MANAGING PARTNER (NASHVILLE/DALLAS), RLA, ASLA, LEED AP

AT THE OFFICE: Richie Jones joined HDLA in 2003 and has since become an integral part of the design and leadership team of the firm. In 2012, Richie became a Partner in the firm and continues to grow as a leader in the design community of Middle Tennessee.  He has led high profile projects including the William Snodgrass Tennessee Tower Green Roof and Plaza, Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Quadrangle, AMP Bus Rapid Transit Streetscape and Urban Design, Werthan Mills Redevelopment Master Plan, as well as many others.  He remains involved in the community as an advisory board member of Transit Now Nashville and a Board Member of Friends of Shelby Park, as well as a member of ULI Nashville, the Nashville Civic Design Forum and the Rotary Club of Nashville.  

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Richie most enjoys spending time with his wife Angie and young son, Gil.  He also enjoys sketching, music (specifically his annual trek to Raleigh for The Hopscotch Music Festival), and losing golf balls.

EDUCATION

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
School of Environmental Design
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with Honors, 2002 (Magna Cum Laude)

REGISTRATION

Landscape Architect:  TN Lic. #865
LEED AP

MEMBERSHIPS

Friends of Shelby Park Board Member
Urban Design Forum
Rotary Club of Nashville
East End United Methodist Church

AWARDS

ULI Excellence in Development - Franklin Police Headquarters - 2011
TN ASLA Merit Award - Tennessee Tower Green Roof Plaza - 2012
Merit Award from the TN Chapter of ASLA for 1700 Midtown, Nashville, TN2013

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 101
Direct: 615.953.5061
E-MAIL RICHIE

MANAGING partner (NASHVILLE/DALLAS), RLA, ASLA LEED AP

AT THE OFFICE: Chris Barkley joined HDLA in 2012 and has since become an integral part of the design and management team within the firm. Chris is responsible for coordinating the team's daily work efforts, building client relationships, managing consultants, and implementation of plans and construction. A strong work ethic and unique mix of design talent, management and organization skills make him a key asset to each project team. Chris believes in the power of design and that great design infuses our built environment with nature, art, and technology in a way that encourages human interaction and creates a better quality of life for all.  

Chris brings extensive experience working on corporate, institutional, mixed-use, urban design and parks projects throughout the U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia. Projects of note are Centennial Park, Gulch Crossing, Vanderbilt Engineering and Science Building, AMP Bus Rapid Transit, and Bellevue Library.

Prior to joining HDLA, Chris worked on Two Arts Plaza, Savoye Squared, Glory Park, Pearl River New Town and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi during his tenure at MESA Design Group and Rockwall Heritage Park (2012 Texas ASLA Merit Award Recipient) and Scenic Point Park during his tenure at la terra studio. 

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Chris enjoys spending time with the three leading ladies in his life; his wife, Kearra and his two beautiful daughters Harper and Amelia. When not chasing kids, Chris can be found avidly following his beloved Kentucky Wildcats. 

EDUCATION

University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
College of Agriculture 
Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture with Honors, 2006 (Cum Laude)

REGISTRATION

TN License #1019
C.L.A.R.B. Certified
LEED AP

AWARDS

Metro Tree Advisory Committee’s George Cate Award – Bellevue Library, 2015
TXALSA Merit Award - Rockwall Heritage Park, 2012
TXASLA Communications Merit Award - (Park)ing Day, 2011

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 105
Direct: 615.953.8745
E-MAIL CHRIS

PARTNER EMERITUS, RLA, ASLA

Jim Douglas co-founded HDLA (then Hodgson Douglas) in 1985 with a vision of creating a Landscape Architecture, Planning and Urban Design firm focused on the production of excellent design and personal service in a demanding field. Prior to his retirement Jim led the firm in many exciting and innovative design projects spanning over three decades. Jim is passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces that meet the goals of the client and inspire the end user.  Jim’s primary design emphasis has been Campus Planning and Urban Design. Jim is an active member of the Middle Tennessee design community, having served as President of the Board for the Nashville Civic Design Center, Friends of Warner Parks Advisory Board, Metro Nashville Arts Commission - Public Art Committee, Nashville Tree Foundation Board and Green Hills YMCA Board.   

