Susan’s keen observational skills developed early; exploring nature, thriving on art projects and collecting cactus plants as a child in the Chicago North Shore. The Landscape Architecture degree program she completed at University of Wisconsin – Madison was filled with exciting challenges. She loved the camaraderie between her great professors and fellow students as they shared and celebrated ideas or design solutions. After graduation, Susan hired on with the newly formed Scott Byron & Company. She was involved with every aspect of this brilliant and rapidly growing business including: directing design, estimating, project managing and sales. Susan launched SFLA after moving to the Bay Area in 1992. She steadily grew her business while teaching her two children to love, care for, and be in awe of nature. Susan now shares her unique skills with hundreds of amazing clients and her talented design team. It is a dream come true for Susan to design beautiful and unique outdoor spaces; to see a sense of joy and pride in her clients as they enjoy their new landscapes in fun and imaginative ways.

Ian developed an appreciation for the outdoors while growing up on the edge of the Rockies in Boulder, CO. He enjoys activities like skiing, rafting and camping and developed a serious respect for nature from witnessing some devastating fires and floods. Ian values a global perspective, his extensive travels in the U.S. and abroad informing his designs. Settling in the Bay Area he acquired his Landscape Architecture Associate of Arts at Oakland’s Merritt College. He combines solid tech-savvy with beautiful solutions in his approach to the design process. Ian embodies the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, ‘Life is a journey, not a destination’ and his designs invite others to answer the call of outdoor living, ‘Join the adventure!’

Audrey is a Bay Area Native whose passion for Landscape Architecture grew naturally from a family of talents including art, gardening, design & musical instrument building. Her interest in architecture and engineering began in childhood building wood scrap and hay bale forts and developed into designing engineered cabanas! Audrey acquired her BA in Landscape Architecture from UC Berkeley, transforming pastimes she loves into a career. Interning with Wetland Research Associates, she witnessed the impact design has on ecosystems, and understood how profoundly landscape architecture benefits both people and the earth. For Audrey, integrating the many aspects of design is a welcome challenge, producing landscapes that evoke the sense of joy and peace she feels in Nature.

Quinn was very fortunate to be raised in a small town on the beautiful Central Coast of California. His passion for nature and art, and independent spirit, were nurtured through exploring the rich biodiversity of the tide pools and forests near his home. Quinn’s enthusiasm for learning led him down a few paths before discovering landscape design. He holds two master’s degrees in the fields of psychology and photography, and has previously worked in the visual arts and as an expressive arts therapist. Continually seeking the best possible fit, in design and in life, he then found his ideal career in landscape design. In 2020, Quinn received his AA in Landscape Architecture from Merritt College in Oakland, and is dedicated to the creative pursuit of refined yet highly functional, comfortable, and regenerative spaces that support life for humans as well as other local flora and fauna.

As a fourth generation San Francisco native, Stephen’s family influence and lifelong passion for plants began while growing pumpkins and tomatoes at home and at school. Today, he continues to work in the greenhouse he designed and built as a child. He loves to relax with his flock of chickens, gathering and sharing fresh eggs with family and friends. He’s hoping to add a baby goat to his growing “homestead”.

Stephen earned his degree in Landscape Design and Contracting from Colorado State University and gained work experience through his internships at Filoli Estates in Woodside and other industry related jobs. He gains inspiration for his landscape designs from the French, Italian and Mediterranean styles that he loves the most, inserting plants that are California Natives wherever possible. Designing inviting outdoor spaces that delight the senses is something he always strives for.

Other than gardening, Stephen is a talented vocalist, performing in musical theatre and choirs throughout the Bay Area. Bike riding and swimming also keep him active and fit in body and spirit, bringing his positive energy to SFLA every day.

Lorraine grew up in Minnesota and spent her summers camping all over the country. She loves traveling and has spent time in Europe, South America, Australia, Canada and Mexico. She finds joy connecting with new people and seeing people enjoy themselves. Lorraine received her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She began her career in the manufacturing industry in Chicago doing international sales and process improvement work. When she and her husband moved to California and raised her two sons, she developed a long resume of volunteer activities with schools, sports and Boy Scouts, including training other volunteers in those programs. She continues as a community volunteer, working to preserve our natural open spaces and promoting healthful outdoor activities. She brings her values of listening, outreach, connection and service with her to SFLA.