Get to know us a little below, then drop us a line to say hello!
We seek clients who recognize planning and community design is not only an art but also a science based on cold hard facts. Every aspect of your project will be subject to a critical management review, from the signing of a clear and fair agreement, to well-coordinated documents, and timely delivery.
Our team draws on vast “rubber-meets-road” experience to justify our design decisions- the result being beautiful, economically-minded designs that turn into beloved community spaces.
Bob is responsible for project management, quality, and delivery. A University of Idaho graduate, he offers 42 years of professional practice as a landscape architect on a wide range of projects across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. A practical leader and ally, he has brought hundreds of projects to fruition across the pacific northwest; he has even designed the most Northern located park, and the most Western located park in the Nation, ask him about it! Bob is motivated by the challenge of maximizing taxpayer funds through creative, resourceful, and responsible design. Over the years you may have seen him serving on urban design commissions and art juries for many different municipal agencies. Bob’s therapy consists of goofing around with his grandkids and fly fishing for sea run cutthroat trout and silver salmon in Alaskan estuaries. Here’s one of his favorite inspirational quotes, “Success is always in the details” – Bill Marriott
Likes
Black Labs (Gracie Mae), Lost Coast rivers, skiing, Ice Age Floods, geomorphology, insects
Dislikes
Traffic, know-it-alls, liars, reality shows
If you could have any superhero power, what power would you have and why?
My superpower would be self-controlled aerial propulsion, AKA, Flying. This superpower allows me to be somewhere quick to help out, access job sites, and go to just about any river for fishing.
Heidi is responsible for billing, HR, marketing, project organization, business management, and keeping all of our ducks in a row. Since staring RWD in 1992 she claims her “multitude of tasks has multiplied”. She is hard-working, makes the best of any situation, and challenges everyone to learn and grow. Heidi is inspired by her business partner and husband Bob Droll who is honest and true; and she is motivated by the staff at RWD who are small but mighty. RWD gives her the flexibility to help care for her growing grandchildren, here’s what she says, “Grandparenting is an experience to put a name on it. I am grateful to have this opportunity.”
Likes
Getting lost in my garden; Tennis; Warm sandy beaches (especially in Florida and Hawaii); skiing, Discovering the world through my grandkid’s eyes
Dislikes
Not too many things but I do not like sushi or even going into a sushi restaurant even if they have non-sushi choices
What was the last gift you gave someone?
The gift I most like to give someone is my time and a smile
Don is responsible for project management, quality, and delivery. He has spent most of his 30+ year career specializing in athletic facilities and community park planning projects across the United States; and has worked on an impressive range and scale of competitive athletic facilities including the NFL, NCAA, major and minor league baseball, and major league soccer among many other organizations. His motivation is the pursuit of providing fair and equitable playing experiences for all ages and abilities. In his personal time Don spends it outdoors as far away from civilization as possible. He leads and instructs winter sports, wilderness navigation, and alpine scrambling. He is proud to be a USFS certified C-level sawyer and volunteer’s countless hours each year clearing and maintain our state trails. Here’s one of his favorite quotes, “Some people come to the woods because they don’t fit in anywhere else. Some people come to the woods because they just love being there. I guess I’m somewhere in between.” – Ray Lewis ‘The Last Alaskans’
Likes
Outdoor pursuits, volunteer trail maintenance, teaching mountaineering skills, backpacking, snowshoeing, and alpine scrambling
Dislikes
The color red, people who don’t take the time to train their dogs to be good citizens
If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?
“All My Days” by Alex Murdoch. It touches my soul like no other – goes right to the heart of my self-awareness.
Paul has been with RWD for an astounding 28 years with contributions focused on landscape design and project illustration. He is responsible for project management, quality, and delivery. As a University of Idaho graduate Paul is inspired by opportunities to solve design challenges in creating functional and appealing outdoor spaces and recreational facilities. With a background in painting and illustration, woodworking, and construction, he has really developed a keen eye for details. Some activities Paul enjoys in his spare time are hiking and camping, skiing, photography, and art.
Likes
Historic architecture, art, wilderness, vacations
Dislikes
Shopping, bad weather, selfish drivers
If you could learn one new personal skill, what would it be?
I’d like to learn something musical… maybe to play the guitar.
