Landscape Architecture graduates from the College of Design are building careers that extend far beyond traditional practice. From climate resilience planning and campus development to cultural landscape preservation and public parks leadership, alumni are applying design thinking in powerful, interdisciplinary ways. Their work demonstrates how an education in landscape architecture equips graduates to navigate complex systems, collaborate across disciplines, and shape resilient, inclusive places.
ERIN GARNAAS-HOLMES
Erin Garnaas-Holmes earned a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA ’14) and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP ’14). He currently works as a climate resilience planner.
What inspired you to pursue both landscape architecture and urban planning, and how do you see them complementing each other in your work?
What initially drew me in was landscape architecture. I did not consider urban planning until after my first year in the MLA program. Before grad school, I worked at a nonprofit in Washington, DC that provided services for low-income residents. While I was there, the organization expanded its building and I suggested putting a green roof on the new addition. I ended up leading the effort and over two years we built a green roof that could support growing vegetables. We started a program where people visiting the food pantry could volunteer to grow food upstairs and donate some back. That experience combining sustainable design with community impact made me realize I wanted to do more of that kind of work. A mentor introduced me to landscape architecture and that is what got me into the field.
Once I was in school I realized that while I appreciated site design and loved drawing, my strengths were more in community-based work. I was most interested in how projects move forward, how to work with stakeholders, and how to bring ideas to life. That led me to pursue urban planning as well. I saw how the two fields complement each other. Planning helps guide and support meaningful projects, and landscape architecture brings those ideas into the physical world. I continue to use both skill sets in my work today.
Can you share a project from your work as a Climate Resilience Planner that stands out to you?
One project that stands out is our current work on a climate resilience strategy for Ivy City, a small neighborhood in Washington, DC. It is a part residential and part light industrial area with very little green space. The neighborhood is surrounded by a rail yard, a major road, and a cemetery, which makes it physically constrained and vulnerable to flooding and extreme heat.
What makes this project especially meaningful is that the city hired a local community organization to be part of the project team. This has allowed us to have deeper and more honest conversations with residents about their needs and concerns. The main goal is to design public infrastructure in a way that can help manage stormwater and provide relief from extreme heat.
This project represents a shift from citywide policies and large infrastructure to neighborhood-based planning that is more immediate and personal.
What do you enjoy most about working in climate policy, and how does it compare to your previous work as a landscape designer and planner?
What I enjoy most about working in climate policy is the opportunity to connect different fields and help shape projects that are thoughtful and resilient. Landscape architecture taught me how cities are built and how all the systems fit together. Urban planning added a broader perspective and helped me develop as a generalist and coordinator who can manage different teams and guide a shared process. It is less about controlling the outcome and more about influencing it.
How do you see the role of MLA/MURP graduates evolving in the face of climate challenges?
MLA and MURP graduates are well positioned to take on more responsibility as climate challenges become more urgent. There is a growing need for professionals who understand both climate-resilient design and the planning processes needed to bring projects to life. The combination of ecological design training and skills in community engagement makes dual-degree graduates especially valuable. MLA and MURP graduates could be embedded in every community, helping make those decisions.
What was the most rewarding part of completing the dual degree program?
The most rewarding part of completing the dual degree program was gaining the versatility to move fluidly between roles in landscape design and urban planning. Right after graduation, there was an immediate payoff. I was able to apply both degrees in a single job at a large engineering firm. The dual degree not only helped build confidence early in a career but also created real opportunities to grow and shape a path that combined design, strategy, and systems thinking.
How did your time at the College of Design help prepare you for interdisciplinary roles in climate policy?My time at the College of Design played a key role in preparing me for interdisciplinary roles in climate policy. We were encouraged to step outside of the classroom and interact with other disciplines. This environment of collaboration and community engagement is what helped me prepare for climate policy work.
What advice would you give to students interested in combining design and planning in their careers?
I would say to be strategic. If you know what you want to do, you can design your curriculum in a way that helps you specialize.
It’s going to be the hardest work you’ve ever done, but it will be worth it.
MADELINE GOLDKAMP
Madeline Goldkamp (MLA 17') combines her expertise in landscape architecture and engineering to tackle urban design challenges with a focus on sustainability and functionality. Goldkamp’s experience spans a wide range of projects, from urban streetscapes and parks to nature playgrounds and mixed-use community green spaces.
