LaGuardia Design Group staff standing on a dock by the water with a forested background in Sag Harbor, NY.

As the studio’s work has been recognized, LaGuardia Design Group has expanded, with offices in Water Mill and New York City. Leadership is now a multi-generational, talented group led by Chris and his partners Ian Hanbach, Daniel Thorp and Jane LaGuardia. Work includes residential, cultural, hospitality and commercial landscapes in Manhattan, New England, Florida, and the Caribbean. .

Christopher LaGuardia wearing a black cable knit sweater standing in front of a hedge at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

TEAM

Founder/Principal
RLA, FASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
For over 30 years, Christopher LaGuardia, has been committed to the advancement of landscape architecture on the eastern end of Long Island.
In practice, he integrates the needs and habitat of people with the natural landscape in clear and understandable terms.
Over the years, the LaGuardia Design Group’s award-winning work has garnered both local and national recognition for its environmentally conscious approach. Chris lectures widely about the importance of the profession as it relates to climate change, sustainability and quality of life issues.
Board positions held include the Lake George Land Conservancy, the Lake George Club, and the Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Away from work Chris enjoys spending time with his growing family, collecting local art works, competitive tennis, mediocre golf and boating.

Partner
RLA, ASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Ian joined the LaGuardia Design team in 2005 after graduating with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from SUNY ESF. Since that time, he has earned his NYS License while managing numerous projects, ranging from large scale residential designs to high end luxury resort planning.
He currently lives with his wife and children in Hampton Bays. In his spare time, he enjoys taking in the natural beauty of the Hamptons and rooting for the Syracuse University Basketball team.

Jane LaGuardia smiling outdoors in front of green foliage, wearing a black jacket and patterned shirt at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Partner
RLA, ASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Daniel is a registered Landscape Architect in the state of New York and a partner at the LaGuardia Design Group. Over the past fifteen years, Daniel has led more than two hundred projects at LaGuardia Design ranging from large scale oceanfront residences to a million square foot park in eastern China. The best of which are captured in his firm’s first monologue titled ‘Contemporary Gardens of the Hamptons’, published earlier this spring.
He is a member of the ASLA, sits on the Parrish Art Museum’s Landscape Pleasures committee and currently resides in Sag Harbor, NY.

Partner
ASLA
Jane has been a vital member of the executive team at LaGuardia Design since 1996. Her work spans many facets of the company including management, finance, marketing and public relations. Prior to her work at LaGuardia Design Jane taught Horticulture at a public high school, worked in the retail trade and provided consultation services for private estates.
Jane holds degrees in ornamental horticulture from Cobleskill College and a Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture from the University of Georgia where she studied under plant guru Dr.Michael Dirr.

Senior Project Manager
RLA, ASLA, ISA CA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Alex was born and raised on Eastern Long Island and joined LaGuardia Design in May of 2009. Alex brings to the firm an in-depth knowledge of woody plant material and native plant communities. While attending University, Alex was a teaching assistant for courses in plant identification and landscape design theory. He was the 2008 recipient of the Rhode Island ASLA Merit for excellence in the study of Landscape Architecture and has recently sat on the jury of the ASLA-NY professional awards. Alex is currently pursuing his Certified Arborist credentialing from the ISA.
Alex resides in Sag Harbor with his wife and daughter and enjoys surfing, paddle boarding and running in his spare time.

Senior Project Manager
RLA, ASLA, LEED Green Associate
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Matthew’s interest in landscape architecture stemmed from a love of the outdoors and an interest in construction. He attended Cornell University and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. Soon after, he joined the LaGuardia team and obtained New York State licensure in 2017. Most recently Matthew became an accredited LEED Green Associate, designating proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction and operations standards.
While working at LaGuardia Design, Matthew has come to appreciate the peaceful and restorative effects of a well thought out landscape - ultimately creating spaces where users can relax and unwind.

Senior Project Manager
RLA, ASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
John joined the LaGuardia Design studio in 2017, after spending multiple years working in the design-build industry on the East End of Long Island. He received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in 2013 including time spent living and studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.
He has managed multiple award winning projects at the firm including ‘Dune Meadow’ (NY ASLA Honor Award 2022), ‘Marine Meadow’ (NY ASLA Honor Award 2021), ‘Cove Hollow Farm’ (Luxe RED Regional Winner 2023), and ‘Jule Pond’ (Interior Design Mag Best of Year Residential Landscape 2024).
While currently in the role of Senior Project Manager, John helps guide colleagues in the office from the concept phase thru to construction administration. He routinely works with teams of consultants, jurisdictional agencies, and project stakeholders on all aspects of site planning and project implementation.
John has managed large scale residential construction projects throughout the Northeastern US while at LDG. He is a licensed Landscape Architect and currently resides in Nissequogue, NY.