Ann is responsible for design, production, and marketing. A graduate of UW, she has worked on a diverse range of projects including athletic facilities, tribal developments, housing for underserved people, and culturally reflective parks and playgrounds. She finds it rewarding to be part of the orchestration of a project, from conception to construction; but the most rewarding part of her work is seeing how our projects benefit a community’s health and well-being. Ann has many interests; with a ‘jack of all trades’ type of personality, she would try anything at least once. A few of her hobbies include foraging, cooking, and DIY projects. She also enjoys traveling and loves being immersed in different cultures and experiences. One of her favorite quotes that she tries to incorporate in work and life is, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein
Likes
When you laugh so hard you cry, family and friends, new adventures and experiences, change
Dislikes
Boredom, waiting in line, cruelty & injustice
How do you think people would communicate in a perfect world?
Telepathy. You would never have to guess what someone was thinking… but it might be good if we could turn this on and off.
Phil is responsible for design, and production. A graduate from Washington State University he volunteers with WASLA’s Student and Emerging Professional’s Committee. He has a background in public and private groundskeeping and has done design and outreach work with communities across the state. Phil is passionate about delivering projects that have lasting value and provides spaces for communities that are well-used and well-loved. In his free time, he enjoys reading in parks, learning about local history and politics, and cooking middle eastern food. Here is one of his favorite quotes, “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” – Jane Jacobs
Likes
Windowsill gardening, picnic tables with good views, old street trees
Dislikes
Horror movies, cold rain, cottage cheese
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick?
Any Dolly Parton song… Tennessee Mountain Home? Here You Come Again?
Jonah is responsible for design and production. A graduate from Michigan State University with an award in academic excellence, he has direct experience in the field installing residential and commercial landscapes. Jonah entered the profession to be both a steward of the earth and to create places for the enjoyment and health of others. His masters research focused on the mental health benefits of landscapes; and his design work aims to increase the health of the earth as well as the physical and mental health of users. In his spare time, Jonah enjoys traveling both domestically and abroad, as well as spending as much time as possible doing outdoor recreation such as backpacking, kayaking, and hiking. One of Jonah’s favorite quotes is “Never stop exploring.” A reminder to never stagnate and to constantly strive to be learning new things, finding new places, and having new experiences.
Likes
Almost all outdoor recreation activities, as well as video, board, and table top games. Enjoys traveling, projects such as building furniture, landscape installation, or home improvements. As well as music and almost all food that includes cheese.
Dislikes
Traffic, hot and humid weather, and repetitive music
What’s your favorite way to get in some exercise?
My favorite way to exercise is to go backpacking, the gym isn’t for me and backpacking gets me both outside and is also a great work out.
Sue brings over twenty years of site design and project management experience from a broad range of private and public projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her Super Powers include deploying creative practical green site solutions and development that respects the environment and fosters a special sense of place. She also served as a Park Planner with WA DNR Recreation developing trail systems and rural recreation facilities. Sue loves the outdoors, in any season: exploring our state parks, camping, hiking, gardening, walks with her dog Raja, and plein air painting. She is inspired by the beauty, variety and resilience of nature, and the work taken to maintain healthy ecosystems. She looks for opportunities to adapt development to lay gently on the land, foster sustainable and equitable recreation opportunities, and to educate others towards resilience.
Likes
Adventures with my family: kayaking, snowshoeing, snowboarding. Urban surprises: amazing sunsets, hooting owls and howling coyotes. Making up new recipes from garden produce and community gardens.
Dislikes
Smoke, haze and being forced inside from wildfires. People who speak loudly before they think thoughtfully.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?
I’d travel back in time to the 1930’s or 1940’s and buy a beautiful homestead site on the Sound or San Juan Islands.
Gracie Mae and Sage oversee the task of eating treats and ensuring they great everyone who walks in through the door. The PTEC offer nearly 20 years of therapy and happiness to the staff and clients at RWD. One of them holds the coveted title of World’s Best Dog. They seek attention and treats from anyone and everyone, and their mission is to gain your affection. In their spare time you can find them fishing, hunting, hiking, and playing fetch at the park. They are inspired by the staff at RWD who work so hard to design the outdoor spaces they love so much.
Likes
Treats, leftovers in the garbage can, head & tummy scratches, napping, tennis balls, and going outside.
Dislikes
Suspicious persons and strange noises
If you had to eat one meal everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?
Meat only… no fruits or veggies!