The City of San Diego’s landscape architects were recently recognized for their vision in creating the Parks Master Plan. Meet some of the talented staff behind the plan.
Kathleen Brand is a Project Officer II and a Landscape Architect for the City of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department, practicing for over 30 years since she graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
“Landscape architects share a lot of education and training with civil engineers but also possess extensive training in horticulture and the earth’s natural systems,” said Brand.
Martin Flores is a Landscape Architect and Park Designer for the City of San Diego with a degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
“The work we do at the City requires immense collaboration between departments and external stakeholders, with plans and initiatives requiring contributions from several City departments. Since the City workforce is so big, it can take time to work across all departments to ensure any new policies or initiatives are functional.”
Darren Genova, who earned a degree in Urban Planning from UCSD, is a Park Designer with the Architectural Engineering and Parks Division of the City’s Engineering and Capital Projects Department.
“Everyone knows we need to be proficient in landscape and irrigation design. Still, most don’t realize that we are also responsible for drainage, grading, retaining walls, electrical systems, plumbing systems, making spaces accessible for people with disabilities, preparing construction specs, developing contract language and stormwater and geotechnical requirements. Collaboration here is the key,” commented Genova.
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