One of four Landscape Architects promoted to Partner at OLIN this year, we’d like to introduce Janelle to those who haven’t had the privilege of meeting her. She recently took a moment to reflect on what this role means to her, and we thought it would be great to share her thoughts here. Consider yourself IN the conversation:
If you know me, you know I value listening over speaking, and reflection over reaction. I don’t always lead from the front with volume or visibility, but I lead by presence, by consistency, and by a deep commitment to understanding before acting. This style allows me to see what others might overlook. It gives me the space to observe patterns, hear what’s not being said, and translate those insights into a shared path forward. I believe meaningful change often starts in those quiet moments—where listening creates clarity, and clarity creates momentum.
Whether it is uncovering a community member’s unspoken concern or bridging communication between disciplines, I find energy in helping people feel heard and aligned. I often serve as a translator; restating goals, clarifying intentions, and finding the common ground that allows teams to move forward. I don’t see this approach as just a communication tool, but also a mindset I bring to every stage of the design process, ensuring that we’re not only solving the right problem, but doing so in a way that reflects collective values and aspirations. I’m driven by the desire to connect people and ideas in ways that unlock clarity, build trust, and lead to meaningful progress.
I also recognize that who I am, not just how I lead, carries weight. As a Black woman in a profession where fewer than 1% of licensed landscape architects are Black, and only 0.3% are Black women, my presence alone challenges norms and reshapes expectations. That reality isn’t lost on me. I know that representation matters, and I carry that responsibility with pride and purpose. It shapes what’s possible. It tells others they belong. The phrase “If you can see her, you can be her” resonates deeply. For over a decade, I’ve worked with both professional organizations and nonprofits to expand awareness of this field among young students, helping them imagine a future in a profession that has rarely reflected them.
What makes me unique is not just my perspective—it’s how I use it. I show up every day grounded in the belief that leadership is an act of service. That transformation can begin with presence. And that opening doors for others is as vital as any design we leave behind.
I strongly believe that what should be front of mind for everyone in design practice [NOW] is Climate Adaptation and Resilience. There is certainly a focus on this issue at-scale, but even at the site level, solving for extreme weather, urban heat, sea level rise, and the loss of biodiversity must be a priority so that we can have a built environment that functions as a network of spaces that collectively strive to address these very serious issues. We also need to move towards a position where we are then shifting from adaptation to regeneration—to actively repair the built environment. These impacts are ecological, social, and ethical, starting with our most at-risk communities.
Looking ahead into how I will continue to advance these interests and priorities while building on OLIN’s body of work, I think of it as a question of geography and impact; I’m looking forward to creating a network of relationships in the Midwest and the Southern region of the country, building upon the amazing projects that my Partners at OLIN have executed in middle America. Working in next-tier cities, I am specifically interested in improving or enhancing urban ecosystem services as a way to positively impact the lives and wellbeing of the general public. I seek to do work that is accessible to the greatest cross-section of people on this earth, through parks and public realm, civic institutions, healthcare, housing developments, and institutions of higher learning. I want to improve access to great quality public space—and improve the livelihood, health, and wellbeing of those who need it most—through the work that I do.
I started my career here at OLIN post graduate school, then I transitioned back home to the Midwest. Returning to OLIN after the pandemic was an easy choice, rooted in a sense of alignment of values, of purpose, and of people. Here, people matter—not just as colleagues or clients, but as individuals with stories, perspectives, and passions. I feel genuinely seen and supported, both professionally and personally, in a way that is rare and deeply meaningful.
What originally drew me to OLIN was its design reputation, but what brought me back is its unwavering commitment to purpose. Everything we do is grounded in research, storytelling, systems thinking, and interpretation through Design—tools that don’t just solve problems but invite engagement, reflection, and transformation. There is a clarity in the intention behind our work, and that clarity is contagious. I am surrounded by incredibly bright, inquisitive people who are not only information-seekers but also generous in sharing it out through the work. There is a palpable sense of curiosity—a hunger to learn, to question, to evolve. As a lifelong learner, I thrive in this environment. Simply being in the presence of my colleagues, across all levels, is a form of education every single day.
More than anything, OLIN is about legacy. It’s about nurturing the next generation of leaders in landscape architecture—through forging connections, mentorship, and collaboration. I’m proud to be part of a team that doesn’t just imagine a better future but actively shapes it.
