Studio Sustena is a full-service landscape architecture and civil engineering design firm with a unique expertise in landscapes on structure and constrained sites.
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 sits on the U.S. Green Building Council’s Sustainable Sites Technical Advisory Board, where she participates in discussions that advance sustainable design. Through speaking engagements, Laura has found a passion for inspiring professionals and students around innovative design. Outside of work, she explores 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 landscapes. When she can get away, Laura enjoys wilderness canoeing, camping, and hiking with her family.
SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS
Cira Green
Philadelphia, PA
Penn State Harrisburg, Swatara Building
Harrisburg, PA
Central Park Harlem Meer Center
New York, NY
University of Pennsylvania, Gail P. Riepe Center for Advanced Veterinary Education, New Bolton
Kennett Square, PA
TALK TO LAURA ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Principal & Vice President
Sara Poindexter PE
Sara brings more than 20 years of experience in civil site design and permitting to Studio Sustena, including stormwater management and long-term utility planning. Her site design experience ranges from compact urban in-fill projects to expansive campus and neighborhood infrastructure improvements. She aims to continue to innovate the civil engineering industry by emphasizing nature-based solutions and low-impact utility and roadway designs. Outside of work, Sara enjoys gardening, practicing Spanish, exploring Philadelphia, and traveling to inspiring places where she can experience different cultures.
SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS
Frankford Transit-Oriented Development
Philadelphia, PA
Share Food Program
Philadelphia, PA
Al-Aqsa Academy
Philadelphia, PA
TALK TO SARA ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Founder & Emeritus
Charlie Miller PE
Charlie founded Studio Sustena (formerly called Roofscapes, Inc. and then Roofmeadow) in 1997 to introduce green roofs to the U.S. He is widely lauded as “the father of green roofs” in North America and the leading expert in the field. Charlie pioneered countless design/engineering strategies, authored four of the six published ASTM green roof standard methods, and was integral to the design of more than 200 green roofs including the first in the U.S. Many of today’s green roof technologies and standards stem from Charlie’s innovation.
Charlie’s interest in water resource management and environmental engineering began in the 1980’s when he focused his attention on best management practices (BMPs) for biofiltration systems, integrated landscape measures, and constructed wetlands. He holds an M.S. in Civil Engineering and M.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Utah, and a B.S. in Chemistry from the College of William & Mary. Charlie lives in Philadelphia with his wife Lyndall.
SPOTLIGHTED PROJECTS
Chicago City Hall
Chicago, IL
Jackson National Headquarters
Lansing, MI
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
Evansville, IN
Prospect Park, LeFrak Lakeside Center
Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Visitor Center
Brooklyn, NY
Life Expression Wellness Center
Sugarloaf, PA
TALK TO CHARLIE ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Email: cmiller@roofmeadow.com
Associate Principal & 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
Central Park, Harlem Meer Center
New York, NY
Cira Green
Philadelphia, PA
Jackson National Headquarters
Lansing, MI
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Visitor Center
Brooklyn, NY
EAT UP: The Inside Scoop on Rooftop Agriculture
(Book & e-book)
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
Waterloo Playground
Philadelphia, PA
Floating Water Workshop
Philadelphia, PA
Gwynedd Friends Meeting
Gwynedd, PA
TALK TO BRITTANY ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Email: bscherer@studio-sustena.com
Senior 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
Westtown School, Dining Building
West Chester, PA
Art in the Garden
Philadelphia, PA
120 S Governors Ave.
Dover, DE
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
4151 Lancaster Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
Amy James Martin School
Philadelphia, PA
OMC Parish School
Philadelphia, PA
TALK TO CARLY ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Email: cchoi@studio-sustena.com
Civil Designer
Courtney McPheter EIT
Courtney’s experience in water resources engineering and environmental sustainability has informed her contributions to a variety of civil projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. She studied at Villanova University where she received her B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering, as well as a minor in Sustainability Studies and a certification in Urban Water Resources Design. Courtney’s graduate research with Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems allowed her to study the hydrologic performance and rehabilitation of green stormwater infrastructure in urban settings. Her stormwater project experience includes the design of GSI, highways, land development, pond retrofits, and large-scale flood risk mitigation plans. Outside of the office, Courtney enjoys exploring the Philly restaurant scene and staying active by hiking trails and training in aerial dance.
Westtown School, Dining Building
West Chester, PA
Cherashore Playground
Philadelphia, PA
Roxborough High School
Philadelphia, PA
TALK TO COURTNEY ABOUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Email: cmcpheter@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.