NYC Studio Director
RLA, ASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Carl is a Registered Landscape Architect in New York and Connecticut, with extensive experience in landscape construction management and sustainable design practices.
Carl comes to LaGuardia after leading park construction and conservation initiatives for a private non-profit which included projects in New York, Maine, South Carolina, Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina.
An active member of the ASLA, Carl is currently the president of the New York Chapter. He joined LaGuardia in 2022 to lead the New York studio in Manhattan where he lives with his wife.

Marketing & Communications
Outdoor Furniture Coordinator
ASLA
Kerry graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Fine Art & Photography. She cultivated her passion for travel during a transformative study abroad experience with Semester at Sea. Following graduation, she immersed herself in living abroad in Asia, spent several fulfilling years in Manhattan, and eventually circled back to her roots in Southampton, her hometown.
Kerry now serves as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at LaGuardia Design, a role she assumed in September 2020. In addition to her diverse creative and administrative responsibilities, Kerry has taken on the crucial task of planning and coordinating all outdoor furniture projects. This role allows her to blend her artistic background with her organizational skills, ensuring that LaGuardia Design continues to deliver exceptional service and products to its clientele. Kerry's diverse experiences have uniquely positioned her to infuse creativity and efficiency into every aspect of her role.

Associate
ASLA
Justin is a graduate of University at Buffalo, where he received a Bachelor’s in Architecture and Environmental Design. Immediately after graduation, he went on to pursue a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. He has since joined the team after graduating in 2019. Justin’s education and professional experiences in both Architecture and Landscape Architecture have instilled in him a passion and love for incorporating built systems into natural environments.
Justin has also been recognized by awards such as the AN 2018 Best of Design Awards by the Architect’s Newspaper, and his collaboration with SCAPE and their Public Sediment for Alameda Creek team.
A native to Southern New York, Justin grew up in Sloatsburg, NY and is very familiar with the local environment. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, fishing, swimming with sharks, and any thrill-seeking activities.

Associate
ASLA
Parker graduated in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Landscape Architecture. Soon after, he joined LaGuardia Design Group and moved out of Ohio for the first time.
He was interested in the unique and abundant architecture of the Hamptons as well as the fitting landscapes that accompanied it. During the summer of 2019, Parker interned in Southampton, solidifying his plans to move to New York full time. Through his love for nature photography, hiking, and design, Parker stumbled upon the profession right before college and has been dedicated to the field of landscape architecture ever since. He believes that the natural aesthetic, incorporated with environmentalism, and functionality creates the most inspiring designs.
In his free time, Parker likes to play sports, explore local sites, take pictures, and socialize with friends. His fondness for photography has led him to travel the country to national parks out west in search of the best hikes and beautiful views.

Public Relations
After spending her childhood weekends walking around job sites and garden tours, it only seemed natural for Charlotte to take a more active role in the office and she officially joined the LDG team.
In 2014 Charlotte graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education and Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. Upon graduation Charlotte returned home to Sag Harbor to pursue her career as a yoga instructor. She has recently completed her Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition and has a keen interest in helping people pursue their health goals. Charlotte's Thrive East Nutrition explores Integrative and Clinical Nutrition standards, and her office is based out of Water Mill. When she is not meeting with clients, Charlotte spends her time at LaGuardia Design managing the social media accounts and handling various office projects.

Associate
ASLA
Bryan received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 2022. He completed his senior thesis study on contemporary biodiversity management in San Francisco. The study was a product of his interests in native plant community design and ecosystem services.
Growing up in the valleys of central New York, Bryan developed an appreciation for the natural landscape. He pursued landscape architecture as it combines his passion for design and environmental science. During the years before joining the office, he was able to travel abroad to countries such as Spain, Italy, and Brazil. He further developed his appreciation for different cultures including their history, language and food. His experiences have influenced his understanding of landscape design.
Outside of the office he enjoys experiencing the outdoors, pursuing creative outlets, and planning his next trip abroad. He is excited to join a team of passionate individuals on the forefront of contemporary landscape design.

