Leah Whyte - Landscape Architect

Works at WSP Canada Inc. (Edmonton)
Years of experience: 18

Last updated: April, 2023

Career Journey

2002-2004, 2009-2011, 2014-2015

Education

January 2017-May 2019

Career Milestone 1

January 2013- January 2017

Career Milestone 2

August 2011-December 2012

Career Milestone 3

Present

Future Ambitions

Landscape Architectural Technology Diploma with Honours, University of Guelph Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours Degree with Distinction
LEED Accredited Professional for New Construction
Landscape Architecture Registration Exams 1, 2 and 3

Inclusion Planner
Project Manager for the Alberta Parks Accessibility Construction Guidelines
Facilitated Safe Zone Training with an LGBTQ2S+ focus

Senior Parks Development Planner
Project Manager of the Strathcona Science Provincial Park Student Design Competition
Project Manager of Edmonton Capital Region Planning Project - examining parks within the Edmonton region for their development potential

Intern Landscape Architect
Technical drawings
Cost estimates
Conceptual design
Low impact development

Own a landscape architecture firm

Question and Answers

After graduation, what was the first position you had? How did that shape where you are now as a Landscape Architect?

When I first graduated as a landscape architectural technologist, I worked with Design North Landscape Architecture. It was a small firm, but had excellent leadership and I learned a lot.

What is something that surprised you at the start of your career? or What is something that surprises you about being a Landscape Architect?

The soft skills are way more important than the technical skills, but you do need both.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I look forward to updating this section in the future!

What skills do you feel are important to have as a Landscape Architect?

I cannot emphasize this enough, you need to understand how to work with other people, whether they be coworkers, clients, municipalities, and other design professionals.

What are you passionate about as a Landscape Architect?

Nature. The outside environment. Children. Social Justice. Climate Change. Water. Mental health. The importance of nature for health.

Tell us about some of the exciting projects you have been a part of.

When I worked as an Inclusion Planner for Alberta Parks, I really enjoyed all aspects of inclusion. This world is full of so much diversity and we are lucky for that. I have learned how to accept people for who they are.

Describe something that you have found challenging as a AALA?. How did you overcome this?

Politics. I do lots of reading, lots of talking with my friends who also work in landscape architecture, and lots of searching for memes as they apply to my current state of being. The more sarcastic ones with colourful language are my favourite.

What advice would you give a new Landscape Architect?

Read, stay informed, and as long as you are motivated by caring for nature and people, you will eventually have a rewarding career. Please have a sense of humour.



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