Roxy

“Arf, arf…arf!” exclaims Roxy, PWL’s official ‘designer mutt.’ Part Wheaton and part Bearded Collie, she was born and raised in Vancouver. Roxy loves landscapes and is especially into place making. When not sharing her perspective on PWL’s newest park designs with Margot and Jeff, she is running the North Shore mountain trails, surfing, watching suspense films, and staring at the Bickies jar.

Margot Long

BCSLA FCSLA ASLA
Principal

As one of the founding principals, Margot offers over 20 years of experience to the office. Her commitment to “setting the vision” involves both creating public space and healthy landscapes, and by challenging and inspiring the people around her.

“My father was an architect,” she explains, “so I was exposed to design at a young age.” Her father also used to take the family on trips off the beaten track; “it’s amazing we’re still alive!” she laughs. By experiencing these natural and cultural landscapes in such an honest way, “I developed a sense for what makes a place special and a memorable experience.”

On the rare occasion that Margot is away from the office, she volunteers on design panels, explores North Shore trails, enjoys time with her family, and spends time "walking the dog…obviously!”

Bruce Hemstock

BCSLA CSLA BSLA LEED Accredited
Principal

Bruce joined PWL in 1994 and became a principal in 1997. With over 20 years of experience working in cities across North America, Bruce offers expertise in planting design, construction detailing, and has been coined 'Mr. Living Roof' for his groundbreaking work on the Vancouver Convention Centre Expansion Project and other green roofs.

Though Bruce has been a part of countless award-winning project teams, perhaps his proudest moment was winning 'Most Improved Player of the Year' for his hockey team on two separate occasions. “It reflects my belief that you can always improve at whatever you're doing.”

When he’s not generating cutting-edge technical construction details, Bruce visits art galleries and collects Canadian quarters. He is also passionate about his 1920s-era house where he and his wife recently installed a green roof on the new garage.

Chris Sterry

BCSLA CSLA
Principal

“A chance encounter with an enlightened school counselor told me about the profession when I was 14. I’ve known since that point that I wanted to be a landscape architect,” Chris reminisces. Born in Gloucester, England, he has lived and worked in England, the Middle East, Hong Kong and has now happily lived in Vancouver for over 15 years.

Chris is the managing partner at PWL and leads large-scale master planning and construction projects, public realm plans, streetscapes, waterfront developments, multifamily residential landscapes, public parks, and greenways.

Between winning the “Best Dad Award” and being a closet accountant, Chris can be found painting and sketching. He has had pieces shown in art exhibits in Hong Kong and various juried shows locally. “I play the guitar badly,“ he adds, “and I love gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, and traveling.”

Grant Brumpton

BCSLA CSLA
Principal

“Landscape architecture is a fantastic balancing act of creating meaningful experience, programming function, aesthetics, all the while serving the needs of the client, the public and the environment,” says Grant.

After completing a Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Manitoba, Grant was drawn to Vancouver. As a recent partner at PWL, Grant continues to provide project leadership for many complex large-scale projects. Within the office, he is the partner responsible for information technology.

When not commuting to the office on his bicycle or testing a new smartphone app, Grant loves to travel. “I am inspired by not only the most urban of places, but also vast and remote landscapes and the powerful emotional response they evoke." Grant’s most memorable recent holidays have been in Tofino with his family where he spent hours playing with his children at the beach.

Derek Lee

BCSLA CSLA LEED™ Accredited
Principal

Derek brings a rich understanding of urban form to PWL that began at an early age. “As young as two years old, all I did was draw.” Growing up, he drew cities, streets, parks, built models of buildings, and considered how these spaces change over time. “It was a natural transition to become a landscape architect,” Derek admits, “and I feel like one of the luckiest people to be able to do what I love as my profession.”

A Vancouver native and University of British Columbia graduate, Derek has also practiced landscape architecture in California, the Middle East and England. A particularly influential experience was working with landscape architect and Zen priest Shunmyo Masuno in Japan.

When not thinking up the next innovative way to make the world a better place, Derek enjoys playing music in his band and hiking the local mountains with his family.