Jim is an avid road cyclist, loves hiking, traveling, and never misses an “Anaconda” movie marathon.

EDUCATION

Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Master of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, 1978. 

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1976 (Magna Cum Laude) 

Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina, 1971-1973.

REGISTRATION

Landscape Architect:  TN Lic. #387;
Landscape Architect:  KY Lic. #848

MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Landscape Architects
Friends of Warner Park Advisory Board of Directors 1988-present
Nashville Civic Design Center, President of the Board 2007-2010
Nashville Civic Design Center Member
Green Hills/Nashville YMCA Board of Directors 2013-present
Downtown Partnership, Committee Chair 1998
Metro Nashville Arts Commission - Public Art Committee, Board Member 2006-2010
Nashville Tree Foundation, Board Member – 2012-present

Office: 615.327.4447
E-MAIL JIM

PROJECT DESIGNER

AT THE OFFICE: Margaret joined HDLA the summer of 2022 after completing her Bachelor’s degree at Purdue University. She loves learning about native plants and landscapes and likewise educating others about their natural environment. Margaret also finds that every place has a story and enjoys incorporating site history into her designs when possible.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: You can find Margaret slowing down on the weekends with sketchbook in-hand and cup of tea in the other, observing the people and places around her. She also enjoys staying active with friends on hiking trails or playing ultimate frisbee.

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (2022)

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 118
Direct: 615.647.6384

E-MAIL MARGARET

PARTNER EMERITUS, RLA, ASLA

Joe Hodgson practiced for 40 years focusing on planning, landscape architecture and urban design prior to his retirement from HDLA. Much of that work has been here in the Middle Tennessee Region, including University of the South, numerous projects at Montgomery Bell Academy, as well as the Capital Hill Master Plan, 2525 West End, The Frist Center, AT&T Building, The Chattanoogan, Belmont University and numerous other streetscapes, educational institutions and parks.  

EDUCATION

University of Georgia, Athens, GA
School of Environmental Design
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1975 (Cum Laude)

REGISTRATION

Landscape Architect:  TN License #263
C.L.A.R.B. certified (Council Record 11736)

MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Landscape Architects
Board Member - Oak Hill School 1996-2000
Oak Hill School Vice Chair - Building Committee - 1999-2000
City of Oak Hill Planning Commission 2011-2014
Land Trust for Tennessee: Glen Leven Committee

AWARDS

ULI Excellence in Development - Franklin Police Headquarters - 2011
TN ASLA Merit Award - Tennessee Tower Green Roof Plaza - 2012
Merit Award from the TN Chapter of ASLA for 1700 Midtown, Nashville, TN  2013

Office: 615.327.4447
E-MAIL JOE

PRINCIPAL, OPERATIONS, RLA

AT THE OFFICE: Chris Mantle joined HDLA in March 2015 after working in Charlottesville, VA for four years. In his previous work, Chris was involved in numerous projects ranging from large scale master planning for private residential and field sport based development, to municipal, educational, public amenity and green infrastructure design. Chris' passion is urban design and the impact it can have on not only the built environment, but also on the lives of those who live and work there. Chris has continued in his professional career the focus of his Master's work, pushing for the integration of green infrastructure to improve the urban environment.  

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Chris loves hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, golfing, refinishing furniture, carpentry, and spending time with his family. Chris also spends time volunteering for environmental causes, and prior to moving to Nashville was the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Rivanna Conservation Society.  

EDUCATION

University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, 2008

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
Masters of Landscape Architecture, 2010 (Magna Cum Laude)

REGISTRATION

Landscape Architect:  VA Lic. # 0406001716

MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Landscape Architects

Urban Land Institute

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext. 102
Direct: 615.953.5062
E-MAIL CHRIS

PARTNER, rla, ASLA, LEEP AP

AT THE OFFICE: TJ Eliason completed a successful internship at HDLA during the summer of 2012. After graduation from the University of Georgia, TJ joined the HDLA team full time. In his short time at the firm, he has been involved in a variety of projects. TJ has a passion for urban design and is excited about the potential to improve quality of life through good design.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: TJ spends all his free time watching/playing sports and exploring the vast and endless possibilities of Nashville Groupon and Living Social. 

