Business Details
Award-Winning Landscape Architecture Firm
Studio-MLA is a design studio dedicated to integrating landscape architecture, urban design, and planning to create spaces that foster human connection, unite communities, and restore environmental balance. Founded over 25 years ago by Mia Lehrer, the studio operates from offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, employing a diverse team of 45 professionals including landscape architects, planners, botanists, and ecologists. Our practice is rooted in 'advocacy by design,' a philosophy that leverages systems-thinking to address complex urban and ecological challenges. We specialize in transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, resilient environments through projects ranging from large-scale parks to intimate plazas.Our work emphasizes ecological restoration, social equity, and climate resilience, informed by decades of experience in both public and private sector projects. With a commitment to inclusivity and authenticity, we collaborate with communities to translate ideas into culturally relevant and climate-appropriate places. Our team's expertise spans ecological design, community engagement, and infrastructure innovation, supported by certifications as a Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Recognized globally for our innovative approach, we continue to push boundaries in creating sustainable, impactful landscapes.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Ecological Planning
Community Engagement
Infrastructure Design
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design
- Our team includes certified WBE/MBE/DBE/SBE professionals across multiple states
- We pioneered the 'advocacy by design' approach to community-driven projects
- Our 45-person team combines landscape architects, ecologists, and urban planners
- Recognized with National Design Awards and global accolades for innovation
Associations and certifications
- WBE
- MBE
- DBE
- SBE
What people say
Award-winning designs
Community-focused approach
Ecological expertise
Innovative transformations
Diverse team
Services
Landscape Architecture
Studio-MLA creates transformative landscapes that balance ecological function with human needs. Our approach integrates native plantings, sustainable materials, and climate-resilient design to create spaces that evolve with their environments. Projects range from large-scale parks to intimate urban plazas, all emphasizing environmental restoration and community engagement.
Urban Design
We reshape urban environments through holistic design strategies that enhance connectivity and livability. Our work addresses transportation networks, public spaces, and mixed-use developments while prioritizing pedestrian experiences and sustainable infrastructure. Projects focus on creating walkable, equitable communities that respond to local cultural and ecological contexts.
Ecological Planning
Our ecological planning integrates natural systems into urban environments through low-impact development and habitat restoration. We specialize in transforming degraded sites into thriving ecosystems that mitigate climate impacts. Solutions combine scientific rigor with creative design to address water management, biodiversity, and climate adaptation challenges.
Community Engagement
We facilitate inclusive design processes that incorporate community voices into every project. Through workshops, charrettes, and collaborative planning, we ensure spaces reflect local needs and cultural identities. Our approach builds long-term stewardship by creating places that resonate with the communities they serve.
Infrastructure Design
Studio-MLA reimagines infrastructure as multifunctional public assets that enhance urban environments. Our projects transform streetscapes, water systems, and transportation corridors into vibrant spaces that improve ecological function while serving practical needs. Designs prioritize resilience against climate impacts while creating engaging public experiences.
People
Mia Lehrer
President
Mia Lehrer has led Studio-MLA for over 25 years, pioneering advocacy-driven design that transforms urban landscapes. Recognized with the National Design Award and AIA Architecture Award, she specializes in creating ecologically responsible spaces that address social equity. Her work focuses on water sustainability, public parks, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Ben Feldmann
Principal
Ben Feldmann directs complex urban design projects that integrate ecological systems with community needs. With expertise in large-scale master plans, he specializes in transforming underutilized sites into vibrant public spaces. His work emphasizes climate adaptation strategies and sustainable infrastructure solutions for cities.
Dawn Dyer
Principal
Dawn Dyer leads landscape architecture projects that combine ecological innovation with functional design. Her expertise includes park development, stormwater management, and habitat restoration. She focuses on creating resilient landscapes that address climate challenges while enhancing public access to natural spaces.
Holly Kuwayama
Principal
Holly Kuwayama specializes in urban design projects that enhance public spaces and transportation networks. Her work emphasizes walkability, equitable access, and sustainable materials. She leads multidisciplinary teams to create connected environments that prioritize both environmental performance and human experience.
Kush Parekh
Principal
Kush Parekh directs technical implementation of complex landscape architecture projects. With expertise in sustainable construction methods, he focuses on transforming conceptual designs into buildable, resilient environments. His work emphasizes innovative material use and construction techniques that meet ecological and functional requirements.
Questions
What types of projects does Studio-MLA specialize in?
We specialize in landscape architecture, urban design, and ecological planning projects ranging from public parks and plazas to large-scale infrastructure and climate resilience initiatives.
How does Studio-MLA approach community involvement?
We use collaborative workshops, public charrettes, and stakeholder meetings to ensure community voices shape our designs, creating spaces that reflect local needs and cultural identities.
What sustainability practices does the firm employ?
Our designs incorporate native plantings, low-impact development, stormwater management systems, and climate-resilient materials to create ecologically responsible, energy-efficient landscapes.
Where does Studio-MLA operate?
Based in Los Angeles and San Francisco, we work on projects across California, Texas, Illinois, and internationally, adapting our approach to local environmental and cultural contexts.
What certifications does the firm hold?
Studio-MLA is certified as a Woman-Owned Business (WBE), Minority-Owned Business (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) in multiple jurisdictions.
How does the firm address climate change in its designs?
We integrate climate adaptation strategies like green infrastructure, heat-mitigating materials, and habitat restoration to create resilient spaces that address rising temperatures and extreme weather events.