Jason Wegman

BCSLA CSLA
Associate

Jason strives to “improve environmental footprints and create habitable spaces for humans, animals and bugs.” He was the project manager for Dockside Green where he facilitated the achievement of world record-breaking LEED Platinum status for two phases.

Growing up on a 3.5-acre property in Ontario, it was impossible to keep Jason inside. He eventually earned a degree in landscape architecture from The University of Guelph and worked in Toronto before connecting with PWL.

When not sharing knowledge as an invaluable mentor, Jason spends time with his wife and daughters. Unable to stay away from the mountains for long, he hikes, bikes and snowboards, riding Blackcomb in search of sketchy entries to awesome chutes. He also volunteers on the Whistler Design Panel.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver

Peter Liaw

BCSLA CSLA
Associate

“The goal is not to design something to look good in 2D, or as a piece of art on the wall, but to create a place to be used by people. Aesthetics are important but how one feels in the space is just as critical,” says Peter.

Since moving from Taiwan as a child, Peter has lived in many cities across Canada. After graduating from Ryerson University, he moved to Vancouver for work, and has never looked back. Peter has been with PWL since 2002 and believes that what really sets PWL apart from other firms is that “we don’t just provide great design, but also a high level of customer service. I strive to build and maintain relationships with our clients.”

In his free time, Peter plays his guitar, draws people in pen and ink, gardens and spends time with his family.

Theresa Cherniak

BCSLA CSLA AICP
Associate

“To understand nature, mold the environment and help bring people together is incredibly inspiring,” says Theresa, who brings her expertise as a former San Diego and Seattle city planner to the firm, along with her exceptional project management and communication skills.

Theresa was born in Ontario, and raised in the American Midwest. Through her planning work, volunteer design-builds and traveling the East and West coasts, she discovered her passion for design. She is interested in both the sociology and psychology of how the built environment affects people in positive ways.

“I love the urban environment, and I experience it in any way I can, whether it be city walks, photography or festivals.” In her spare time, Theresa volunteers with Big Sisters and YWCA, shares good food and wine with friends, and continues to explore other “quintessentially Canadian pursuits.” Ice skating, eh?

Jeff Philips

BCSLA FCSLA I.S.A. Certified Arborist
Founding Principal

The founding principle of PWL and a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, Jeff offers 40 years of experience as a senior practitioner and mentor. Raised by the beach in Los Angeles and educated at The University of Oregon, he feels lucky to call Vancouver his home. “Vancouver is quite progressive, especially in the interface between the waterfront and the city – much of which we have had great involvement in,” reflects Jeff.

“I’ve always felt strongly that the detail of design is what makes it work…designing something, seeing it built, knowing it works, and seeing people use it is really important to me and, I think, the greatest pleasure for a landscape architect.”

When not making the nervous intern smile or maintaining his extensive bamboo garden, Jeff's favorite past-times include photography and fly fishing.

Kathy Quayle

Office Manager

“I’m the chief cook and bottle washer,” says Kathy, “and, at times, the number cruncher!” Originally from Liverpool, England, our “very fab” Office Administrator has been exercising her quick British wit and charm at PWL since 2004.

“I had previously worked for large corporations, with up to 150 partners! So I sought out a smaller company, where everyone feels like they belong, where everyone is involved and people know who you are.” Today, Kathy happily states that the people are her favourite part of PWL.

After her day of making PWL’s world go 'round and reciting the lyrics to “All You Need is Love,” Kathy practices photography, volunteers, and spends time with her family.

Ian Stewart

BLA
Landscape Designer

“I love designing something and seeing it start to flow. The synergy of that and the joy of facilitating the vision become a reality is amazing,” says Ian. He grew up deeply inspired by the beauty of the west coast. He has lived and worked throughout BC and spent 8 years working in Japan before graduating from Guelph Universty with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.

When not providing boundless amounts of humor or keeping the coffee maker working, Ian manages projects from design development through to construction, and assists others in selecting innovative and appropriate materials and construction techniques.

Ian spends his free time with his family, and skis and hikes often. When not talking about stand up paddle boarding, Ian is planning his next stand up paddle boarding session.

