Principal, President
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 & Company with forty seven 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.
State of California, Landscape Architect #1829
Vice President / Project Director
Stephanie Psomas joined Pamela Burton & Company in 1987 and serves as Managing Principal of the practice. With degrees in Fine Arts and Landscape Architecture and a family history in Civil Engineering, Stephanie brings an understanding of infrastructure and interest in diverse, indigenous plant materials to the firm that continually furthers PB&Co’s reputation as a leader in the use of Mediterranean plant palettes.
Stephanie serves as Project Director for some of the firm’s most complex projects, responsible for coordination, construction documents and construction observation. Her understanding of maintenance practices, water-use, material up-keep and replacement, and security issues help to ensure the design of environments that will stand the test of time with limited care.
State of California, Landscape Architect #3414
Principal
An 18 year veteran of Pamela Burton & Company (PB&Co), Mary has 37 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. Her design process supports and advances PB&Co’s integration of art, architecture and landscape.
Mary’s skills have served clients well across large-scale institutional, civic, and commercial work. Mary’s recent projects with PB&Co include the landscape design for healthcare centers and large-scale institutional housing facilities in addition to directing K-12 academic campus projects and multiple residential estates in West Los Angeles, Malibu, and Montecito.
State of California, Landscape Architect #4124
Principal
Dan Colbeck has worked on a wide variety of projects during his thirteen years at Pamela Burton & Company (PB&Co) including courthouses and U.S. Embassies, healthcare facilities, and commercial and institutional campuses. With 20 years of professional experience, Dan’s project management and construction experience has continued to push the firm’s capabilities in public and institutional work from conceptual design through construction documents and administration.
Dan’s inspirations for design are rooted in his passion for travel and the outdoors. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he looks to maximize sustainable landscape design strategies in all aspects of project development, particularly the role of water in the landscape.
State of California, Landscape Architect #5348
Principal
Robin Carmichael approaches the design and management of projects based on experience gained on both the East and West Coast. Her education in architecture and landscape architecture enables her to place a strong emphasis on spatial experiences and the integration of architecture and landscape as two components of the same art.
Robin’s interests in sustainability and environmentally responsible design led to her pursuit of LEED accreditation and sustainable integration on civic, residential and commercial projects. She has 20 years of experience in the field of landscape architecture and is currently the Project Designer for multiple public elementary and high schools in Los Angeles, a commercial office tower in Santa Monica, several projects on the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Campus, as well as various residential estates in Beverly Hills and the Westside.
State of California, Landscape Architect #5727
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 been a Project Designer for multiple residential gardens, commercial projects, and institutional works.
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.
Paul studied architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington and received his master’s degree from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He has completed projects across the country and abroad, delivering design concepts and construction administration for city masterplans and residential homes alike. Since joining Pamela Burton and Company, Paul has been a Project Designer for multiple residential gardens, commercial and mixed-use projects, as well as institutional works.
Michelle studied English at Oberlin College and received her master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. She 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.
Julia is the Studio Manager of PB&Co. She works closely with the leadership team to manage the development of presentations for RFPs/RFQs and potential projects, including composing narratives, creating digital marketing materials, and coordinating team efforts. In addition to leading marketing and communication efforts, she supports general operations of the firm.
With a background in business development in the green building industry, Julia applies her professional experience and passion for the creation of green spaces in urban environments to communication strategies that are impactful. Julia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics with an emphasis in Environmental Policy from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
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.