Joni L. Janecki, FASLA, PLA / President

Since founding her firm Joni L. Janecki & Associates in 1991, Joni has worked on projects ranging from large-scale land use and planning of community and campus landscapes to site-specific designs for public and private facilities. She prioritizes design as a collaborative, community-based process that maximizes place, program, and the potential for engagement with nature. Her goal is to create exterior spaces that invite participation and interaction. Joni is particularly skilled at successfully facilitating public workshops and presentations, coordinating multiple agencies, and meeting stringent environmental standards. Her talents also shine in her work with residential clients, for whom she produces elegant and sophisticated landscapes that respond to their unique needs and long-term plans while celebrating the beauty of native plants and sustainable design. Joni's insistence on gracefully advocating for the value of site and context in enduring design is a constant across her portfolio.

One of Joni's areas of expertise lies in the use of native, water conserving, low-maintenance plants found within ecological systems of the local and regional landscape. Her commitment to native and regionally-adapted plants preceded current popularity for sustainable design and she is a lifetime member of The California Native Plant Society. She has long complemented the careful selection of plant materials with innovative and applicable strategies for managing water storage and minimizing water use in the firm's projects. From reclaimed and recycled materials to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods and best management practices (BMPs) for roof and site run-off, Joni's work demonstrates an integrated and multi-tiered approach to sustainability. She has, moreover, extensive experience successfully meeting certification criteria for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) program of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Joni’s philosophy hinges on recognizing herself, her work, and her company as part of the larger whole. It is never just about her project, but rather about the community, plants, animals, and water systems that surround it, about the people who use and maintain it, about future generations who will one day pass through it. While her landscape designs are fluid and flexible, reading as “natural” and “relaxed,” Joni, herself, has stood firm over the course of her career.  The principles she believes in—integrity, giving to her community, nurturing the natural world—color all her years of practice and each project she has touched.

Founded JLJA:  1991
Working in the field since:  1986
Education:  Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Georgia Leung, PLA, ASLA / Principal

As Principal, Georgia supervises office-wide design development and drawing production, reinforces JLJA’s high standards with rigorous attention to detail, and serves as an invaluable problem-solving resource. Experienced in a wide range of project sizes and types, from institutional and civic to private and residential, her project management responsibilities encompass conceptual design, presentation drawings, construction documents, and construction administration; she excels in completing projects on time and on budget. Over the span of her career, Georgia has cultivated a variety of professional interests, from urban design to sustainable design and materials, which have contributed to her discerning and inclusive view on the field of landscape architecture.     

Joined JLJA:  2003
Working in the field since:  2002
Education:  Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis, with honors distinction

Alyssa Zacharia, PLA, ASLA / Principal

Alyssa, as Principal, manages the JLJA studio and shepherds newer staff members and project managers. She currently focuses on residential design, where her commitment to and pleasure in building collaborative relationships with clients, contractors, and design teams is fundamental to project success. An expert plantsperson, Alyssa helps develop many of JLJA’s planting plans and plant palettes, generously sharing her wealth of horticultural knowledge. Beyond plants, her extensive technical knowledge is grounded in professional experience that includes wetland mitigation and environmental restoration, as well as trail, streetscape, park, campus, master plan, and community outreach projects. Alyssa's valuable contributions to JLJA’s success include her ability to develop effective design solutions and her unerring eye for design in the field.

Joined JLJA:  2010
Working in the field since:  2000
Education:  Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis

Erica Drew, PLA, ASLA / Project Manager

Erica has a well-rounded and substantial portfolio of professional experience, from large-scale urban works and campuses to parks and residential projects. She possesses extensive knowledge of construction and fine detailing and excels at both completing JLJA plan checks and guiding projects through construction to completion. Erica is a valued liaison between agencies and various consultants and consistently ensures excellence in JLJA’s built landscapes. She is particularly prized for her unflappable response to unexpected situations and her ability to effectively resolve problems.

Joined JLJA:  2009
Working in the field since:  2000
Education:  Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis, with an American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award

Miyuki Onnagawa, LEED AP, ASLA / Project Manager

Miyuki, as Senior Draftsperson and Project Manager, brings a vital technical expertise to JLJA. She occupies an important role of mentor to newer draftspeople and is a knowledgeable and patient resource in relation to AutoCAD and file management. Credentialed as a LEED® AP, Miyuki is much appreciated for her ability to compile and complete accurate, complex construction documents, thereby assuring that JLJA's high standards are maintained. She, along with her German Shepherd Asuka, are certified as a search-and-rescue team.