Jim Moore

IT Manager

After relocating from Atlanta, Georgia in 2009, Jim now happily calls Vancouver his home. “I love the natural beauty of Vancouver and strong feeling of community,” he says.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Jim moved south to explore several career options before landing a position at an internet service provider. A combination of natural skill and dedicated work led him to the role of Director. While he reminisces fondly about the experience, Jim is happy to find himself at PWL. “I like this family-style business, which is focused on giving back to the community and creating amazing environments. And, although people might not realize it, the key to success in IT is really the human element,” explains Jim.

Although his main passion is music and he dreams of one day owning a record store, Jim seeks adventure by stepping out into nature, often equipped with his camera, or by playing tourist in parts of British Columbia’s vast landscape that are still unknown to him. Jim also spends time volunteering.

Karin England

BCSLA MLA
Landscape Architect

Karin's journey to landscape architecture started early; childhood summers were spent running through aspen woodland on the family quarter in southern Alberta. This connection to land led to volunteer work as a master gardener on community based projects, and eventually to a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture at UBC.

Karin enjoys working on projects with a social emphasis. She is as enthusiastic about plants as she is about teaching others about landscape design, and spends time explaining why her vacation photos are devoid of family members (unless they’re standing next to an interesting plant).

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Anna Babicz

MLA
Landscape Designer

“I think in an abstract way, so to me design is a process of finding the right shapes, forms, colours and patterns,” says Anna, who admits to enjoying the conceptual stages of design best. Anna was exposed to landscape architecture at university after studying biology and chemistry. An accomplished artist and always drawn to the outdoors, it was suggested to her as a progressive new profession. “It combines all of my passions.”

Originally from Poland, Anna obtained a Master of Landscape Architecture and has since worked in England, California, and now in Vancouver.

“The mountains are my hobby, but more than that, they are a lifestyle.” When not riding her bike to the office or trying to remember to water her plants, Anna is swimming, snowboarding, traveling or enjoying a Quentin Tarantino film.

Léandre Bérubé LeBrun

BLA AAPQ CSLA
Landscape Designer

“As a landscape designer I’m passionate about the relationship between the history, the site, and their users,” explains Léandre. “I continuously ask myself, how landscape projects can transform and enhance the city and how design and sustainability can work together to generate user oriented public spaces.”

After growing up in Orford, Quebec, Léandre moved to Montreal where he graduated from the University of Montreal with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, and worked for two and a half years as a Landscape Designer there. Inspired by the ski mountains and a curiosity to learn about landscape architecture from this coastal city in British Columbia and discover what it has to offer, Léandre fulfilled a dream of his to move to Vancouver.

Fuelled with a passion for adventure, Léandre enjoys biking, woodworking, snowboarding and has recently gained an interest in kite boarding - and can’t wait to try it out.

Alexandre Man-Bourdon

BLA/BSC MASLA I.S.A. Certified Arborist
Landscape Designer

“I think landscape architecture is a great medium to facilitate environmental and social change,” explains Alex. “The planet has provided all that we need to survive, and in recent years we have become largely removed from this relationship. Though my role may be indirect and incremental, I like to think I am making a difference in reestablishing these natural systems.”

Born in Guelph Ontario, Alex has lived in 10 cities throughout North America and now calls Vancouver home, “I feel like I belong here,” he admits. Alex holds a bachelor degree in landscape architecture from Mississippi State University and a Masters in Advanced Studies in landscape architecture from UBC. On the weekends, Alex can be found volunteering at local farmers markets or gardening with his father (also a landscape architect) on Vancouver Island. Alex snowboards, plays guitar and works on becoming a Renaissance Man.

Belinda Chan

BFA B.Env.Des
Communications Design Manager

Belinda holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Environmental Design (Landscape Architecture) and a Diploma in Fashion Design. She balances her skills and interests by working as PWL’s Communications Designer as well as working for a local Vancouver Fashion Designer.

Prairie born and raised, Belinda became inspired by design and landscape architecture through a landscape-focused studio trip to France and the U.K., where she lived for part of the summer in a new barn on an old farm.

