Understanding place. Creating meaningful landscapes.

Yahara Landworks is an independent residential landscape design practice based in the greater Madison area of south-central Wisconsin. The name reflects a connection to the Yahara landscape and the lakes, waterways, communities, and surrounding lands that give this part of Wisconsin its distinctive character.

The practice is rooted in a simple idea: good landscape design begins by paying attention—to the land, to how people use and experience it, and to the relationships between the two. Rather than applying a predetermined style or formula, each project develops from the particular qualities, opportunities, and needs of the property.

A lifelong connection to nature and design

I grew up exploring forests, building forts, and creating small worlds outdoors. Those experiences fostered an early fascination with landscapes—not only how they look, but how they shape the way we move, gather, explore, and experience a place.

That interest eventually developed into a desire to design and create landscapes: to understand what is already there, imagine what a place could become, and translate those ideas into something tangible.

A foundation in landscape architecture

I studied Landscape Architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I developed a foundation in site design, ecological systems, and the relationship between people and place.

My professional experience has included residential design and build, as well as work within a landscape architecture and civil design firm. Working across these environments provided experience with both the creative and technical aspects of landscape projects—from developing early concepts to coordinating the details required to bring ideas into built form.

A thoughtful approach to landscape design

I created Yahara Landworks to bring together creativity, technical knowledge, and an appreciation for the natural world through a more personal design practice.

I believe residential landscapes can do more than simply improve the appearance of a property. They can create places for gathering and solitude, make better use of the land, strengthen connections between home and landscape, support ecological function, and provide opportunities to spend more time outdoors.

Each project is different, and that is part of what makes the work interesting. My role is to listen, observe, ask questions, explore possibilities, and develop a design that responds to the property and the people who call it home.