Senior Associate
ASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Sama graduated from University of Tehran with a degree in Urban Planning & Design in 2016. During her last year of undergraduate studies, she fell in love with landscape architecture and moved to the United States to pursue a master’s in landscape architecture at Cornell University. After Graduating from Cornell in 2019, Sama spent a year working with multidisciplinary design teams on public landscape projects in New York City. Sama’s education and professional experience have instilled in her a passion for the intricacies in landscape design and the coalescence of the natural and cultivated landscapes.
Sama finds inspiration from her travels across countries and loves to find the stories behind each landscape. In her free time, Sama enjoys figure skating, dancing, yoga, and cycling.

Gianni Valenti with long hair and mustache in blue shirt outdoors at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Associate
Gianni received his Bachelors from Cornell University in Urban and Regional studies in 2021 and Masters of Regional Planning in 2023. Centering on contemporary city and suburban development practices, Gianni's undergraduate and graduate thesis focused on the role of private housing development in reshaping cultural and physical landscapes. Prior to joining the firm full-time Gianni interned with LDG or two summers as well as spent a year in Italy connecting with his ancestral roots and teaching Undergraduate Architecture and Urban Planning students hands-on methods of cultural landscape research and applied urban design.
Spending his summers on Long Island since he was child, Gianni's love for natural landscape was born on our Atlantic shore. Passionate about the rich history of Modernism in the Hamptons, Gianni's personal and design aesthetic is heavily informed by architectural and fine art movements from the 60s and 70s. As a self-proclaimed "beach bum," you can find Gianni lounging in the sand and taking in the sun's rays any chance he can get.

Associate
Severo has over twenty years of experience in Architecture and Landscape Architecture. He's participated in a wide range of large scale projects in Southeast Asia and China from preliminary Conceptual Design stage to Design Development stage through Working Drawings.
He has a broad experience in large scale projects ranging from Community Parks, Mixed-Use Commercial Development, Wetland Parks, Resort Hotels and High-End Residential Development. As a LEED- Accredited Professional he's able to integrate sustainable principles into the design projects. Joining LaGuardia Design Group in 2023, his solid architectural background, which fosters an artistic and technical insight in Landscape Design and Master Planning, will be a great asset to the team.

Associate
Arnie graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of the Philippines - Diliman. She is a current member of the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) and International Federation of Landscape Architects - Asia Pacific Region (IFLA-APR).
Joining Laguardia Design Group in January of 2023, Arnie brings her many years of experience in landscape architecture to the company. Her design knowledge, project management skills along with 3D and rendering experience, make her a great asset to LDG. Her ultimate goal is to create beautiful landscapes and outdoor spaces for people to be together and enjoy.

Jake in a white shirt standing with arms crossed in front of greenery at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Associate

Carl Carlson in a light blue shirt smiling outdoors with green bushes and a clear sky in the background at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Thackston Crandall wearing glasses and a gray sweater, standing outdoors against a green leafy background at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Sarah DeGray with long brown hair wearing a green ribbed turtleneck sweater and gold chain necklace, standing in front of green foliage at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Senior Project Manager
RLA, ASLA, LEED Green Associate
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Thackston is a graduate of Clemson University, where he received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. After working in Boston, MA as a landscape designer for Crowley Cottrell he went on to pursue a Masters of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University. Thackston’s education and professional experiences have instilled in him a passion and love for design and a belief in the transformative power of good design.
Thackston’s work has been recognized by awards such as the American Society of Landscape Architects Student Honor Award in 2015, a Boston Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award in 2016, and was named a 2016 University Olmsted Scholar by the Landscape Architecture Foundation.
Originally a native of South Carolina, Thackston draws inspiration from the rural landscapes that surrounded him growing up and influenced his pursuit of Landscape Architecture. Thackston now calls Sag Harbor home and enjoys exploring Long Island’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.

Senior Associate
RLA, ASLA
[PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE]
New York State
Sarah graduated Magna Cum Laude from SUNY-ESF in May 2016, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. While at SUNY-ESF, Sarah traveled to Christchurch, New Zealand to complete her capstone on temporary transitional projects. She is interested in integrating her knowledge of environmental sustainability and resiliency into beautiful and meaningful designs.
A native to Long Island, Sarah grew up in Lake Grove, NY. Prior to joining LaGuardia Design in October 2016, Sarah participated in two internships in New York City, where she gained firsthand experience in high end residential design and city planning.

