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Lauren Shimotsu, SITES AP

Lauren Shimotsu, SITES AP

Edible Gardens Specialist | Play Environment Specialist

Austin, TX

Education

  • Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Texas at Austin
  • Bachelor of Science, Environmental Sciences, University of Texas at Brownsville

Discipline

Certifications

  • SITES AP

Lauren is a designer in our Austin studio with strengths in design and infrastructure surrounding adolescent physical health opportunities, such as play structures, environmental health determinants of health research and development and interdepartmental organization. She is particularly motivated in the realm of multi-functionality work in connecting ethnobotany, environmental social planning, and master planning, increasing accessibility and improving wellness for vulnerable communities.

She’s excited to work on restoration projects: whether it’s phytoremediation, habitat restoration, microclimates (pocket parks, green roofs, vertical walls), or anything plant-related; developing visions with local communities, such as neighborhood characteristics through streetscapes and planting; and any opportunity to generate quantitative and qualitative data through performative landscapes via SITES.

 

Q & A

How do you have fun at work?
Usually I like to listen to true facts on YouTube- the narrator has a great voice on nudibranchs, or adventure zone at work to have something humorous in the background. I also enjoy doodling on post it notes to take a brain break.

If you had a superpower to make a bigger impact on communities/ cities/ or environments what superpower would you have?
The ability to purify contaminated water bodies.

What project are you most proud of?
Winning a design proposal for Brentwood Park in St Louis, which created a universally accessible structure rather than a boardwalk posing as a play structure.