 2010-2016
“You walk through our spaces all the time, and you don’t know why you feel what you feel – but you feel it. And it matters.”
Twenty years ago, Anne traded her 9-to-5 career in healthcare – more specifically electrophysiology, which involves the reprogramming of pacemakers and cardio defibrillators – for the 24/7 life of academia, earning first a BLA, then an MS Architecture, then becoming only the 48th person in the United States to earn a certificate in healthcare design from Chicago Botanic Garden. Today she continues to make a difference in people’s lives, focusing her creative expertise in therapeutic and healing garden design on helping seniors and people struggling with dementia.
EDUCATION:
- University of Idaho, Master of Science in Architecture, 2005
- Washington State University, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2002
- Eastern Washington University, Bachelor of Arts, 1986
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION:
- Washington State No. 1252
- Idaho State No. LA 16857
- State of Arizona Board of Technical Registration No. 68908
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
- Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards, member
- University District Design Committee Member, 2022-present
- City of Spokane Design Review Board, 2002-2008, 2015-2021
“The coolest part about this job? Seeing the transformation from bare ground to something that gets used and enjoyed.”
When Darren joined the firm in 2012, he brought with him not only eight years of design experience, but also a couple of years on the landscape maintenance and construction side – training that continues to influence the way he plans a project. Proficient in AutoCAD programs like Civil 3D and Infoworks, Darren’s role at SPVV includes creating conceptual designs, generating planting and irrigation plans, estimating, and managing and developing landscapes for governmental, commercial, and educational commissions.
EDUCATION:
- University of Idaho, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2005
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION:
- Washington State No. 1186
- Idaho No. LA 16716
“I wanted to be a marine biologist before I realized the ocean is terrifying and full of really scary creatures that can kill you.”
Katie joined SPVV in 2014, shortly after she graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in secondary education (Social Studies Broadfield option). In addition to her duties as phone master and door guard, Katie handles the firm’s invoicing and coordinates the marketing efforts. And perhaps most important, she ensures that the supply of office chocolate never reaches a level low enough that it might be cause for consternation.
EDUCATION:
- Montana State University, Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Social Studies Broadfield), 2014
“All I knew was that I wanted to do something that involved helping others and communities.”
When Nestor was first introduced to landscape architecture, it didn’t take long for him to decide that it was the path for him. At WSU, he learned more about landscape architecture’s impacts on ecosystems and communities and knew that was how he wanted to help others: creating spaces where people connect with nature. He knows the calming and therapeutic effects of spending time outdoors (especially with a dog!), and landscape architecture offers the opportunity to bring that experience to more people. As a landscape designer, Nestor works on a wide range of projects and uses his 3D modeling skills to create stunning renderings and flythroughs.
EDUCATION:
- Washington State University, Bachelor of Landscape in Architecture, 2023
- Wenatchee Valley College, Associates Degree, 2018
“After a tough realization early on that I probably was not going to be a professional baseball player, I wanted to either have my own plant nursery or be a landscaper.”
Nick has always been interested in plants and gardening—even in childhood, he collected plants and experimented with landscaping in the backyard. After beginning his career in landscape construction and management, Nick decided to dive into landscape architecture to design outdoor spaces that balance human needs with the natural world and help reconnect people with nature. Always eager to keep learning and growing, Nick enjoys the discoveries that come from working on a wide array of projects at SPVV.
EDUCATION:
- Washington State University, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2024
- Spokane Community College, AAS Landscape Management, 2022
CERTIFICATIONS:
- Certificate in Urban Forestry, Spokane Community College
CAREER & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We’re always on the lookout for the right people – people who are as passionate about place-making as we are. People who are creative, collaborative, client-focused problem-solvers. (And, if we’re being completely honest, people who are fun.) Sound like you? Give us a call.
We’re always on the lookout for the right people – people who are as passionate about place-making as we are. People who are creative, collaborative, client-focused problem-solvers. (And, if we’re being completely honest, people who are fun.) Sound like you?
