People

Philip vanderToolen, PLA, ASLA

CA #2798

President and CEO

Cal Poly, Pomona
Professional Affiliations: ASLA, BIA, CBIA, NAHB
Start Date at vTA: April 1992

Founder of the firm in 1996, Phil vanderToolen is CEO of a comprehensive landscape architecture firm with three offices in Northern California. With over 40 years of experience Phil works closely with his clients and team members on project design objectives.

Under Phil’s leadership the firm has developed an extensive portfolio of award-winning master-planned communities, single family detached, and multi family neighborhoods, model homes, and custom homes. Phil and his team have also designed numerous parks, wineries, hotels, age qualified clubhouses, commercial, and retail centers, and numerous non-profit supportive housing communities.

Phil draws design inspiration from his extensive travels across five continents and looks forward traveling to the next two.  In his spare time he enjoys hanging with his five grandkids, scouring nurseries for new plant varieties, and traveling with his wife in their RV.

Mary Carden, ASLA

Partner

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.

Mary McGovern, PLA

CA #6064

Partner

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 dog.

Katy Mendenhall

Partner

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

PLA #6973

Partner

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.

Doug Hodge

Chief Operating Officer

Heald Business College
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 office.

Benjamin P. Green, PLA

CA #5795

Associate Principal

University of California, 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 - Technical Specialist

Cal Poly, Pomona
Start Date at vTA: March 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 and has 35 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 golfing, hiking, and enjoying time with his family and friends.

David Bennet, PLA

California #3495, PLA Arizona #34137

Associate Principal

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.

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.

Alicia Chandler, PLA

PLA #7107

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
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 Kim

Senior Project Manager

University of California, Davis
Start Date at vTA: July 2017

Irona received her Bachelor of Science degree from UC Davis with a major in Landscape Architecture and minor in Environmental Horticulture. 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.

Maribel Arellano

Senior Project Manager

Cal Poly Pomona
Start Date at vTA: January 2024

Maribel received her Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly, Pomona. She has always enjoyed all aspects of Art/ Design and enjoys creating spaces that provide interactions with nature. In her eyes, the beauty of design comes from a well-designed space that will leave an impression and help create memories that nurture people’s well-being. Outside of the office, she enjoys listening to the Blues/ Jazz, traveling, nature walks with her husband, 2 kids and their 3 dogs.

Jackie Bos

Senior Project Manager

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Start Date at vTA: 2003

Jackie received her Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and was with vTA from 2003-2013, and rejoined in 2024. Jackie loves the creative problem-solving process of weaving together the client’s needs with the opportunities and constraints of the site. vTA has enabled her to oversee a variety of projects domestically and abroad. Her passions are traveling, snow skiing, food and wine, and enjoying time with her husband and two kids.

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Senior Project Manager

University of California, Davis
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.

Wenjie Tan

Project Manager

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
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
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.

Bridget Davenport

Project Manager

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Start Date at vTA: October 2024

For 20 years, Bridget has worked with Landscape Design/Build companies around the Bay Area. She enjoys the creativity of the design process: from early conceptual ideas all the way to watching her design come to life. When not at work she’s active with her two children or volunteering with the local theater company.

Ryan Wang

Project Coordinator

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Start Date at vTA: May 2025

Ryan grew up with deep appreciation of landscape from hiking in the national parks in Taiwan with his family. He believes a good landscape design should improve the community well-being, elevate the outdoor experience, and be accessible to a diverse range of users. Outside of the office, Ryan enjoys going to concerts and traveling.

Barbara Tiesso

Office Manager and Contracts Administrator

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.