PEA Group Adds Landscape Architecture in Houston, Welcomes Elizabeth “Violet” Mak, PLA as Regional Director of Landscape Architecture
PEA Group is excited to announce the addition of landscape architecture to our Texas service offerings, led by Violet Mak, PLA, who joined in November 2021. Transitioning these services in-house will further complement the company’s suite of multidisciplinary solutions. PEA Group will offer all aspects of landscape architecture including site planning, landscape design, and irrigation design. As we continue to grow the Houston landscape architecture team, we will diversify our project types and clients, further expanding our portfolio.
Violet is a Registered Professional Landscape Architect, a Registered Accessibility Specialist, and has over 15 years of experience in landscape architecture and project management. A graduate of Cornell University, she has won the Nina Francesca Schack Memorial Award, given by the Cornell University Landscape Architecture Department to a student in recognition of their compassion, commitment, and perseverance for the enrichment of the environment. Additionally, Violet is a recipient of the Kay Tiller Chapter Service Award, given by the Executive Committee of the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects in recognition of providing admirable and exceptional service to both the Society and landscape architecture in Texas.
Prior to PEA Group, Violet served as Director of Landscape Architecture for a small startup firm that specialized in higher education, K-12, and design-build solutions. She also served as Principal Landscape Architect for a startup landscape architecture firm she founded that specialized in serving residential and commercial real estate developers. Her portfolio includes a diverse range of projects such as the Becky Gates Children’s Center Nature Playground renovation at Texas A&M University.
As the Regional Director of Landscape Architecture of our Houston location, Violet will be responsible for introducing PEA Group’s landscape architectural services to the Houston Market. She will build new relationships with clients, as well as establish a team of landscape designers and landscape architects to service new and existing clients in the Houston market. Violet will assist in identifying potential new business opportunities and oversee the planning, technical design, budget, schedule, and staff utilization of all landscape projects in the Houston market.
“I am excited to be joining PEA Group as I have heard a lot of great things about the company and knew right away that it would be a good fit. Coming from an entrepreneurial background, having started my own Landscape Architecture firm in 2010 when I first moved from California to Texas, I know what it is like to be the new guy in an established market like Houston. I am excited to introduce PEA Group to the Houston landscape architecture market and can’t wait to start landing some noteworthy projects!”
With Houston’s metropolitan area ranking #3 in the nation in terms of population growth year after year, it is no surprise that the Houston building and real estate market is very strong, with a lot of new development. The Covid-19 Pandemic has only helped to make people aware of the importance of outdoor spaces, especially in urban areas. With Houston’s new Incentives for Green Development program, Violet anticipates this will further increase the landscape architectural opportunities in the Houston region.
We have confidence in Violet as she leads the Houston landscape architecture department and are excited for the opportunities still to come.