Involved in numerous creative pursuits, Belinda also takes time to appreciate coastal living. During her spare time, Belinda can be found designing and sewing clothing in her home studio, practicing photography or exploring the local art scene. But on the sunny days she steps out of the heart of design culture and heads seaside, “I like to nap on the beach!” she laughs.

Sarah Dickie

LAT
Landscape Architectural Technologist

Sarah joins us after studying sciences in Kamloops and Landscape Architectural Technology at The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Here she spent 2 years focusing on a broad range of technical courses and excelled in history, presentation and design.

Sarah grew up in the BC Interior “with a lake and the wilderness in my backyard.” Between camping, fishing and browsing through her mothers gardening magazines, it is not surprising that she finds it important to share the benefits of having green space nearby. “I like being involved in bringing meaningful public environments to families and communities, landscapes that will inspire and shape peoples everyday life.”

Some of her most memorable landscape experiences are the salt flats in Bolivia, the sand dunes in Peru, and Park Guell by Gaudi in Barcelona. When not dreaming of foreign adventures, Sarah is snowboarding or making plans for the next music festival.

Miriam Plishka

BFA MLA
Landscape Designer

Miriam was born in Jerusalem, where her father, a Vancouver architect, was working and studying at the time. Raised amidst “a family of 6 designers” she completed a Bachelor in Fine Arts, followed by a Masters in Landscape Architecture at UBC. “I was always drawn to design. And while most design fields aim at creating finished products that remain mostly unchanged, landscape architecture involves systems and elements continually in flux. This is what drew me to the profession and what I find most challenging.” says Miriam.

Miriam’s favourite landscape is the Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Community Garden in Toronto. It is a community garden, where users grow plants to eat and practice cultural traditions. “I am inspired by the garden’s capacity to provide a place for the Miziwe Biik people to congregate, harvest, and share knowledge.”

When Miriam isn’t busy volunteering with Community Studio, biking, or reading, she can be found polishing her skills as an Origami Master.

Scott Mason

CSLA OALA LEED™ Accredited
Landscape Designer

“I enjoy designing because of its inherent complexity,” explains Scott. “Understanding a goal and being able to work an idea down to the details is what intrigues me. Seeing people interact and be influenced by the spaces we design is what motivates me."

Originally a fine art student, Scott's fascination with design and his experience in landscape construction led him to discover landscape architecture. Armed with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph, Scott has also worked in south Florida and southeastern Ontario.

Scott’s love for landscape design and working with his hands is unrivaled by his passion for traveling, and he considers Vimy Ridge to be the most memorable place he has visited. In Scott's down time you can find him cooking, reading, snowboarding, or dreaming he was snowboarding.

Travis Harrison

BLA
Shanghai Office

Early on, it was “an affinity for drawing and a love of being outside in the clean air and sunshine” that sparked Travis’ appreciation of landscape. His interest in the environment and humanity, combined with his extensive readings (among them the Tao Te Ching, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, and Design with Nature), eventually led him to the profession of landscape architecture.

Travis originally hails from Tennessee and Louisiana, receiving his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University before embarking on work in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia. This international experience has been invaluable in developing his understanding of landscape architecture as a vehicle for environmental, economic, and social stewardship. PWL is excited to welcome Travis and his exceptional design and intercultural communication skills.

A born explorer and chocolate-covered peanut gourmand, Travis enjoys discovering new cities, sketching, photography, and playing bossanova jazz on his classical guitar. Travis will relocate shortly to China where he will direct PWL’s Asian landscape design projects.

“Learn to unlearn your learning.” – Lao-tzu

Jingchan Liu

MLA BCSLA Intern BA
Landscape Designer

Jingchan received a BA in Journalism in Beijing before relocating to Canada and earning both Master of Education and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees from the University of British Columbia. While her route to landscape architecture was circuitous, Jingchan feels she has ended up exactly where she always wanted to be. The landscape of her childhood was very industrial, which led her to have a great appreciation for natural areas. “From the time I learned of Canada’s amazing natural environment, I was captivated by the idea of urban and natural areas being in harmony,” she says.

