principal profile

Steve is an integral part of every project at SSA, contributing his vast experience in landscape architecture and his passion for sustainability.

Steve Sutherland began his career managing a wholesale nursery in 1973 while studying horticulture at a local community college. He then led his own design/build landscape contracting and maintenance business while providing job cost accounting consulting to contractors. After gaining valuable experience in the field, Steve returned to school to pursue Landscape Architecture. His progression of work experience has provided him with a foundation of knowledge that is unique and far more diverse than most Landscape Architects. Growing up in a family run retail chain, Steve has also been instilled with the belief that customer service is paramount. That is the foundation upon which SSA was built.

• Registered Landscape Architect: California, #2805
• Licensed Landscape Contractor: California, #407136
• Vice President CPRS District 6 – 5 terms
• President Elect CPRS District 6 - 2010
• Member, American Society of Landscape Architects
• University of California, Berkeley; Certificate in Landscape Architecture
• Butte Community College; Chico, Ornamental Horticulture
• Santa Cruz County, Sustainable Business Quality Award
• Elena Baskin Award, Contribution to Santa Cruz County Schools
• Sunset, Western Garden Design Award of Excellence

Steve is a licensed pilot and in his free time, he enjoys flying, racing, painting, and bonsai.