#LA20: Landscape Architecture Leadership
Landscape Architecture has hit another milestone. 2004 to 2024. Twenty years ago, it started with Senior Landscape Architecture Manager Brian Glick, then we added Vice President and Landscape Architecture Principal Bill Sowa to fully implant its roots into what we now know as HMH, a multidisciplinary design firm. Ever since its integration, Landscape Architecture Studio has grown into a lush group of highly knowledgeable, talented, and experienced project managers, registered landscape architects, arborists, senior designers, project designers, assistants, and junior designers. With their artistic vision, residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use developments, and public infrastructure outcomes are significantly aesthetically enhanced by combining the beauty of the built environment with the planting layout of our architects and designers.
As the next generation of leaders to spearhead all our private and public parks, gardens, trails, and various sceneries, we want to celebrate the past, present and future of this phenomenally skilled bunch and all that they have offered to our HMH projects, Bay Area Cities, Counties and Central Valley area. Nurturing Calandra and Shawn’s progression to become LA Studio’s managers speaks to HMH’s desire to diversify its services to its clients and partners, keeping up with the demands of ever-changing times. In the A/E/C industry, growth is essential to thriving, and inspiring everyone with new takes on building the present.
For Calandra and Shawn, the thought of becoming landscape architects wasn’t implanted from the get-go. As they went through the motions of school, they both fell in love with the prospects of landscape design. “It wasn’t until school that I knew it was a career I wanted to pursue. I loved the idea of creating places for people to enjoy while influencing how they experience their day-to-day,” Calandra reminisced. For Shawn, he was ironically an Engineering major when he discovered the existence of Landscape Architecture.
Generally, they hope to instill a positive influence in the communities around them by creating places people from all walks of life can enjoy.
Fast forward a little to their first step on HMH soil, their first foray into the world of multidisciplinary design firms. Calandra recounts being intrigued by HMH’s multi-offerings, excited by the idea of working with other disciplines to create places.
Shawn remembers feeling a sense of positivity and promise during his interview with Bill and Brian. He thoughtfully adds, “In my experience, I truly believe their approach and support to help others reach goals is unsurpassed.” Shawn also shares in Calandra’s sentiments obtaining as vast an amount of experience as possible in all aspects of Landscape. Having changed careers, from marketing, to sales support then graphic design—HMH is continuing to fill that goal!
While learning the ropes, being assigned a first major project with a design firm is huge. It’s an opportunity for you to shine and show the team your value. There’s a great sense of trust there to successfully work with minimal oversight, as well as pivot in collaborating effectively with the rest of the team. From that first major assignment to now, Calandra and Shawn share their growth process.
And their favorite project? Calandra thoughtfully answers, “It’s actually Market Park… simply because my parents regularly shop at the Safeway in that plaza.” Beaming with pride, she happily adds how fun it is to see her work being used by people she cares about. Meanwhile, Shawn doesn’t hesitate with Golden Oak Park in San Jose. Apart from being the lead designer, he explains, “The project allowed for an elevated level of creativity, collaboration, and potential value for the community.”
The journey from a designer and drafter to co-managing the team and its projects has been a rollercoaster ride for both with lessons learned and triumphs. Apart from their first major designs and sharpening their creative processes, Calandra and Shawn share personal highlights and memorable insights in being part of the HMH Landscape Studio team.
Shawn agrees and adds that he’s always found reward in helping others. “Yes! That’s the highlight—it’s the ultimate reward when our team reaches success through motivation and similar goals.” They concur that being part of that process has been the most fulfilling aspect of their careers. Furthermore, receiving valuable advice from their own mentors as well as gleaning from their own experiences, has helped shape their careers into what they are today. Calandra shares that communication and empathy are still top traits to managing a successful team. “I’ve learned we’re better when we actually stop, listen, and give our teammates a chance to speak up. It makes for an overall better project when everyone can work together, help one another when we’re in trouble, and praise each other on a job well done. We can’t do any of that without openly communicating.”
He proceeds to describe Mr. Walquist, Jr.’s voice as a reminder that we all have the power to change how we approach daily challenges, and that we are not alone in solving problems. Shawn concludes this insightful knowledge, “It’s another reminder that there are options allowing for the balance of what we all do and how we react, giving us control of that fun factor.” Well, that reminds me of the saying, “You get what you put out.”
So, after all that is said and done, the journey naturally comes with its set of rewards and challenges. Like with any experience, individuals don’t grow both personally and professionally without a healthy balance of good and bad. Most especially, when you’re in charge of a team, with power comes great responsibility.
Shawn nods and appends to that sentiment, “Mmm… I’d say finding the balance of supporting team members without micromanaging.” But of course, on the other side of that coin, this leads us to the most rewarding part of leading a team. “Oh, the most rewarding part? Hearing the positive feedback from clients about team members!” Calandra enthuses. Eyes aglow, she says, “I love hearing that the team is doing an excellent job and that clients love working with them. I’m always proud of their hard work and it’s rewarding to hear them get recognize for it.” Shawn then aptly puts it, “Growing with a dynamic team of talented colleagues.” Recognition, dynamic and talented colleagues, and growth are absolutely points to highlight when managing a successful team.
Coming full circle to present day, HMH Landscape Architecture has reached two decades and groomed two humble designers into the studio’s new co-managers, leading their own team of exuberant landscapers, wide-eyed and ready to absorb as much as they can. With LA Studio featuring such immense talent, Calandra and Shawn divulge what makes this team tick. “The key aspect to our team is the dedication to teamwork—everyone is willing to help in any capacity they can, whether that is drafting, designing, or plan checking. If someone needs help to accomplish a task, a volunteer is eager and available. If there is a shortage of work for the week, others are willing to share. It’s amazing to see everyone prioritize their teammates to keep the group moving forward,” Calandra says.
Ultimately, Calandra and Shawn have proven their value over time as the next generation of leaders to keep elevating the Landscape Architecture team to new heights. Forward thinkers, innovators, and strategists, they’re a dynamic duo of visionaries.
Shawn succinctly supports this statement, saying, “Oh, 100%. And to realize that vision, grow and evolve our skills together through collaboration, education, inspiration, and passion, allowing us to provide the most sustainable and beneficial landscape projects while having fun.”