EDUCATION

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2013 (Summa Cum Laude)

REGISTRATION

Landscape Architect:  TN Lic. #1155

Awards

Honor Award from the TN Chapter of ASLA for Terra House, Nashville, TN, 2017

ULI Excellence in Development Award for Gulch Crossing, Nashville, TN, 2016

ULI Excellence in Development Award for The Flats at Taylor Place, Nashville, TN, 2016

Honor Award from the TN Chapter of ASLA for The Flats at Taylor Place, Nashville, TN, 2015

MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Landscape Architects

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 107
Direct: 615.953.8749
E-MAIL TJ

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

AT THE OFFICE: Elizabeth joined the HDLA team in the summer of 2020 as an intern. She moved back to Nashville in June of 2022 after completing her master’s degree in landscape architecture at the University of Georgia. With a background in historic preservation and community planning, she is passionate about integrating the history of places into designs through materiality, plant selection, and interpretation. Elizabeth aims to curate meaningful connections between people and places in order for the stories of landscapes to continue to evolve and be interpreted for generations to come.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Elizabeth enjoys exploring hiking trails and public parks, playing tennis, traveling, cheering on the Braves, and spending time with her friends and family. Most weekends, she can be found taking scenic drives, exploring new restaurants, or planning themed parties with her roommates.

EDUCATION

College of Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina
Bachelor of Arts in Historic Preservation and Community Planning, 2018

The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia College of Environment + Design Master of Landscape Architecture, 2022

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext. 114
Direct: 615.953.8752
E-MAIL ELIZABETH

PRINCIPAL, RLA

AT THE OFFICE: Robert Whittemore joined the HDLA team in June 2019 after practicing in Houston, TX for six years. During his time in Houston, Robert utilized his creativity throughout the design and construction process, quickly growing into the role of project manager. Regardless of the project, Robert aims to create spaces that encourage an interaction with nature that is meaningful and thought provoking. He joined the HDLA team with the goal of pushing creative boundaries as he works within a more diverse project portfolio. He hopes that the places created for people to work, live, and play will increase the overall health of individuals, community, and the environment.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Robert enjoys exploring Nashville or the great outdoors with his wife Meredith and young son Hudson. He enjoys watching football and playing golf and tennis on beautiful days. When there is nothing else to do, you can usually find him relaxing by the pool. Robert also enjoys entertaining friends and family through his cooking, jokes, and game nights.

EDUCATION

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fay Jones School of Architecture
Bachelor's of Science in Landscape Architecture with Honors (2013) Cum Laude

registration

Texas License # 3160

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 104
Direct: 615.953.8744
E-MAIL ROBERT

oFFICE MANAGER

AT THE OFFICE: Ellie moved to Nashville from Texas in 2015 and joined the team in June of 2018. Before HDLA, she worked in clinical research at Vanderbilt University where she managed a variety of medical studies. Now she is responsible for a diverse set of administrative tasks that support productivity and contribute to the overall functionality of the office.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: She enjoys the outdoors, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

EDUCATION

Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX Bachelor of Child and Family Studies (2015)

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 100
Direct: 615.953.8742
E-MAIL ELLIE

Principal

AT THE OFFICE: Austen started at HDLA in January of 2018. She is a Nashville native, excited to see the energy that design has brought to her hometown. With a background in Architecture, she brings a fresh perspective to the studio. She was drawn to Landscape Architecture by the merging practices of design, horticulture and architecture. She is skilled in graphic communication and using graphic diagraming to explain abstract, creative concepts. Her work at HDLA focuses on parks and gardens, however she is eager to grow as a designer and thrives when given new and challenging work.

