President, Principal
Pamela Burton combines an extensive knowledge of plant materials and the history of landscape with an interest in architectural spaces that have symbolic resonance. As founding Principal of Pamela Burton and Company (PB&Co) with more than 45 years of professional experience, Pamela continues to advance the firm’s design approach into more sustainable avenues and plays a critical role in developing site and program analyses, initial concepts, design development, client presentations and construction observation.
In addition to decades of projects across civic, commercial, institutional and private residential realms, Pamela has taught extensively and written two books. Private Landscapes: Modernist Gardens in Southern California, published in 2003, profiles the suburban gardens designed by mid-century modernists. A second book published in 2010, Pamela Burton Landscapes, focuses on the interrelationships and crossovers between twenty of PB&Co’s private and public projects.
Vice President, Principal
Stephanie Psomas has been with Pamela Burton & Company since 1987 and has more than 35 years of experience in landscape architecture. As Director of Operations, she oversees the firm’s project development, human resources, office management, marketing, and project proposals. In addition, as Project Director for many of PB&Co’s major projects, she lends her expertise in specification writing, budget analysis, quality control, construction documents and construction observation.
Stephanie specializes in the coordination of user groups and facilities maintenance departments to meet their site requirements. Her passion for horticulture and the wealth of plant materials that thrive in our Southern California climate leads her in an on-going quest for more diverse trees and shrubs that can be incorporated into projects. An inveterate observer of how trees and shrubs thrive in ideal or challenging conditions, she reviews each site with a critical eye.
State of California, Registered Landscape Architect #3414
Principal, Senior Landscape Architect
Mary has been with Pamela Burton & Company for nearly 20 years and has 38 years of professional experience in both the architectural and landscape architectural fields. Her academic training in the Earth Sciences and Architecture and her collaborative design approach inform thoughtful landscape architectural solutions that work well with associated architectural and planning concepts. Mary’s careful site analysis, attention to detail, and innovative design work contribute to the creation of beautiful and authentic places.
As Senior Landscape Architect, Mary oversees concept design through construction administration, provides project management and coordination of the landscape design work with the architect, client, and other consultants. Current projects with PB&Co include the landscape design for the University of California, Riverside School of Business, a streetscape and community gathering space with the City of West Hollywood, several Los Angeles Unified School District academic campus projects, multiple projects at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration campus, as well as residential estates in the Nichols Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, and Montecito.
State of California, Registered Landscape Architect #4124
State of California, Registered Architect #C22305
Principal, Senior Landscape Architect
Robin Carmichael has 20 years of experience in the field of landscape architecture. Her background in architecture, as well as her expertise in the design and construction phases of landscape architecture, contribute to a strong design emphasis on spatial experience and a thorough understanding of the requirements for building and site design. Robin’s interest in environmentally responsible design, along with her architecture and landscape architecture academic training, contribute to a thorough understanding of the environmental requirements for site design.
As Senior Landscape Architect, Robin has led a wide range of projects including all phases of project development – from programming and concept design to design, contract documents and construction administration. Robin is currently the design lead and manager for several Los Angeles Unified School District elementary and high schools, a mixed-use development in West Hollywood, a commercial office tower in Santa Monica, several projects on the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Campus, as well as residential estates in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Malibu.
State of California, Registered Landscape Architect #5727
Principal
With 20 years of experience in landscape architecture project management and construction, Dan has the skills to create and implement projects from conceptual design through construction documents and administration and leads Pamela Burton & Company teams in a thorough and highly capable manner.
Dan has worked on a wide variety of projects including numerous government and university projects, medical campuses, master planned residential communities, and recreation facilities. Dan’s recent work with Pamela Burton & Company includes designing social spaces for commercial and institutional campuses such as Logix Federal Credit Union Headquarters, California Market Center (CMC), and The Barn at UC Riverside. As a LEED Accredited Professional, Dan looks to maximize sustainable landscape design strategies in all aspects of project development.
State of California, Registered Landscape Architect #5348
Associate
Donielle’s approach to landscape design is rooted in her engagement with contemporary art practice. Her studies of aesthetics and representation as an undergraduate at Scripps College and the Courtauld Institute of Art, as well as her professional experiences at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and Doug Aitken Workshop, act as a conceptual framework that enable her to consider landscape design within the context of visual culture.
Donielle studied landscape architecture and urbanism at the University of Southern California, where her design-research thesis strategized how to use environmental process and site material to create new ecological aesthetics for botanical garden design. Since joining Pamela Burton & Company in 2018, Donielle has worked on a wide range of projects including residential estates, commercial centers, academic campuses, and healthcare facilities.
Associate
With a background in architecture and construction, Paul understands a successful project requires careful attention to many subjects—history and context, artistic creativity, and technical expertise. With an eye for texture and materiality, Paul’s thoughtful approach to landscape architecture develops a unique story for each project to create a sense of place at the human scale. Paul has a knack for thorough research and problem solving across a broad range of topics.
Associate
Michelle has experience working on a wide variety of design projects such as historic landmarks, public parks, schools, playgrounds, health care campuses, green infrastructure and residential gardens. Her design approach is rooted in site analysis, ecology, and landscape history. She is enthusiastic about landscape design that enhances biodiversity and provides ecosystem services. Michelle studied English at Oberlin College and received her master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University.
Associate
Taylor’s educational background equips him with a multifaceted approach to landscape architecture. His degree in Product Design from Parsons School of Design gives him a particular attention to design details and technical construction. His degree in Environmental Science enables him to consider a project’s ecological composition, and has influenced his lifelong love of plants and horticulture. Taylor has experience working on a wide array of projects including public parks & plazas, green infrastructure & habitat mitigation projects, educational & corporate campuses, and private residences.
Designer
With a background in architecture and landscape architecture, Bessy’s design approach is rooted in nature. She strives to create environments that are simple, and functional design solutions grounded in the uniqueness of each site.
An El Salvador native, Bessy holds an Associated Degree in Architecture Design, and received her bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic University. During her career as designer, she has contributed to a variety of projects delivering site analysis, design concepts, planting design, graphics presentations, and construction documentation.
Since joining Pamela Burton & Company, Bessy has been a Project Designer for several residential gardens and higher education academic campuses.
Designer
Originally from Rhode Island, Chris received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree with a minor in Community Planning from the University of Rhode Island. Prior to joining PB&Co, Chris worked at Grupo de Diseño Urbano in Mexico City and worked with a Boston based firm on a variety of urban projects. Chris believes that the role of landscape architecture is to enrich the pedestrian experience through a variety of spaces and activities. Surrounded by infrastructure built for cars, it is within the capacity of landscape architecture to reshape the built environment and adapt to our changing needs. Chris brings his skills of abstract thinking, unique project concept and identity creation, and loose conceptual drawing to every project.
Studio Manager
As the Studio Manager of PB&Co, Julia is responsible for leading the production and management of qualifications/presentation packages for Request for Qualifications (RFQs)/Request for Proposals (RFPs), creating marketing materials, and coordinating professional design award submissions, publication opportunities, and project tours. In addition to leading marketing and communication efforts, she supports the general operations of the firm. Julia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics with an emphasis in Environmental Policy from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Accounting Manager
Charlie moved to Los Angeles immediately after earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton. For the past 21 years he has been performing accounting and office management duties primarily for design and construction companies, beginning with an award-winning Architect in Santa Monica. From there, he moved to construction, providing his services to boutique builders and developers that have constructed over $150 million in high-end residential, commercial, institutional and multi-family projects on the west side. Charlie brings extensive experience in accounting, contract administration, human resources and customer service to our established yet dynamic firm here at PB&C.