Inside the LA Studio—Phyto Studio - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Recorded On: 10/11/2025

Phyto Studio is a leading landscape architecture firm specializing in resilient, high-visibility planting design. Founded in 2017 to bridge landscape architecture, horticulture, and ecology, the four-person studio pioneers ecological horticulture as a technology to restore urban ecological abundance through practical, adaptive plant systems tailored to contemporary environmental stresses.

Learning objectives:

Discover how a niche-focused business model challenges conventional firm structures and unlocks new opportunities.
Examine how a singular, plant-forward design philosophy adapts across diverse project types and sectors.
Unpack the ways Phyto collaborates with leading firms while preserving its distinct ecological perspective.
Experience how deep engagement in procurement and fieldwork fuels design innovation and studio creativity.

Claudia West, ASLA

Principal

Phyto Studio LLC

Claudia West is a leading voice in the emerging field of ecological planting design. Known for her passionate advocacy of plant-driven design, Claudia is a widely sought out speaker and consultant who applies the technologies of plant systems to bring essential natural functions back into our cities and towns. She has worked on all sides of the green industry—as a designer, a grower, installer, and land manager—grounding her innovative work in pragmatic solutions that address the realities of our urbanizing world. She is the co-author of the critically acclaimed book, Planting in a Post-Wild World.

Melissa Rainer, ASLA

Managing Principal

Phyto Studio

Melissa Rainer is Managing Principal of Phyto Studio, where she combines business acumen, technical rigor, and design leadership. Known for her systems thinking and people-focused approach, she oversees major projects from airports to public gardens. A seasoned project manager and former Principal at Rhodeside & Harwell, Melissa brings expertise in construction documentation, historic landscapes, and play environments. Her deep commitment to craft and detail makes her an essential force in every project Phyto delivers.

Thomas Rainer, ASLA, PLA

Principal

Phyto Studio

Thomas Rainer is a leading voice in ecological landscape design and a registered landscape architect based in Arlington, Virginia. As co-founder of Phyto Studio, he creates innovative, plant-driven landscapes for public and private spaces, with notable work at the Arboretum at Penn State, Toronto Botanical Garden, and over 125 residential gardens. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Landscape Architecture Magazine, and Architectural Digest. A former instructor at George Washington University, Thomas teaches internationally and is co-author of the influential book Planting in a Post-Wild World, which explores the future of ecological planting design.

Emilie Carter, ASLA

Associate Landscape Architect

Phyto Studio

Emilie Carter is an Associate Landscape Architect at Phyto Studio whose dual background in geology and design drives her layered, systems-based approach. With experience ranging from public gardens to green roofs and schoolyards, Emilie integrates ecological function and human experience into every space. A former park ranger and nonprofit consultant, she brings curiosity and clarity to complex sites. Emilie holds degrees from Vanderbilt and the University of Maryland, where she was named an Olmsted Scholar.

Chris Landau, Affil. ASLA (Moderator)

Principal

LANDAU Design+Technology

Chris Landau founded LANDAU Design+Technology in 2018, where he leads 3D modeling, visualization, software, and design for the built environment. With over 18 years of experience as a visual technologist, he excels in computational modeling, design, and custom software development for landscape architecture and other industries. Before LANDAU, Chris contributed to visual representation and digital design at OLIN. Recognizing the need for better industry tools, he developed Land Kit, a groundbreaking software for computational landscape architecture. Chris shares his software and expertise at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia GSAPP, ASLA, and firms and schools around the world.