Team - DAVID RUBIN Land Collective

David A. Rubin

Principal, PLA, FASLA, FAAR

David is the founding principal of DAVID RUBIN Land Collective and is recipient of the 2011-2012 Garden Club of America Rome Prize in Landscape Architecture from the American Academy in Rome and is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. His 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 work has received awards and honors from the American Society of Landscape Architects and the American Institute of Architects. David serves as Design Critic at Harvard University School of Design and is the Nadine Carter Russell Chair in Landscape Architecture at Louisiana State University for Spring 2020.

Brian Staresnick

Landscape Architect, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP ND

Brian is a landscape architect and urban designer combining appreciation for the broad impact of large scale planning and a passion for enabling the nuances of well-designed spaces to flourish. With a focus on urban landscapes, his experience is spread across regions and multiple scales, from small urban plazas and productive rooftops to large waterfront parks and reclaimed lands.

Mackenzie Wendling

Project Manager

Mac holds a master of landscape architecture degree from Kansas State University. He studied abroad in Copenhagen, where he took courses in urban design, philosophy, and neuroscience. Through his academic and professional career, he realized a passion for creative storytelling, public space, and social equity. Mac believes that altruism is essential in fostering just, resilient, and sustainable design solutions. Outside of design, he enjoys studying history, politics, and art.

Hanna Gold

Project Manager

Hanna strives to be ecologically sensitive and socially conscious in her designs. Her passion for landscape architecture stems from an interest in the global water crisis, specifically how the lack of fresh water disproportionately affects women. Wanting to attack the problem from multiple angles, Hanna was drawn to landscape architects' ability to create holistic solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional. In her spare time, Hanna enjoys volunteering at urban farms, taking dance classes, and travelling to new places.

Mandi Fung

Project Manager

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.

Gabriella Salvemini

Landscape Architect, PLA, ASLA

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.

Rachel Spencer

Project Manager, Associate ASLA

Rachel Spencer is a landscape designer and recent graduate of the University of Oregon’s program with a master in landscape architecture degree. Rachel’s long-term commitment and dedication to the garden has provided her with ample experience in horticulture, garden design, construction, and installation. Her most recent focus in research investigates a design process inspired by African-American art and culture as a mode of inspiring design creativity. With a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, she is perpetually drawn to the intersection where culture and the environment meet.

Jessica Thorpe

Planner, AICP

Jessica is a certified planner versed in bridging the divide between policy and design. She believes planning can be both visionary and action-oriented. Prior to joining Land Collective, Jessica led future land use planning and implementation strategies for transit-oriented development for the City of Indianapolis. Her work leading Indy’s first comprehensive land use plan update in over fifty years earned multiple awards for best practice in planning and engagement.

Kenneth M. Gignac

Landscape Architect + Technical Director, PLA, ASLA, LEED BD+C

Ken utilizes his wide-ranging experience in the profession to inspire and inform his current projects. That work ranges from large-scale master plans for international clients to intricate project detailing. While his work has been primarily focused on college and university related projects, Ken has also collaborated with private developers on multi-unit housing, and governmental institutions for urban streetscapes, parks, and trail projects. As Technical Director, his design and construction experience in the A/E/C industry is utilized on all projects as they advance to documentation and construction. Ken's great passion is also evident in his role as a mentor to the Land Collective staff, assisting the team with design approach, technical issues, and general guidance through the profession.

Lori Aument

Marketing + Business Development Manager

With nearly twenty years of experience working in the design field, Lori manages the studio’s marketing efforts and assists with strategic business development to build and nurture the studio’s client base. Land Collective is always happy to connect with new collaborators who are interested in our empathy-driven design approach. Please reach out if you have any questions about the studio or our work at (215) 383-0540 or at laument@land-collective.com.

Joe Drone

Chief Drone Officer

New to DAVID RUBIN Land Collective, Joe assists us with getting those hard-to-reach shots, tracking construction on larger projects, and seasonal time-lapse scenarios. He travels extensively and is a valued member of the studio team. His buzz is infectious, and the extended team appreciates the varied perspectives he offers on the constructed landscape.

Rosemarie Mullen

Controller

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.

Anna Hooker

Project Manager

Anna is a landscape designer driven by architecture’s ability to unite and uplift communities. She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University, with a focus in Social and Environmental Justice and Honors in Writing. Hailing from the Rust Belt, Anna believes in celebrating history and progress alike through culturally sensitive design. Her previous project experience covers a wide range of scales, from community-built pocket parks to university master plans.

Henry Moll

Project Manager, ASLA

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.

David Elliott

Landscape Architect + Design Director, PLA

Since earning his degree in 1996, David has worked on a wide array of projects, all centered on creating community through great design. His role at Land Collective pushes the aesthetic and social possibilities of the studio, drawing on his past experience as lead designer at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where he created notable urban parks and pop-ups. David holds an MA Hons degree in landscape architecture from Heriot-Watt University, Scotland.