Our Story
CD–LA was founded by William Carson Joyce and Michael Douglas Brennan. One from the East and one the West, Bill and Michael each had a unique journey to the love and craft of landscapes. Together, their distinct experiences and sensibilities layer into a robust design vision that is both technical and artistic.
William Carson Joyce
Bill began his career in the field, hands in the earth, building with local stones in new England. Since then, he has traveled the world to gain exposure to varying design styles, worked with multiple trades in landscape construction, and learned from several experts of garden design, as well as completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture. For Bill, the theory and artistry of landscape design is always grounded in the stones, roots, and soil of living landscapes. He is a Registered Landscape Architect in California, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Michael Douglas Brennan
Throughout his two decades in the industry, Michael has earned a reputation for creating award winning designs, including two CLCA awards, a Laurel award, SAM award and an ASLA national design competition award. Michael's work has been featured in many industry articles and publications throughout his career including Dwell, San Diego Home / Garden, Riviera, San Diego Magazine and others. He is a California Registered Landscape Architect, LEED AP, and member of ASLA and USGBC San Diego chapters.
Our Team
CD-LA is a small team of talented landscape artists. We share deep roots in responsible ecology and a continuous awe for what nature makes possible.
Erin Kay
Erin aims to strengthen and enhance the built environment by designing landscapes that are integrated and responsive to the natural patterns and systems of a site. She is committed to finding innovative and sustainable design solutions that achieve a balance between art, environmental stewardship and functionality. Erin is a Registered Landscape Architect in Maine.
Nicole Staskus
Nicole is inspired to create outdoor spaces in which to retreat, foster friendships, and build family. Her design ideals include native planting and thoughtful water use and her favorite work encourages habitat for butterflies, birds, and native plants to integrate with the site and the latest high-end look.
Shane Sullivan
Shane is interested in the fine print - the details that help create finely-tuned, locally sourced, and site-specific projects. He is focused on designing spaces that can adapt and thrive over a lifetime with minimal impact on their environment.
We Believe
Your site is the star. We bring creativity, problem solving, and attunement to your dreams and needs. No big egos here.
It should feel easy. Landscapes have the power to renew, inspire, and return us to our essential nature. Our process of design and collaboration is meticulous, but the end result will feel effortless and natural.
Being responsible on climate is table stakes. You cannot love landscapes as much as we do without putting sustainability and environmental stewardship at the forefront of every project.