Landscape architects make our world a more beautiful, functional place, and Stephanie Holland is using her talent and vision to infuse the Charlotte area with impactful community spaces. Find out how she entered this profession, what drives her, and how landscape architecture combines her three favorite things: people, plants, and problems.
Finding the right hybrid
Stephanie started at the University of Georgia as a journalism major, but quickly discovered it wasn’t the right fit. Architecture was also briefly on the table; meanwhile, a Myers Briggs test revealed she’d thrive as a park ranger. Although she came from a long line of engineers and was familiar with the A/E/C industry, she didn’t know much about landscape architecture until she shadowed a landscape architect and everything clicked. This new path combined her love of the outdoors with problem solving, allowing her to connect with the world in a meaningful way.
“I was born and bred for this work. When architects finish their projects, that’s the best it’s ever going to look. But with landscape architecture, things keep growing and will continue looking better and better as the years go by. You get to make your mark and watch it grow. I find that fascinating.”
Stephanie
After feeling unsettled at other firms, Stephanie joined Bloc Design in 2021, which merged with V3 in 2022. She was drawn to the welcoming, flexible culture that allowed her to balance her home life responsibilities while supporting her professional ambitions. Right away, she appreciated the team environment and “leave your ego at the door” philosophy.
“What drew me here is the people. I’m a people person, and while I’ve worked on everything from wetlands to city planning, what matters to me at the end of the day is the people I work with. If I’m comfortable, I can do my best work. I’m so happy to be surrounded by people I truly trust.”
Growing and giving back
For Stephanie, every project takes her somewhere unexpected, whether that means developing solutions for tight budgets or determining how to thoughtfully fill large, expansive spaces. No matter the problem, she loves collaborating with clients and mentoring team members, using her thirteen years of talent and knowledge to guide conversations.
“We as humans need to encourage each other. It’s so exciting to see the up-and-coming generations bring what they’ve learned and then invest in them as leaders. I love giving back what was given to me. It makes such a huge difference.”
Stephanie spends her days facilitating meetings and multitasking with industry tools such as AutoCAD, LandFX, InDesign, and more. As a highly visual person, she often goes back to classic trace paper and pens during brainstorming sessions.
Years of being on the production side of projects have given Stephanie the confidence and expertise to make her mark here at V3. Some of her favorite projects have been the ones that pushed her the most, including the 90-acre, TIAA corporate campus in Charlotte.
“I love projects with lots of problem solving and great design collaboration. When I get to work with people who think differently than me, the results are awesome.”
This kind of teamwork is at the forefront of life at V3, where landscape architects work alongside other service lines to deliver holistic solutions.
“I can’t put my finger on what the magic is but there’s been equal footing right from the start. Everyone takes ownership and is in constant communication. In fact, engineering is so well integrated into V3’s landscape architecture process that some outsiders think I’m an engineer!”
Never stop exploring
Stephanie loves helping things grow, both at work and at home. She treats her yard as a giant experiment, adding new plants, flowers, and vegetables every year. This year, she’s trying her luck at potatoes and also tends to chickens and her 14-year-old dog, Merlot.
She loves exploring Charlotte parks and farmers markets with her kids and looks forward to seeing the city grow up alongside her family.
“I’m excited to see Charlotte continue to develop and grow. It’s the longest place I’ve lived as an adult, and I’m so proud to be making a mark here.”
Work with Stephanie and our landscape architecture team
Our landscape architecture team is growing! V3 is a repeat Best Firm to Work For and Healthiest Employer winner, offering unlimited potential to develop your skills and make an impact. Explore our open landscape architecture job opportunities in Charlotte, Indianapolis, Chicago, and beyond to learn more.