On occasion She even fills in as part time DJ and barista in the East Nashville studio.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Known for her adventurous spirit, Austen can often be found climbing, biking, or revisiting the glory days of her high school soccer career. She and her husband David have traveled abroad for both Architecture study and leisure and look forward the opportunity to experience new cultures in years to come. She is also in training for the Food Network television show, Chopped. Air date: TBD

EDUCATION

Politechnika Krakowska, Krakow, Poland, International Study in Architecture (Fall 2017)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, College of Architecture and Design (2017) Cum Laude

memberships

Walk Bike Nashville

Creative Mornings Nashville

Christ Presbyterian Church – Music Row

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 111
Direct: 615.953.8754
E-MAIL AUSTEN

Project designer

AT THE OFFICE: Taylor has returned to HDLA after finishing her master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2023. She originally joined the team as an Intern in the summer of 2022. With a background in architecture, her goals are to create spaces that seamlessly flow from interior to exterior while addressing the needs of the community and the environment. Taylor is passionate about creating safe and clean environments for all walks of life to enjoy.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Taylor enjoys traveling, playing with her dog, and spending time with her friends and family. Most weekends she can be found with her dog and a frisbee at the nearest park or making the trip down to Chattanooga to see her family.

EDUCATION

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Bachelor's of Architecture

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Master’s of Landscape Architecture

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 121
Direct: 615.647.6340
E-MAIL TAYLOR

SENIOR Project designer

AT THE OFFICE: Maggie has returned to HDLA after finishing her bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University in 2021. She originally joined the team as a yearlong Intern in summer of 2019. With a background in residential and commercial landscape design, her goals are to create spaces that encourage interaction with the environment and with the community. Maggie is passionate about discussing the needs and goals of stakeholders and working to implement creative design solutions to develop and engage communities.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Maggie enjoys traveling, watching the latest Marvel film, and spending time with her friends and family. Most weekends she can be found trying new restaurants around Nashville, going on a hike, or making a trip up to Indiana to see her family

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (2021)

MEMBERSHIPS

American Society of Landscape Architects

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 109
Direct: 615.953.8751

E-MAIL MAGGIE

Project MANAGER

AT THE OFFICE: Thomas joined the HDLA team summer of 2022 after spending one year in Austin Texas following the completion of his MLA. During his graduate studies, Thomas focused on placemaking and community. Working with residents and stakeholders to create open spaces that are cherished by the community.  Thomas looks to build upon this work to craft places of joy that positively impact quality of life.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: As a transplant from the Midwest, Thomas loves exploring all things Nashville with his wife Sarah. Most weekends you can find them on their bikes out on the Music City Greenway, visiting a farmers’ market, or exploring Nashville's incredible urban greenspaces.

EDUCATION

Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas

College of Architecture, Planning & Design

Master of Landscape Architecture (2021)

South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota

Department of Landscape Architecture

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (2018)

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 108
Direct: 615.953.8750
E-MAIL THOMAS

PROJECT MANAGER

AT THE OFFICE: Gabrielle joined the HDLA team as an Intern in the summer of 2017 to the summer of 2018. She has now returned after finishing her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.  She is passionate about how spaces can shape people and how people can shape spaces, along with how we can make the planet a cleaner and safer place through design.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Gabrielle enjoys exploring the local hiking scene and traveling. She enjoys playing sports like volleyball and tennis, and spending time with her family and friends. Gabrielle is the proud owner and dog mom to Jack; he is the cutest but laziest HDLA employee. 

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

College of Agriculture

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2020

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 110
Direct: 615.953.8753
E-MAIL GABRIELLE

PROJECT DESIGNER

AT THE OFFICE: Margaret, a graduate of the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia, joined HDLA in 2022, bringing a fresh perspective to the team. Her early artistic endeavors and passion for geometry laid the groundwork for her journey into landscape architecture. Margaret integrates thoughtful materiality and practical community needs in her designs. Her goal is to combine creativity, empathy, and practicality to craft captivating spaces that leave a lasting impression.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: You can often find Margaret enjoying a concert, eating her way through Nashville's flourishing food scene, or exploring Tennessee's beautiful outdoors.