How did you become involved in landscape architecture and engineering?
My undergraduate degree is in engineering. Growing up, our family business was in landscape contracting and maintenance, so I was surrounded by that world from an early age. Over time, my interest in art and visual design, combined with my engineering background, led me to realize that landscape architecture offered a perfect blend of both. Currently, I work at a multidisciplinary firm, collaborating regularly with engineers, designers, and architects.
Did you draw any comparisons from your engineering degree to the MLA program?
While engineering often has one solution, design offers endless possibilities. This shift was challenging, as design requires you to be vulnerable when sharing your work for critique. Looking back, I appreciate how the program expanded my perspective, particularly in understanding how people experience public spaces.
Tell us about one of your favorite projects that combines your interests in urban design and community engagement.
One of my first projects in Denver was the 16th Street Mall redesign. Before my involvement, the project team conducted community outreach and temporarily closed the street to observe how people used the space. This project reinforced the importance of a healthy tree canopy to positively affect the space.
What do you see as the most pressing challenges in designing resilient green spaces for urban areas?
Rising temperatures, droughts, and flooding will make maintaining these spaces more difficult. We need to plan for future conditions and create regenerative systems that allow nature to thrive.
How did your time at the College of Design impact your career?
Attending the University of Minnesota and completing my MLA was a life-changing experience. The program emphasized critical thinking and collaboration across disciplines.
What advice do you have for design students?
You don’t have to know exactly what you want to do. Internships and conversations with professionals can help clarify your path. Staying active and taking care of your health is key to doing great work.
MATTHEW TRAUCHT
Matthew Traucht (MLA ’13) integrates his multidisciplinary background into stewardship-focused design rooted in culture, land, and sustainability.
How has your anthropology background shaped your approach to cultural landscapes?
Anthropology taught me critical thinking—really trying to see different perspectives. Cultural landscapes aren’t just something we create; they’re built on layers of history, ecology, and culture. One of my most formative experiences happened at a rail yard excavation in Santa Fe, where a landscape architect used archaeological drawings to inform a park design. That moment inspired me to become a landscape architect.
Could you share a memorable cultural landscape project from your international work?
Through the University, I joined a UNESCO project in Kiribati, documenting ceremonial structures and ritual landscapes. Seeing how sea level rise threatens these sites made me think differently about climate change and cultural landscapes. These experiences shaped the way I approach my work today.
What advice would you give aspiring landscape architects interested in global projects?
Keep an open mind and be adaptable. Seek opportunities to go abroad or explore new communities. The knowledge and connections gained are often transformative.
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
Michael Richardson earned a Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA ’14) and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP ’14).
What advice would you give to students considering the MLA/MURP dual degree?
If your passion lies solely in landscape architecture or urban planning, it may be beneficial to focus on one discipline. However, if you see value in integrating both fields, the dual degree can offer a unique skill set. Ultimately, it comes down to what kinds of projects excite you.
Can you share a memorable project from your current role as senior campus planner at UMN?
One memorable project was the campus plan update for the Crookston campus. The project combined systems-level thinking, human-centered planning, and collaborative work.
What valuable experiences did you gain while completing the dual degree program?
The internship requirement for the planning degree directly led to my first job after graduation. Switching between landscape architecture and planning coursework helped me build a flexible mindset that I still use today.
STACY SMITH
Stacy Smith (MLA '04) has over 20 years of experience in parks and outdoor recreation, focusing on capital improvement projects, accessibility, and equity initiatives.
How did you become involved in public parks and trails?
My journey into parks and trails began at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. My undergraduate studies in biology and environmental science shaped my interest in large-scale planning and conservation.
Tell me about one of your favorite projects.
One of my favorite projects was the rehabilitation of historic structures at Tettegouche State Park. The multi-year effort highlighted the intersection of architecture, history, and environmental preservation.
What do you think is the most critical issue facing cities today?
Cities face interconnected challenges, including social justice, climate change, and sustainability. These challenges require innovative thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to equity.
How have you seen the field of landscape architecture evolve?
There are more career paths beyond traditional firms, with a growing emphasis on humility, accessibility, and user-centered design. Staying open to these paths is essential for future graduates.
These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
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