Sama Azadi with long dark hair, wearing a gray cardigan and black turtleneck, standing outdoors in front of a green hedge at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Lauren Monaghan with long dark hair wearing a leopard print top standing outdoors with greenery in the background at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Angela Moreno-Long smiling outdoors with green hedge background at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Billing
Lauren is a valuable member of the LaGuardia Design Team. She manages the firm's billing and book-keeping, and is always coming up with new ways to help the firm financially.

Associate
ASLA
Angela combines her background in urban studies, placemaking, and landscape architecture to bring a dynamic understanding of social and ecological contexts in the built environment. She is passionate about creating vibrant, healthy, and meaningful landscape spaces and has joined LaGuardia as an Associate in the NYC Studio.
She grew up in Boulder, CO and Mexico City, two mountain settings with distinct approaches to urban and landscape design. These early years instilled in her a fascination in the intersection of urban and environmental systems, as well as the transformative role of design in these relationships. Angela holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design (2021) and a Bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University (2016).
Previously, she worked in the non-profit sector focusing on design and creative placemaking in rural America.
She enjoys hiking, analog photography printing, textile design, and experimental electronic music.

Maricca smiling, wearing a striped shirt with green foliage in the background at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Associate
Maricca, a University of Santo Tomas alumna with a BS in Architecture, is an accomplished architect with a diverse portfolio that includes commercial, residential, and subdivision projects. She has worked alongside top developers in the Philippines, gaining extensive experience.
Now joining a team of landscape architects, Maricca is eager to apply her expertise and creativity in this new role.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling and discovering new cities.

Stephen Godanis in gray button-up shirt smiling in front of green leafy background at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Associate
ASLA
Stephen received his Bachelor of Urbanism from Indiana University, where his passion for Landscape Architecture was first ignited. He earned his Master of Landscape Architecture from Boston Architectural College in 2016 and his Master of Urban Design from the City College of New York in 2017.

Stephen is a William Plater Scholar, a Sam Jones Civic Engagement Scholar, and a MURI Scholar. During his undergraduate studies, he served as a teaching assistant for courses in making and modeling and social urbanism, further solidifying his commitment to smart, beautiful, and community-based design.

Originally from Columbus, Indiana, Stephen has witnessed firsthand how thoughtful landscape architecture can inspire and engage the public. He enjoys exploring urban environments and discovering new landscapes. Currently, he serves as a board member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, New York Chapter (ASLANY).

Salonee Chadha with glasses smiling, wearing a blue jacket and white shirt, standing in front of green bushes at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Associate, ASLA
After training in architecture and practicing landscape design in India for five years, Salonee pursued graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, followed by gaining hands-on experience at an interdisciplinary firm in Massachusetts. Collaborating closely with planners, engineers, and wetland scientists, she contributed to projects that seamlessly integrated environmental stewardship with landscape design principles.
At LaGuardia Design Group, she continues to pursue her passion for creating spaces that not only enrich human experiences but also harmonize beauty with functionality. Driven by a passion for creating meaningful environments, Salonee believes in the power of landscape design to shape and influence how people interact with their surroundings. This perspective is rooted in her experience of integrating natural elements & cultural influences into every project.
In her free time, Salonee finds joy in exploring the natural world through hiking and expressing her artistic side through charcoal drawings.

Bryce Owen wearing glasses and a plaid shirt standing in front of green bushes with a blue sky visible above at the LaGuardia Design Group Water Mill office.

Associate
ASLA
Born and raised on the east end of Long Island, Bryce has always been immersed in the stunning landscapes and architecture of the Hamptons. Growing up on construction sites, he developed a keen appreciation for quality craftsmanship and design, heavily influenced by his father, a GC renowned for high-end projects. Bryce attended Roger Williams University, where he earned a BS in Architecture, solidifying his dedication to the field.
After many years working alongside his father, he decided to branch out and explore a new avenue in his career. Joining the team at LaGuardia Design presented a unique opportunity to blend his love of nature with architecture. Bryce views architecture as a way of infusing art and creativity into everyday life.
Outside of the office, you may catch him partaking in sport, soaking in some fine art, or stopping to smell the roses. Bryce is thrilled to bring his background and enthusiasm to this exciting new chapter.