EDUCATION

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2022

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 116
Direct: 615.933.7737
E-MAIL MARGARET

SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER

AT THE OFFICE: Watts graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville with a bachelors of Architecture. Having completed one semester of a landscape architecture studio, he found a love for integrating his skills in traditional architecture into the world of landscape. Watts is passionate about creating simple and functional yet beautiful urban design that incorporates community thought into the spaces they exist in.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Watts can be found biking and skateboarding with his brothers, fanatically watching almost any movie or TV show that comes out in the world, and spending time at his family lake house.

EDUCATION

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
College of Architecture + Design

Bachelor of Architecture (2021)

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 117
Direct: 615.933.7954

E-MAIL WATTS

Project designer

AT THE OFFICE: Carly joined the HDLA team in the summer of 2023 after receiving a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture from Mississippi State University. Her architecture background taught her the importance of transitional spaces that connect people to the world around her. She delights in the experience of using landscape architecture as a living art form. 

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Carly enjoys being outdoors, playing tennis, and spending time on the water with her friends and family. She lives for slow mornings but loves a good adventure. She’s also known to spontaneously travel to new destinations. 

EDUCATION

Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
Bachelor of Architecture

Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi
Master of Landscape Architecture

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 122
Direct: 615.647.6337
E-MAIL CARLY

PROJECT DESIGNER

AT THE OFFICE: Savannah joined HDLA in the summer of 2024 after earning her Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia. With her horticulture background, she's passionate about using plants to craft dynamic, sustainable environments that foster community and connection.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Savannah is always on the move, walking Nashville's trails and discovering new parks. When she's not exploring outdoors, you'll find her drawing or lost in a good book!

EDUCATION

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, 2022

University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
Master of Landscape Architecture, 2024

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext:151
Direct: 615.953.9546

E-MAIL SAVANNAH

PROJECT DESIGNER

AT THE OFFICE: John joined the HDLA team in the summer of 2024 after a year-long internship in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and completing his Bachelor's degree at Purdue University. He is passionate about exploring the intricacies of landscape architecture and expanding his knowledge in this ever-evolving field. John is dedicated to refining his professional skills to design spaces that positively enrich the community and enhance the environmental fabric of each site he encounters.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: As a former Indiana resident, John enjoys his free time fishing, hunting, hiking, or boating—anything to avoid his ongoing battle with his golf game. Between country concerts and small-town rodeos where he's taken up bull riding, John keeps life interesting, embracing each adventure with a mix of determination and a sense of humor.

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2024

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext:151
Direct: 615.953.9546

E-MAIL JOHN

principal, RLA

AT THE OFFICE: Mary is a licensed landscape architect and project manager at HDLA. Originally from Nashville, Mary is overjoyed to be back home and applying her design perspective to the city and the southeast. Through her background in architecture, she brings an interest in fabrication and designing at all scales, from guardrail details to continental mapping. Her research interests lie at the intersection of landscape architecture and conservation, which she explores both inside and outside of the office.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Mary spends her free time with her family. She loves cooking and exploring the ever-expanding restaurant scene here in Nashville and the southeast.

EDUCATION

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 
Bachelor of Architecture, 2012 (Magna Cum Laude) 

Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 
Master of Landscape Architecture, 2017 (Distinction) 
Master of Design Studies in Energy & Environment, 2017 (Distinction) 

registration

Landscape Architect: TN Lic. #1335

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 113
Direct: 615.953.8754
E-MAIL MARY

PROJECT MANAGER

AT THE OFFICE: Sam joined the HDLA team in March of 2021. With a background in plant sciences and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture, Sam brings a diverse skill set ranging from regional plant knowledge to creative modeling techniques. He is most passionate about how design can be used as a tool to influence how users interact with certain spaces by coupling ideas of ecology, infrastructure and culture.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Sam enjoys spending his free time doing just about anything outdoors, whether it’s going for a hike, honing in on his photography skills, or enjoying a cold one with friends. During the fall, all of these adventures get put on hold as he can only be found shouting Rocky Top and cheering on the Vols.

