Previous interns – now employees, share their perspectives, advice and insights about all things landscape architecture and their experiences with EDSA.

Kirsten began her journey at EDSA as a summer intern in 2019 at the Baltimore office, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience and worked closely with team leaders to fine-tune her design approach. After earning her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Penn State University that same year, she transitioned into a full-time role at EDSA and has steadily advanced to her current position as an Associate while making her way to EDSA’s New York location. Known for her sharp attention to detail and collaborative nature, Kirsten plays an essential role in crafting dynamic, creative projects with precision. We recently sat down with her to explore her journey, sources of inspiration and the impact she’s making at EDSA.

A: One of the most rewarding aspects of being a landscape architect is the ability to create spaces where people have unforgettable experiences. These places become the backdrop for significant moments – whether it’s an engagement, a long-awaited reunion or a new connection.

What makes this profession even more exciting is the opportunity to work on projects around the world, often in places that many people can only dream of visiting. It is truly inspiring to design these incredible environments and shape the way people experience them.

A: My design philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability, with a strong emphasis on integrating as much greenery as possible—because the more trees, the better! I believe that nature should be at the heart of every design, seamlessly blending the built environment with the natural world. Trees and other natural elements not only enhance the aesthetics of a space but also provide numerous environmental benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing urban heat, and supporting biodiversity.

Additionally, green spaces contribute to healthier and more vibrant communities by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering social connections. By prioritizing sustainability and incorporating lush, thriving landscapes, I strive to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also beneficial for people and the planet.

A: My favorite EDSA project is Cacique, a breathtaking peninsula in Costa Rica. I had the opportunity to visit the site twice – an experience I’ll never forget. One of the highlights was collaborating closely with the client, whose energy, passion and bold vision made the design process fun and exciting. Working with him one-on-one gave me a deep understanding of his aspirations and how to translate them into the landscape. The combination of a location and an engaging creative process made this project especially meaningful for me.

A: I’m most passionate about sustainability and helping clients find ways to integrate it into their projects. Over time, I’ve come to understand that while sustainability isn’t always a top priority, there are still creative and cost-effective ways to make it work. It’s always exciting to collaborate with clients who share that vision and to find solutions that balance sustainability with practicality.

Beyond that, I have a deep passion for materials and how they shape the design experience. Something is exciting about opening a sample box – feeling the textures, seeing the colors in person, imagining how they’ll come to life in a space. It’s in those moments that all the hard work starts to feel real. What was once just a plan or a black-and-white sketch transforms into something tangible, something that’s actually coming to life.

A: Unpredictable. Every day in this job brings something new – you never know what to expect. One moment, you think you’ll have a laid-back day, and the next, you’re on a call with a client requesting last-minute changes that need to be turned around within the hour. It’s always full of surprises, but that’s what keeps it interesting and keeps me on my toes!

A: One of the biggest reasons I love working at EDSA is the people. It’s not just about the projects – it’s about the relationships you build along the way. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my colleagues, and over time, they’ve become more than just coworkers; they’ve become friends. Since we spend so much of our time at work, it makes a huge difference to be surrounded by such a great team. It’s something I truly appreciate.