Joined JLJA:  2008
Working in the field since:  1999
Education:  Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University

Olivia Waller, PLA, ASLA / Project Manager

Olivia has accrued extensive experience managing design and documentation for large-scale campus, corporate, and public projects. Her project management portfolio notably includes 18 UCSC projects and, as a result, she is well-versed in the UC system’s approvals process, stakeholder priorities, sustainability goals, and environmental constraints. Olivia effectively navigates and meets stringent agency requirements and her communication skills enable seamless collaboration with multi-consultant teams. JLJA particularly prizes her attention to detail, her dedication to sustainable design, her commitment to design’s potential to heal societal ills, and her enthusiasm for collaboration.

Joined JLJA:  2015
Working in the field since:  2013
Education:  Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from University of Oregon, with honors

Paige Pedersen, PLA, ASLA / Project Manager

As a Project Manager with over ten years of experience, Paige has directed large-scale institutional, civic, commercial, and mixed-use projects from San Luis Obispo to The Sea Ranch. Her technical fluency across design and construction — combined with a command of the latest tools in graphics and AI — allows her to bridge creative vision and real-world execution with ease. She consistently brings curiosity, creativity, innovative design, and cheerful reliability to her projects, with an impressive record of successful completion on schedule and within budget. Paige's approach is rooted in human-centered design: a belief that the best spaces are shaped around the people who inhabit them.

Joined JLJA:  2017
Working in the field since:  2015
Education:  Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Joanne Hutson, ASLA / Project Manager

Joanne specializes in designing and completing residential projects which benefit from her impressive drawing skills, attention to fine detail, and ability to elegantly resolve design challenges. Skilled in guiding and participating in the collaborative process during both design and construction, she prizes seeing a project develop from concept to completion. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Joanne boasts an in-depth knowledge of Northern California plant communities, building materials, and design aesthetics. She is uniquely attuned to sustainable design's potential to create engaging outdoor spaces and connect people to nature, thereby promoting environmental awareness.

Joined JLJA:  2012
Working in the field since:  2012
Education:  coursework towards UC Berkeley Extension Landscape Architecture Certification; Associates Degree in Landscape Horticulture from Cabrillo College

Natalie Dean, ASLA, ISA Certified Arborist / Project Manager

Natalie’s attention to detail, thoroughness in document production, creativity in problem solving, and steady calmness under pressure combine to make her an outstanding project manager. She brings an astute design eye to her work, while her thoughtfulness and communication skills are considerable assets in her consistent mentoring of young designers at JLJA. Natalie’s desire to learn new skills and increase her professional knowledge has led her to become an ISA certified arborist and undertake training in irrigation design. When not in the office, she can often be found hiking and camping in wild lands, nurturing a connection to the outdoors that colors her work.

Joined JLJA:  2020
Working in the field since:  2018
Education:  Landscape Design Skills Certificate from Cabrillo College; Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems from the University of California, Davis

Diane McClish, ASLA / Design Associate

Diane assists JLJA with all stages of project development, from conceptual design to installation, and is highly valued for her expertise in material palette selection and on-site construction observation. She is particularly skilled and knowledgeable in sourcing native plants, selecting specimen trees, discovering unique landscape products, and identifying the advantages of distinct varieties of rock and stone. Diane’s consistent love for learning makes her invaluable in the office, particularly when facing a challenge.  

Joined JLJA:  2007
Working in the field since:  2007
Education:  coursework towards UC Berkeley Extension Landscape Architecture Certification; Associates Degree in Landscape Horticulture from Cabrillo College, with honors

Niko Workman, ASLA / Design Associate

Niko’s expertise in drafting and design software has made him an important JLJA resource, in addition to an advocate for the potential of 3D and digital graphics to express design work. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Niko is interested in preserving landscapes through sustainable and restorative design and ensuring that natural environments are accessible to all. JLJA prizes his unruffled demeanor, commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for all aspects of work in the office.

