Meet the Team

Leadership

Philip vanderToolen, RLA, ASLA

President and CEO

Mary Carden

Managing Principal - Walnut Creek Office

Benjamin Green, PLA

Associate Principal - Sacramento Office

Byron Williams, PLA

Associate Principal - Napa Office

David Bennet, PLA

Associate Principal - Napa Office

Doug Hodge

Chief Operating Officer

Studio Team Leaders

Mary McGovern, PLA

Senior Associate

Benjamin Flock, PLA

Senior Associate

Katy Mendenhall

Senior Associate

Jacqueline Smyth, PLA

Senior Associate

Alicia Chandler, PLA

Associate

Studio Team Members

Evelyn Molina

Senior Project Manager

Irona Kim

Senior Project Manager

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Project Manager

Wenjie Tan

Project Manager

Justin Burmester

Project Manager

Administration Team Members

Barbara Tiesso

Office Manager and Contracts Administrator

Philip vanderToolen, RLA CA #2798

President and CEO

Cal Poly, Pomona

Professional Affiliations: ASLA, BIA, CBIA, NAHB

Start Date at vTA: April 1992

Phil’s original career path was architecture but when he was introduced to the profession of landscape architecture he was drawn to how it combined his connection with nature, design, and construction. He has an extensive portfolio of work extending across five continents involving a wide array of projects including destination hotels, mixed use developments, estates, wineries and an international airport. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his grandkids, installing new plant varieties in his yard and traveling with family and friends.

Mary Carden, ASLA

Managing Principal - Walnut Creek Office

University of Texas, Arlington

Professional Affiliations: ASLA

Start Date at vTA: January 2002

While studying city planning in college, Mary learned about site planning and discovered landscape architecture. She joined vTA in 2002 and is very strong in designing memorable spaces for a diverse array of projects from specific plans to urban spaces. During her free time she can be found playing tennis, baking sweet treats or helping her daughter with homework.

Benjamin P. Green, PLA CA #5795

Associate Principal - Sacramento Office

UC Davis

Professional Affiliations: ASLA, Bay Area BIA, North State BIA

Start Date at vTA: March 2002

Ben’s interest in landscape architecture was inspired by home remodeling and landscape renovations as shown on HGTV. Ben joined vTA in 2002 and has worked in both the Sacramento Valley and Bay Area metropolitan regions. His skills and knowledge help bring landscape designs from paper to reality. When not in the office Ben can likely be found playing a pick-up game of basketball or cheering his favorite team, the LA Lakers.

Byron A. Williams, PLA CA #3587

Associate Principal - Napa Office

Cal Poly, Pomona

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: October, 2013

Byron’s enjoyment of the outdoors and the natural processes that cause it to constantly change drew him to landscape architecture. He joined vTA in 2013 with 25 years of professional experience in both landscape architecture and construction. He has a thorough knowledge of construction procedures making him the go-to person for detailing landscape elements. On the weekends Byron can be found out at the beach surfing or enjoying time with his family and friends.

David Bennet, PLA California #3495, PLA Arizona #34137

Associate Principal - Napa Office

Cal Poly, Pomona

Professional Affiliations: CLARB Record Holder

Start Date at vTA: June 2006

From a young age, Dave has always had a fascination with how things work, interact, and how they are put together. This curiosity and ability to “figure it out” plays an important role in his bringing ideas into reality. Since joining vTA in 2006 Dave has incorporated his over two decades of practical landscape architectural experience with new concepts, ideas and technologies to create new and exciting outdoor spaces with the help of a great team. When not at the office, you can usually find Dave kayaking or sailing the San Francisco Bay, or bringing some old car back to life.

Doug Hodge

Chief Operating Officer

Heald Business College

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: June 2005

Early in his life, Doug discovered he had an aptitude for math with led him to his career in accounting. Joining vTA in 2005, Doug enjoys the people he works with and the daily challenges he faces in the ever-changing world of technology. His perfect morning is a fresh cup of coffee and a bank reconciliation in the offing.

Mary McGovern, PLA CA #6064

Senior Associate

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Professional Affiliations: LEED AP BD+D, BFQP

Start Date at vTA: August 2008 (intern from June 2006)

From a young age Mary has always been drawn to the natural and built environment which is what drew her to landscape architecture. Joining vTA in 2006, Mary’s attention to detail and creative skills have been responsible for the success of many projects both domestically and abroad. Outside of the office she enjoys cooking, biking and hiking with her husband, kids and Great Dane.

