Landworks Studio is a design collaborative comprised of individuals with expertise in various interdisciplinary backgrounds and interests. We are proud of the accomplishments, knowledge, and skillsets of each team member, whose talents reflect the quality and core of our practice.
We are pleased to announce the promotions of the following individuals whose leadership, creativity, dedication, and passion for design have been invaluable during their time at Landworks Studio.
Andrea Varutti
Promoted to Project Director
Andrea Varutti first joined Landworks Studio in 2006 as a landscape design intern. After venturing on his own to open a design firm based in Italy, in 2017, Andrea returned to the States and to Landworks Studio as a Senior Associate. Since then, Andrea has become a leading figure in the office, directing projects, mentoring junior staff, and strengthening the overall quality of work produced by our studio.
Andrea’s background in Architecture makes him uniquely suited to lead all project phases, and his attention to detail is unparalleled. His positive approach, calm demeanor, and ambitious nature make him a clear and natural leader.
Q: What attracted you to Landscape Architecture coming from a background in Architecture?
A: From a young age, I was always interested in the creative fields and how the design of our surroundings can improve the way we live. I was introduced to landscape architecture and the works of the North and South American Masters while earning my degree in Architecture in Venice, Italy. Two main factors made me switch fields; the intrinsic relationship between each landscape project and its surroundings and how landscapes can take on a life of their own years after completion.
Each site is truly unique both from an environmental and urban network perspective. I’m drawn to projects where we can fully blend architecture and landscape, find opportunities to have strong inside-out synergies and bring the health qualities of natural environments into active urban settings.
Jenny Chiu
Promoted to Taipei Office Director
Jenny began working with Landworks Studio in 2016 and has been instrumental in expanding the firm's presence throughout Asia. Since the 2021 opening of the Landworks Studio office in Taipei, Jenny has continued to grow the team in Taiwan and solidify new relationships with clients in China. Jenny is currently leading projects in Xi'an, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
Q: What is your vision for the Taipei office? What are your goals for Landworks Studio?
A: I want to bring the spirit of the Salem office to the studio here in Taipei by sharing the culture of the studio, Michael's design talents and appreciation for details, and various design inspirations with the team here. Taiwan has a unique mix of culture and history; it's really a special place. The studio here has attracted a diverse group with incredible talent. My hope is for us to continue to collaborate both internally and with the Salem team so that together, and with our combined experience, we can achieve something different.
Another goal of mine is to extend the design spirit of Landworks Studio to other places, like Singapore and Japan. It's an exciting time for us, and we have a lot in the works!
Rita Lopes Shimmel
Promoted to Associate
Rita first joined Landworks Studio as an intern in 2016 and after working in the south of Portugal doing high-end residential projects for several years she returned in 2020. Rita’s extensive knowledge of landscape architecture practices across the globe makes her an incredible resource for the team. Rita readily shares her knowledge with the team by creating video tips and tricks to share new skills and information.
Q: You’re always researching and drawing inspiration from the work of others. Who are some of your favorite designers or favorite projects and why?
A: One of my favorite landscape designers, that I had the pleasure to work with, is Topiaris in Portugal. I think they are one of the best at creating planting blends with native species, and I enjoy the simplicity of their projects. Most of the time, for me, less is more. Topiaris does a great job with this, never forgetting the environmental sustainability aspect of their designs.
Maybe because I love my country so much and am so proud of it, Portuguese designers continue to be at the top of my list. Portugal has such a rich, varied architectural culture that is simple without being unsophisticated, if that makes sense. Names like Siza Vieira, Eduardo Souto Moura, and José Carlos de Oliveira show the quality of Portuguese architecture and have a special place in my heart. And there are so many more I could list.
To finish answering your question, I could not leave out one of the greatest Portuguese architects, Raul Lino. In a completely different style, his architectural style values attention to detail and articulation with the landscape. The composition of his projects are very organic, using traditional materials that are not just meant to be decorative but functional. Raul Lino was someone who deeply understood his surroundings, the "soul of a place," the landscape, and used it as inspiration for his design work in his buildings and furniture, gardens, and even garments. I had the pleasure of visiting the House of Cipreste on the celebration of the 100th year of his death, which is a very rare opportunity as the house is private and not usually open to the public. It's still kept mostly in its original form. I don't think that I have ever been in a building where even the way that sound travels was carefully considered. The host could take two steps back from the dining table and, without raising the voice, could whisper to the walls and be heard on the other side of the room in case anything was missing without the guests at the table noticing.
The inspiration for my daily work; simplicity with attention to detail, while also considering the future sustainability of our designs.
Xianzi Lai
Promoted to Senior Designer
Xianzi joined Landworks Studio in 2019 after receiving her Master of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. Xianzi brings a unique skillset in landscape and graphic design, to help envision and plan projects at all scales. She has worked on many international and local projects in Abu Dhabi, Taiwan, China, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and Boston. Xianzi’s extraordinary graphic skills, eye for detail, and leadership abilities elevates the overall quality of the work coming from our studio.
Q: What excites you most when starting a new project? What is your favorite part of a project to design and why?
A: The opportunity to create new experiences with my team excites me the most. Every project is different, and the scope of our work is so diverse that each time we begin a project, we take the time to explore the potential programs and look for ways to incorporate unique beauty and human-land connections into the design. My favorite part of the project is examining the possibilities and opportunities of the site - what it can become, how it can develop, and how we can utilize its positive attributes to maximum potential. Recognizing opportunity is always more exciting to me than only focusing on fixing the problems - it guides people to love the project more.
The site plan shown here is an early version created for a new residential tower in Taiwan. Our design process begins with researching and studying the site, exploring programs and materials, defining the concept, and testing options before sketching begins. After Michael completes the initial round of hand sketches, we draft it into AutoCAD, and I put it into Photoshop using different materials to help visualize it. The full process includes multiple reviews and modifications with the team and client before moving on to the 3D views. This client appreciates using various materials, textures, and light, so working on these drawings is always fun.