Joined JLJA:  2023
Working in the field since:  2023
Education:  Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Caitlin Jeffs, ASLA / Design Associate

Caitlin has quickly become an integral member of the JLJA team and excels in both developing evocative renderings using 3D graphic software and drafting complex, accurate plans and details. As one of JLJA’s valued "plant nerds", Caitlin enjoys learning about and growing a variety of plants through her hobbies of bonsai, gardening, and indoor plant care. She also has extensive experience in Santa Cruz’s natural landscapes as a longtime local resident and an avid long-distance hiker. Caitlin strives to blur the line between designed and wild spaces and is committed to giving all people access to nature through biophilic design. 

Joined JLJA:  2024
Working in the field since:  2024
Education:  Master of Landscape Architecture from University of Oregon; Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of Redlands

Kiley Cook, ASLA / Design Associate

As a Design Associate, Kiley excels at 3D graphics, computer drafting, and hand-drawn studies. She is especially appreciated in the office for her cheerful demeanor, can-do attitude, aesthetic eye, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Kiley studied abroad in Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy, which provided ample inspiration for hand-drawing and watercolor practice, and her student work focused on restoration projects, particularly in fire-damaged areas and post-industrial landscapes. Raised in the wine country landscapes of Sonoma, she has always been fascinated with design’s capacity to transform the land, a fascination she continues to bring to her work.  

Joined JLJA:  2025
Working in the field since:  2025
Education:  Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with honors

Madison Hawk, ASLA / Design Associate

Madison’s design process, driven by natural systems, seasonal change, and long-term environmental processes, reflects her unique and extensive outdoor experiences. She spent a semester backpacking in Alaska while attending the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) during high school. As an undergraduate, she studied abroad on a small Arctic island in Norway where she helped design and build an environmentally-adapted park in collaboration with the local community. For her capstone project, focused on the intersection of climate change and outdoor recreation, Madison developed design strategies to help ski resorts in her native Colorado adapt while maintaining ecological and community resilience. Most recently, she solo-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, experiencing firsthand how landscapes shift across ecosystems, climates, and time. These experiences unite in Madison’s sensitivity to site and natural systems, distilling a perceptive eye and rich perspective into her design work. Her calm demeanor, capable attitude, and advanced skills make her a particular treat to have in JLJA’s office.

Joined JLJA:  2026
Working in the field since:  2026
Education:  Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Anne Marie Hallal / Office Administrator & Business Development Associate

Anne Marie serves as liaison with new clients and other design professionals, prepares and reviews proposals, directs the firm's image, coordinates day-to-day operations, and bolsters the JLJA community. Particularly appreciated for her editor's eye and writing abilities, she enjoys photographing the firm's work in order to compellingly present each project's unique goals and achievements. Anne Marie furthers her commitment to the politics of sustainability and landscape design's potential to affect change through her position at JLJA. When not at her desk, she can be found gardening in her mini-orchard, speeding by on her tandem bike, or hiking in the Alps.

Joined JLJA:  2008
Working in the field since:  2008
Education:  Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of History of Architecture and Urban Development from Cornell University; Bachelor of Arts in American Civilization from University of Pennsylvania

Ponce Abrahms / Finance Manager

A member of JLJA since 2000, Ponce has worked in bookkeeping and accounting for over 35 years. She manages the firm’s accounting matters, from invoicing to financial records and reporting, along with JLJA’s human resource needs. Highly valued for her organizational skills, grace under fire, and steadfast cheerfulness, Ponce is the linchpin around which the office revolves. 

Gracie and Lily Janecki

These two rascals excel at snuggles, pouncing, and all-around trouble-making. Gracie and Lily redefine "puppy love" on a daily basis and bring a unique form of canine therapy to the office.  

Asuka Onnagawa

Asuka, whose name means fragrance of tomorrow in Japanese, is a lovable bundle of energy who seeks out belly rubs at every opportunity. Her silliness and antics at walk time belie her deep intelligence. She and her person, Miyuki, underwent extensive training to be certified as a search-and-rescue team; the two of them are available to help locate missing people or those in trouble.

Nala Hutson

Nala, the most athletic of our canine clan, is an Aussiedor. She's super-smart and excels at chasing balls, riding skateboards down driveways, and being a good girl on surfboards and boats. She's also incredibly glamorous and knows how to use those beautiful eyes! Who could say no to her?

Millie Zacharia

Millie, JLJA’s latest canine addition, is looking to take the “Most Active” title from Nala! Small but dynamic, Miss Millie spends M-F with her hiking partners at WoofPack831 burning off some of her energy and socializing. During her off time, she can be found running and walking trails along the coast and in the mountains with her human family.