David A. Rubin, PLA, FASLA, FAAR is the founding principal of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, a landscape architecture, urban design, and planning studio committed to practicing socially-purposeful design. David’s visionary contribution to the field in “empathy-driven design” is a hallmark of the studio, earning increasing renown for fusing issues of social justice in cities with excellence in the design of public spaces. His projects have received awards and honors from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects, among others. David was recently appointed by the State Department to The Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO) Industry Advisory Group to advise the U.S. government on best practices in landscape architecture.

Mandi has a background in art, landscape, and architecture. She is passionate about shaping public space at the intersection of the three and exploring narrative through design. Prior to joining Land Collective, Mandi has taught undergraduate studios and seminars focused on temporary urbanism in Berlin and public space along Scandinavian waterfronts. Her professional project experience includes cultural landscapes; state, regional, and urban parks; conservation agriculture projects; and botanic gardens. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture with Highest Honors from Pratt Institute.

As a collaborator with Land Collective, Christine directs the development strategies for our studio, building and nurturing our client base. With over twenty years of experience working with colleges, universities, government agencies, and arts organizations, she brings a spirited and tailored vision to our outreach and project pursuits. Please reach out if you have any questions about the studio or our work at cmarsal@land-collective.com.

As a landscape designer, Henry is interested in landscapes' potential to enhance public health and enrich culture. He considers design as the narrative for creating the world we want to live in. Henry holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Philadelphia University, where he was awarded exceptional achievement for his thesis. Henry has also studied in Denmark and has a continued interest in Scandinavian culture and design. His professional experience spans multiple design foci, including landscape, architecture and visualization.

Satchel is an actor turned administrator, balancing studio operations alongside Land Collective’s marketing efforts and Gallery Land Collective’s exhibitions and events. She also assists studio principal David A. Rubin in managing his schedule and communications. After graduating from Temple University with a BA in Theatre Studies, they worked as a barista while establishing a blossoming theatrical career in Philadelphia. Satchel has had the pleasure of working with Inis Nua Theatre Company, Delaware Shakespeare, Revolution Shakespeare, Tiny Dynamite, and the Strides Collective. She has a deep appreciation for creativity in all forms and is excited to facilitate the artistry of Land Collective. In their free time away from the studio or the stage, she enjoys writing personal essays and studying sociology, media analysis, and astrology.

As a designer, Sydney is interested in investigating and elevating care, maintenance, and labor roles within the design profession. She believes that everyone deserves access to clean air and water, greenspace, and the ability to experience pleasure through plants and landscape. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design.

Ro is responsible for the studio's financial operations. She parlayed her engineering degree from Drexel University and corporate management experience into founding a successful bookkeeping business, and now serves as Land Collective's Controller, with responsibilities ranging from billing process management to the performance of various treasury functions, and from pursuing the collection of the accounts receivable to reviewing and disbursing accounts payable. Ro applies her talents to the development of the kinds of close professional relationships and problem-solving/process improvements that ensure the studio’s financial stability.

With a background in architecture and design, Isabella explored her love of nature and its connective qualities at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she obtained her master of landscape architecture. With the belief that well designed landscapes are a fundamental right for all, Isabella strives to create physically and emotionally beneficial places for the public to enjoy. She prioritizes being conscious of existing social conditions and structures throughout the design process. In her free time, Isabella enjoys architectural strolls through the city, picnicking, and cozying up with a good book.

Gabriella is a registered landscape architect educated at the Pennsylvania State University. She has also studied in Italy and Tanzania, and spent her initial years in the profession designing a wide range of spaces in the Washington, DC, area. She is currently interested in the agency of place and how design can be a transformative factor for both communities and ecosystems, and she continues to apply that interest to the variety of scales at Land Collective.