Brando Reece-Gomez
Landscape Designer
Brando joined Skapa in early 2023. Having grown up in Seattle, he developed an appreciation for gardens at a young age while helping bring his own parents’ garden to life over the years. He has worked across a diverse set of project types, from residential estates, luxury hotel and spa development, to wineries through all phases of design and construction. In addition, he spent 2 years in The Netherlands where he worked on urban design and infrastructure projects as part of a multi-disciplinary Dutch firm.
He draws on 10 years of varied experiences, ever since his first job in landscape construction. He holds a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Washington and is soon to be licensed in the state of California.
NANCY NICKLES
PROJECT COORDINATOR
Nancy spends most of her time on site. She coordinates multiple projects under construction, contributing firsthand knowledge of the construction trades to the office. On site, Nancy can be found collaborating with the various trades and subcontractors we encounter during the construction phase.
At Skapa Landscape, she is also part of the team working to pioneer 3DCP Printing in the Northwest. Her background, as a cement mason and member of the Local 528, has been integral to our mission and has resulted in improved designs and quality control in the shop. She is actively involved in supporting development programs within her community and for women in the construction industry and is excited to introduce this technology to those communities.
Cuiling Chen
Landscape dESIGNER
Cuiling earned her Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Iowa State University and a Master Degree in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. And then decide to join a landscape architecture firm!
As a landscape designer at SKAPA, Cuiling is combining her background in architecture with her background in robotic construction She has developed skills in emerging design techniques and cross-disciplinary tools and integrates advanced digital modeling techniques into the design methodology.
At Skapa, she is integral to our mission to explore the ways landscape design can benefit from new materials and methods. By introducing digital fabrication, construction, and aesthetics during all stages of creative development, we can evaluate different way to solve problems in the industry.
In the field, she is integral to coordination with contractors. Her experience with the latest technology ensures quality and design integrity. She is passionate and enjoys using 3DCP and other 3D printing technology to improve design and explore the diversity of materiality, such as concrete and clay, in landscape design.
LIndsey heller, PLA
PRINCIPAL OWNER
Lindsey Heller, PLA is a registered landscape architect, nationally recognized, with a wide range of professional experience. Most recently awarded the Design of Excellence by WASLA, for her role as Landscape Architect of Record for the Leach Botanical Garden – Upper Garden Development .
When Lindsey is not in the office, her time is dedicated to exploring the outdoors with family and friends, baseball, music and working in the garden.
Education: 2002 B.L.A. University of Georgia
Professional Registrations: WA, OR, KY
Affiliations: WBE (Application Pending)ASLA, WASLA, APGA
Recent Project Awards:
2023 Winner Luxe RED Awards – Regional Design
FIVE Residence (Bellevue, WA)
Role: Landscape Architect of Record, performed at Land Morphology
2023 Design of Excellence - Public Design
Leach Botanical Garden - Respecting the Past, Reimaging the Future (Portland, OR)
Role: Landscape Architect of Record, performed at Land Morphology