Susan Van Atta
Susan Van Atta approaches design with a deep understanding of environmental processes gained from a degree in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a degree in landscape architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her early career involved work in California coastal planning, and her experience includes more than 30 years as a practicing landscape architect. Ms. Van Atta’s award-winning designs pay careful attention to form and detail, but her work transcends mere aesthetic improvements. She strives to “make places better” by regenerating the land, engaging the public in site understanding and site stewardship, and promoting health for both people and the environment.
In 2009 Ms. Van Atta was elected to the Council of Fellows of the American Society of Landscape Architects for the impressive body of work she has created with a three-decade-long commitment to landscape design, habitat restoration, and the use of native plants. She is often called upon to lecture on topics of design and sustainability at seminars, colleges, and other community forums. Ms. Van Atta currently serves on The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s Stewardship Council.
Statement: Upon learning of the Oberlander Prize, I saw the idea as clearly brilliant, courageous, visionary, and well-timed. As a profession, our time has come, as the skills of landscape architects address most of today’s pressing problems. We offer solutions, we get things done, and our profession aligns cultural and environmental values.
Still, relatively few people have heard of landscape architecture, or can imagine what we do. I am grateful to The Cultural Landscape Foundation for increasing the visibility and legibility of landscape architecture in our communities and the world. As a result, even more dedicated people will join our profession earlier in their lives and careers. Quite some time ago, I had the opportunity to spend time with Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, who sat beside me at a TCLF-sponsored dinner. I appreciate the opportunity to spend time with such an icon of landscape architecture and to honor her today.