As a landscape designer at PWL, Jingchan is excited to bring together her skills in communication, design, and analysis. She appreciates that landscape architecture can be both creative and a way of improving our built and natural environments. Outside of work, she enjoys films, good food, and snowboarding.

“To see a World in a grain of sand,
And a Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,
And Eternity in an hour.” – William Blake

Monica Hessels

Receptionist

With excellent organizational skills and social savvy, Monica is the bright face at PWL’s front door. Her ability to work accurately with details and multi-task effectively in a fast paced environment can be attributed to her educational background – or perhaps growing up in a large family. Playing in the garden often as a child, Monica has always loved the outdoors and has considered further education in horticulture and planting design. But for the time being, she is delighted to observe the world of landscape architecture and learn what she can about everything it involves.

In her spare time, Monica enjoys visiting her cousins’ dairy farm by the ocean and playing in an Ultimate Frisbee League. In the next year Monica hopes to visit New York, Holland, and hike the West Coast Trail.

Justin Dykstra

RLA ASLA
Landscape Architect

Justin holds a Bachelor of Science from South Dakota State University and both Bachelors and Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon. He has worked as a historical landscape architect with the US National Park Service, specializing in the study and preservation of historic roads and parks, as well as with small and large private landscape architecture and consulting firms. His primary interests are parks and recreation planning and design, with specialties in linear parks and greenways.

An advocate of both beauty in the built environment and wilderness preservation, when not bringing levity to the office environment, Justin enjoys escaping into the wild with his wife and dogs. He also enjoys sustainable design, music, and a bit of solitude now and then.

Jingjing Sun

BUPD MLA
Shanghai Office

Bio coming soon!

Jason Gow

B. Env. Des. MLA Candidate
Landscape Designer

“I am really inspired by reclamation,” Jason confesses, “transformative projects like Gasworks Park in Seattle or Emschur Park in Germany I find particularly compelling.” After studying architecture Jason worked for several years as a construction project coordinator before entering landscape architecture.

It was by visiting his grandparents property on Vancouver Island while growing up that Jason grew to understand how powerful a landscape can be to an individual and why place-making is so important. “I have seen the land change for the better over the years because people care for it, they are stewards for the environment and really value the human connection to the land and the community it creates.”

On the weekends Jason likes to cross-country bike, canoe, camp and spend time with his family in Powell River. They are currently (with no carpentry skills whatsoever, he adds) restoring their old heritage home.

Zhiwei Lu

MLA
Landscape Designer

Zhiwei has a clear idea of the work he strives to achieve in landscape architecture: “My responsibility is to improve livable spaces without interrupting the balance of the environment.” Originally from Guangzhou, China, Zhiwei enjoys traveling, music, and soccer.

Following studies in Urban Planning at Sun Yat-Sen University in China, Zhiwei intended to continue his education in urban design and architecture when he stumbled upon landscape architecture almost accidentally. When he realized the contributions that the field could make to complex environmental and social issues, he determined to pursue a career as a landscape architect, obtaining a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of British Columbia.

Zhiwei contributes his skills in design and drafting to his projects at PWL, and is especially excited to contribute to sustainable and urban redevelopment projects. This work, combined with his travels in the Pacific Northwest, are going a long way towards making him feel at home in this part of the world.

Kevin Fraser

BLA
Landscape Designer

Combine art and science, observe and analyze space, and have an intention to improve the world we live in: to Kevin, that’s landscape architecture. Although “once the Rodney Dangerfield of design professions,” Kevin claims, he feels landscape architecture is ever-relevant and critical to addressing our evolving relationship with the built and natural world.

Kevin received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph and spent several years working and studying in Europe and Latin America. His experiences have both inspired and rejuvenated his approach to design, which he now applies to local projects through his work at PWL. With his love of the outdoors, Kevin says, finding himself among British Columbia’s varied landscapes seems like a natural progression. When not playing sports or exploring the mountains on two feet or two wheels, you can find him honing his skills as an aspiring campfire harmonicist.

