Principal & CEO

Laura Hansplant RLA, ASLA, LEED AP

Laura integrates social spaces, rainwater systems and plant communities to create meaningful places where each element mutually supports the whole site. Born in Canada, Laura studied at the University of Toronto and the Pennsylvania State University, where she received a Master’s in Landscape Architecture with a minor in ecology. She volunteers on the US Green Building Council’s Sustainable Sites Technical Advisory Board, where she participates in discussions advancing sustainable design. Through speaking engagements Laura has found a passion for inspiring professionals and students on innovative design. Outside the office, she spends her afternoons exploring the natural patterns of meadows and woodlands, searching for inspiration for her designs. In her test garden, Laura grows native plants, taking note of their character and durability to inform resilient landscape designs. When she can get away, Laura enjoys wilderness canoeing, camping, and hiking with her family.

TALK TO LAURA ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: lhansplant@studio-sustena.com

Principal & Vice President

Sara Poindexter PE

Sara collaborates with other disciplines to create spaces that are supported by thoughtful, efficient, and innovative infrastructure Her comprehensive approach to site design is particularly informed by her passion for green stormwater management infrastructure and water conservation. Sara’s fascination with the urban environment led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin with an emphasis in Water Resource Engineering.  She currently serves as an active board member for both the City of Philadelphia’s Plumbing Advisory Board and the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, and also acts as a committee member for the Building Industry Association of Philadelphia. Through her organization memberships, she remains engaged in thought leading industrial, environmental, and community discussions that impact the Greater Philadelphia region. Outside of the office, Sara enjoys being a novice gardener, practicing Spanish, exploring Philadelphia, as well as traveling to inspiring faraway places where she can experience different cultures.

TALK TO SARA ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: spoindexter@studio-sustena.com

Founder & Emeritus

Charlie Miller PE

Charlie formed Roofscapes, known as Roofmeadow and Studio Sustena, in 1997 to introduce green roof technology for urban stormwater management to the United States. A technical expert in the field, his influence continues inspires our constant exploration of new and better green roofing designs and strategies. Charlie has authored four of the six published ASTM green roof standard methods. Charlie’s interest and experience in water resources and environmental engineering began in the 1980’s when he focused his attention on best management practices (BMPs) for water resource management, including biofiltration systems, integrated landscape measures and constructed wetlands. Charlie earned his Master of Science in Civil Engineering and his Master of Science in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Utah; he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the College of William & Mary. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife Lyndall.

SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS

TALK TO CHARLIE ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: cmiller@roofmeadow.com

Director of Design & Innovation

Lauren Mandel PLA, ASLA

Lauren brings 19 years of landscape architectural experience that includes the design and/or construction administration of more than 70 landscapes on structure. Lauren’s work—which integrates fringe solutions into professional practice—aims to celebrate interdisciplinary solutions and advance the field of landscape architecture. Her award-winning, landscape performance research examines site commissioning, soundscape mapping, and rainwater management. Lauren is a contributing writer for Landscape Architecture Magazine and the author of EAT UP: The Inside Scoop on Rooftop Agriculture (New Society Publishers, 2012), the first full-length book about rooftop food production. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Environmental Science. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys kayaking and extreme dog walking.

SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS

TALK TO LAUREN ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: lmandel@studio-sustena.com

Senior Landscape Architect

Brittany Scherer RLA

Brittany’s project experience includes public parks, civic landscapes, multimodal trails, campus master planning, playgrounds, and green stormwater infrastructure. Her involvement on projects with multiple stakeholders, strict project requirements, and tight budget constraints helps her build design consensus among multiple parties in every project. Brittany’s background in engineering, architecture, and planning helps her bring a collaborative focus to project coordination and documentation. Brittany is a registered landscape architect in Pennsylvania and received a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the Pennsylvania State University in 2013. Outside the office, Brittany enjoys her small urban garden and exploring the many wonderful public spaces throughout Philadelphia.

SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS

TALK TO BRITTANY ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: bscherer@studio-sustena.com

Landscape Designer & Director of Visualization

Xiaofan Wu

Xiaofan’s experience spans architectural, urban, and landscape design across the U.S., Europe, and China, with contributions to public parks, civic landscapes, urban infrastructure, and cultural centers. He has collaborated with top-tier firms and excelled in international and domestic design competitions, delivering innovative solutions for projects such as the Camden Highline Park in London, the Beijing Sixth Ring Highline Park, and the Shenzhen Bao’an Public Culture and Art Center. Xiaofan is deeply passionate about visualization, leveraging his expertise and refined aesthetic, honed through his work at leading design firms. Outside the office, Xiaofan enjoys baking and exploring new culinary experiences.

SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS

TALK TO XIAOFAN ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: xwu@studio-sustena.com

Landscape Designer

Carly Choi

Carly’s background in design and planning has allowed her to contribute to the development of parks, communities, master planning projects, and SITES documentation. Her background in environmental sustainability is integrated into the landscapes that she designs, ensuring that thoughtful consideration is taken to improve the ecological health of a site. Carly also has an interest in societal and cultural connections to a project and has studied & researched native cultures and their representation in landscapes in the continental United States, Hawai’i, and New Zealand. She holds a Masters of Landscape Architecture degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a BA in Environmental Sustainability from The University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Outside of work, Carly enjoys tending to her garden, days at the beach, and traveling across the US with her family.

SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS

TALK TO CARLY ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: cchoi@studio-sustena.com

Civil Designer

Corey Hospes

Corey has four years of experience in land development and site design, covering a variety of project scales form small sites to highways. He discovered a love for the city of Philadelphia after moving here in 2020. Corey found himself both inspired and limited by the grid design of one of the oldest cities in America. The constraints of William Penn’s city layout offer an interesting challenge for site design. To address these challenges, he has developed a passion for green stormwater infrastructure and green space design to manage the aging stormwater system. These spaces can be used effectively not only to manage water, but as urban traffic calming measures to increase pedestrian safety and aesthetically improve the neighborhood. When he’s not in the office Corey enjoys bouldering, board games, video games, and movies.

TALK TO COREY ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: chospes@studio-sustena.com

Office Manager

Ryan McBride

Ryan brings decades of experience in accounting and human resource management. She is passionate about creating a well-structured work environment that ensures a positive experience for both employees and clients. Outside of the office, Ryan enjoys spending time with her family and their adorable Bernedoodle, Pagoda, trying new restaurants with friends, listening to live music, and seeing as much of the world as she can.

TALK TO RYAN ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT

Email: rmcbride@studio-sustena.com

Barketing Coordinator

Mani Tic Poindexter

Mani brings a passion for napping to the Studio Sustena team. His infectious attitude and winning personality spread joy throughout the workday.

Landscape Barkitect

Hudson B. Greenberg

Hudson brings four years of experience in the field of landscape barkitecture to Studio Sustena. His attention to detail and obsession with work make him invaluable to the team. When he’s not working, Hudson enjoys hiking, camping, and frisbee – his true passion.

Intern

Caria Hansplant

Caria joined the team in summer 2024. Her curiosity, interest in learning, and love of the outdoors make her a great fit.