April is World Landscape Architecture Month. Join our Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Group as we kick off a month-long celebration honoring the profession. Be sure to check our website and social media channels to learn more about our team members, favorite projects, and the expertise and energy that we bring to our work.
Rachel Burand | Planner/Designer
Joined SRF: 2015
Education:
Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Electronic Arts, Linfield College, McMinnville, Oregon
Why did you decide to study landscape architecture?
I have always been passionate about the environment from many camping and hiking trips as a kid, and I’ve always had an interest in design as well. These interests led me to major in environmental studies and graphic/web design in college. In researching what to do with these two majors, I discovered the MLA program at the University of Minnesota and found my passion for landscape architecture.
What drew you to SRF?
Some of my favorite projects in grad school were group projects where I worked with students from other departments (planning, architecture, etc.). Collaborating with our diverse skill sets made for better projects, and I enjoyed how much we learned from each other, so I knew I wanted to join a multidisciplinary firm like SRF.
What is your favorite park?
Glacier National Park.
You have company visiting from out of town. What are the top three things you suggest they see/do while here?
- Take a walk or bike ride around the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis
- Rent a paddleboard on Lake Minnetonka for an afternoon and follow it up with ice cream from Tommy’s Tonka Trolley
- Head up to the North Shore to experience the Superior Hiking Trail and Minnesota cabin life.
If you weren’t a LA, what would you want to be?
A travel planner.