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” – Douglas Adams

Katya Yushmanova

MLA Associate ASLA BA
Landscape Designer

"I find landscape architecture to be one of the most fascinating careers. I love the balance between creativity and science," explains Katya, who was drawn to landscape architecture during her childhood years; months on end were spent at her grandmother's farm in Russia where she first felt a deep connection to the Earth.

Katya joins us from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she operated her own garden design company and worked at the University of New Mexico as a graduate research assistant. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history of art with honors from the University of Culture and Arts in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and a Masters of Landscape Architecture with distinction from the University of New Mexico.

With a passion for gardening, Katya has found new interests in taekwondo, snowboarding, hiking and cooking some of her family’s favourite Russian recipes, since her recent move forced her to leave most of her treasured plants behind. Recently, Katya participated in an international garden festival in France where she and a team built their garden design, one of 20 designs chosen from 300 proposals.

"The path is the goal."-Mahatma Gandhi

Liang Duan

RAIC DULE
Shanghai Office

Liang has over seven years of practice in the field of design; his professional experience includes both urban planning and architecture at multiple scales. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from the University of Manitoba and a diploma in Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia, allowing him the ability to understand urban design from both planning and economic viewpoints. He has been involved in projects across the United States, Canada, and China.

Born and raised in China, Liang has a rich understanding of the urban challenges currently facing China. After living overseas for 10 years, he has returned to China to help establish PWL’s China office. He believes that PWL’s experience in creating one of the most livable cities in the world will be extremely valuable to design and planning projects in Asia. Liang is a world traveler who loves nature, music, and sports.

Liz Nguyen

MLA BCSLA CSLA
Landscape Architect

"I had an urban upbringing, with limited exposure to nature," says Liz, who was drawn to landscape architecture and design once she had the opportunity to travel and explore natural areas. “My parents, who immigrated to Canada, were completely unfamiliar with the Canadian traditions of hiking and camping!” Originally from Toronto, she attributes her interest in interior landscape design to her experience of long winters and the time spent indoors.

Liz has long been interested in design, and pursued landscape architecture to apply this interest to fostering an understanding of the natural and built environment. She earned a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, followed by a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of British Columbia, and has worked in private landscape architectural practice in Vancouver for several years.

Liz is inspired by Vancouver’s unique combination of urban and natural settings. An early riser, she enjoys exploring Vancouver’s breakfast scene, as well as squeezing in island getaways, snowboarding, and hiking whenever possible.

Drew Halpin

BDes LA
Landscape Designer

Bio coming soon!

Roxy

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Principals

Behind all the innovative work stand the people that make it possible: the principals. Each principal contributes unique skills to reinforce PWL’s foundation of innovative design and quality service, including project management, design experience, technical knowledge, and communications skills.
Associates

Good people are critical to PWL's success - from working effectively with our clients to designing livable communities and creating engaging public places. PWL Partnership's three Associates are Registered landscape architects providing project management and mentorship within the office. Associates work closely with clients, partners and staff - helping facilitate the work of the office, from conceptual design through to municipal review and construction drawings for landscape architectural, urban design, and open space planning projects.
Our Team

Our team consists of a few dozen, and our talents are diverse. We’re proud of the results that we can achieve when our group of like-minded landscape architects, planners, graphic designers, and arborists, works towards a common goal.

Roxy

Margot Long

Bruce Hemstock

Chris Sterry

Grant Brumpton

Derek Lee

Jason Wegman

Peter Liaw

Theresa Cherniak

Jeff Philips

Kathy Quayle

Ian Stewart

Jim Moore

Karin England

Anna Babicz

Léandre Bérubé LeBrun

Alexandre Man-Bourdon

Belinda Chan

Sarah Dickie

Miriam Plishka

Scott Mason

Travis Harrison

Jingchan Liu

Monica Hessels

Justin Dykstra

Jingjing Sun

Jason Gow

Zhiwei Lu

Kevin Fraser

Katya Yushmanova

Liang Duan

Liz Nguyen

Drew Halpin

Roxy

Principals

Associates

Our Team