EDUCATION

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Herbert College of Agriculture

Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences with a concentration in Landscape Design (2018)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
College of Architecture and Design

Master of Landscape Architecture (2020)

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 106
Direct: 615.953.8748

E-MAIL SAM

intern

AT THE OFFICE: Jennifer is currently a year-long intern, working towards finishing her bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. She is passionate about the artistic use of native planting design to respond to changing climate factors. Jennifer loves creating spaces that can hold positive, long-lasting memories for community members to enjoy. 

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Jennifer enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat, Maisy. Most weekends she can be found thrifting to find new treasures. She loves painting with watercolor and gouache paints, as well as exploring crocheting and stained glass making. 

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (2025 anticipated)

Office: 615.327.4447
EMAIL JENNIFER

INTERN

AT THE OFFICE: Savannah is a year long-long landscape architecture student intern from Purdue University who is dedicated to understanding the experience of people within their environments.  Her interest is in designing diverse spaces through practical applications of design principles.  Savannah enjoys creating spaces that enhance the emotional experience of the user and finding creative solutions to design challenges.

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE: Savannah enjoys cycling, yoga, and dance of all types.  In her free time she loves reading a good book and finding new recipes to try.  Her newest hobby is exploring Nashville and checking out all the local coffee shops. 

EDUCATION

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (2026 anticipated)

Office: 615.327.4447 Ext: 115
Direct: 615.953.9546
E-MAIL SAVANNAH

pROJECT DESIGNER

AT THE OFFICE: With a background in architecture and interior design, Afrouz developed a strong passion for landscape architecture. She is interested in transforming outdoor spaces into a platform for building communities that not only serves them but also can save natural habitats by suggesting creative solutions. She has received her second Master’s degree at the University of Maryland, College Park, and has been working as a Landscape Architecture Designer for residential, commercial, and other private and public-owned projects since then. She is an active American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA) member.

EDUCATION

Azad University, Iran
Bachelor of Architecture Engineering

Azad University, Iran
Master of Architecture

University of Maryland
Master of Landscape Architecture
 
EMAIL AFROUZ

principal (Dallas), rla

AT THE OFFICE: Hank is a Principal at HDLA’s Dallas office, where he provides design direction, office and project management, and studio leadership.  Hank earned his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University and brings over 17 years of exemplary professional experience to the team.

Prior to joining HDLA, Hank provided design leadership and project management on a variety of award-winning projects, both internationally and domestically. He has experience leading landscape architecture studios that focused regionally on projects of all types and sizes, from +100-acre park master plans to urban infrastructure, pedestrian plazas, high-rise on-structure, retail repositioning, and much more.

Hank’s passion for landscape architecture stems from his deep love of art and the creative process. He approaches design with a keen understanding of spatial relationships, crafting meaningful and enduring places that balance function, proportion, and movement. Through a thoughtful and expressive design language, he creates spaces that are both beautiful and deeply resonant. 

EDUCATION

Louisiana State University

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

REGISTRATION

Texas License # 3923

awards

2023 Louisiana ASLA, Merit Award (Unrealized), Airline Highway Community Park

2022 D CEO Magazine - Commercial Real Estate Awards, Best Office Project - Christus Health Headquarters

2022 D CEO Magazine - Commercial Real Estate Awards, Best Multifamily Project – The Victor

2019 Texas ASLA, Honor Award – A Tasteful Place, Dallas Arboretum

2014 Texas ASLA, Honor Award, Design Constructed - OCT Bay

2013 Texas ASLA Award of Excellence, Design Constructed for Deloitte University

Direct: 214.991.2248
E-MAIL HANK

managing Partner (Dallas), RLA

Michael founded Dallas-based la terra studio before joining HDLA as the Managing partner for the Dallas office has overseen many of the firm's largest and most complex projects. Michael has a tremendous ability to brainstorm and come up with “big picture” ideas and integrate them into one cohesive, constructible project. He also oversees the firm’s projects through construction and has a hands-on approach from ground-breaking through ribbon-cuttings. His sketching and graphic skills bring the process to life and help convey design intent to stakeholders. Michael seeks to provide well-thought-out, creative solutions that are meaningful to users.

EDUCATION

Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

REGISTRATION

Landscape Architect, Texas License #2202

Direct: 469.955.3658
E-MAIL MICHAEL