Benjamin Flock, PLA CA #6453

Senior Associate

North Dakota State University

Professional Affiliations: ASLA, LEED

Start Date at vTA: January 2015

Ben’s initial interest in gardening led him to landscape architecture but he ended up really enjoying the problem-solving aspect of the profession. Ben joined vTA in 2015 and brings with him a large array of experience including both domestic and international work. He plays an instrumental role in bringing concepts through to construction. When away from the office Ben can be found on the trail exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Katy Mendenhall

Senior Associate

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Professional Affiliations: BFQP

Start Date at vTA: November 2005

Katy was drawn to the combination of artistic and technical elements of landscape architecture when she was introduced to it through a site design project in her high school drafting class. Joining vTA in 2005 she brings with her an enthusiasm to design spaces which encourage people to interact with the outdoors. In her free time, Katy can be found hiking and exploring outdoor spaces and cooking.

Jacqueline Smyth, PLA #6973

Senior Associate

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Professional Affiliations: BFQP, LEED AP

Start Date at vTA: June 2014

Jackie’s love for art, design and the natural world led her to landscape architecture. She joined vTA in 2014 bringing with her that love and has gained experience in a wide range of projects from high end residential to commercial developments. When not in the office, Jackie likes to walk her dog through the region’s parks learning about the local landscape.

Alicia Chandler

Associate

University of California, Davis

Professional Affiliations: BFQP

Start Date at vTA: June 2013

Growing up Alicia developed a deep appreciation for California’s native flora and fauna. Tying into her passion for art it was no coincidence that she went into landscape architecture. Alicia joined vTA in the summer of 2013 and is involved in projects from start to finish with her creative problem solving and attention to detail. When not in the office Alicia enjoys riding her horse, sketching, painting and trail running with her dog.

Evelyn Molina

Senior Project Manager

University of California, Davis

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: April 2017

Evelyn admires the field of landscape architecture because the design and plant palette can influence the use of a site and people’s response to their surroundings or others. She is adventurous and naturally curious which drives her to learn more and venture beyond her comfort zone. She is highly resourceful, a team player, and has a great sense of humor which is essential in enjoying the smaller things in life and keep a focus mind when reaching a goal. Her knowledge of various design and drafting software helps to bring a design into construction documents that are essential in turning our vision into reality.

Irona Lee

Senior Project Manager

University of California, Davis

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: July 2017

Irona received her Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis with a Landscape Architecture major and Environmental Horticulture minor. She enjoys creating opportunities for people to interact with nature and the environment, and observing how the right kind of space allows users to have a pleasant experience. Outside of the office, she loves to play music, practice calligraphy, and drink lots of coffee.

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Project Manager

University of California, Davis

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: August 2015

Creating balance between the built and natural environments was what attracted Elizabeth to Landscape Architecture. Joining vTA in 2015, Elizabeth brings with her extensive knowledge from her background in the wholesale nursery industry with a focus on California native and drought tolerant plants. When not in the office, Elizabeth enjoys crafting, volunteering and hiking.

Wenjie Tan

Project Manager

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: October 2021

Wenjie has a passion for crafting places with unique experience where human and nature coexist through sustainable design solutions. Outside the office, Wenjie enjoys baking, hiking, and taking good care of his plants.

Justin Bermester

Project Manager

University of California, Davis

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: November 2021

Justin is a graduate of the Landscape Architecture program at UC Davis with an Associate of Science degree in Viticulture. He has a deep appreciation of diverse native landscapes, formed through living on the West Coast, East Coast, and in the Midwest. This breadth of experience has contributed to his empathy led approach to sustainable design. Justin believes that there’s a plant solution for every space and that well-designed outdoor experiences are integral to improving people’s mental and physical well-being.

Barbara Tiesso

Office Manager and Contracts Administrator

Professional Affiliations:

Start Date at vTA: November 2003

Barbara joined the firm in 2003 with several years of experience in the administrative field, she is directly responsible for client billing, contract administration and maintaining insurance certificates among other various administrative duties. She is the friendly voice that will most likely greet you when you call. Barbara has a great respect for nature and the outdoors and enjoys gardening in her spare time.