Q&A with Shannon Callahan

How’s the MLA program going so far?⁠
I’m nearing the end of my first year in the MLA program, and I would describe my experience thus far as transformative. It’s been full of challenges, but I deeply enjoy the work even after long hours and tight deadlines- so that must be a good sign!

What was your path to this program like?
I’m a plant nerd. I’m a restoration ecologist by training, specializing in Midwest urban habitats and native landscaping. To start, I was in the field, doing wildlife monitoring, invasive species management, and biodiversity surveys. From there, I did a mix of restoration stewardship and native landscaping installation. This, in turn, led to conservation consulting and the opportunity to try my hand at design. The first time someone asked me to design a garden upgrade for them, something clicked. The creative side of landscape design scratched an itch I didn’t know I had, and I knew I wanted to see where I could take it.

What is a small thing you learned in the program that’s had a big impact on your work? It sounds silly, but I’ve learned to think about people. I’m so accustomed to working in wild spaces and thinking nature first and foremost, that the human experience is an afterthought. I’m trying to challenge myself to work outside my comfort zone and build my people skills.

What has surprised you about the program? About landscape architecture as a field?
I was surprised to learn the range of specialties that exist within the field of landscape architecture. I expected things to be primarily plants and ecology-focused, but there is also a heavy emphasis on urban planning. Additionally, I was not expecting how much I would need to develop my artistic representation skills. Even if you have a vision in your head, you have to find a way to show others.