JOHN MERTEN, RLA, PRINCIPal

EDUCATION: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA, Bachelor of Science, Landscape Architecture

EXPERIENCE: Mr. Merten’s work is characterized by his ability to balance thoughtful, clear design ideas with real world budgets and physical limitations. With 30 years in the field, he has gained a broad understanding of building practices, plant knowledge and learned how to work with all people. His experience includes estate residential, commercial, public and private park lands and schools. Mr. Merten has led community workshops at numerous public spaces including San Francisco City parks and academic institutions. He has a talent for building consensus within diverse groups of individuals. His design work is distinctive and personalized to meet the design objectives. His approach to each challenge is based on the premise that the perfect balance between all the competing needs can be reached and therefore the resulting design will be embraced and supported by all stakeholders.

As head of the design studio, he provides design direction, monitors the budget, directs work flow and establishes an elevated level of creativity and thoroughness in detail development. John is interested in crafting smart, useful, and valuable exterior spaces, ones that will  serve the public for years, and feel great to be in. His knowledge of materials and construction techniques allows him the freedom to put forward ideas that he knows can be built, conform to the limitations, and enrich the quality of life for his clients. 

PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: I am the chef at home.

FAVORITE QUOTE:  “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."  -Steve Jobs