The goal for each project is to simply design beautiful, well-proportioned, and edited places that just feel right. Our response is to look beyond the site to the external influences that can connect a place to its larger environment. An understanding of scale and context is paramount to delivering a sense of calm and permanence, while an appreciation of tactile experience and execution of details bring satisfaction and delight.
Richard carries his design and observation skills forward as lead designer and Principal at Arentz. “My goal is to find the most fitted relationship between our clients and the landscapes that they choose to live in.”
Richard’s agrarian roots formed his connection to the landscape at a very early age. “You understand the seasons, the impacts of weather, and the interconnectedness of man to nature, growing up on a farm”. He was given the freedom to explore, study and sketch the natural and cultivated landscape. His skills of observation were further enhanced by opportunities to work in 14 different countries, working on environmental, cultural, historical, and economic issues of landscape. After graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a B. S. in Landscape Architecture, his first day of work was in Heidelberg, Germany. This first experience led to other firms and opportunities with incredible mentors. Projects ranged from resort development in Tunisia, to NATO facilities in Iceland, Embassies in Uganda and Peru, to spending a year living and working on a new government center in Tokyo, Japan.
Richard’s work is frequently published and has been recognized with many awards from professional groups and publications. Richard received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Arts and Architecture. He has served on design juries and lectured at Penn State and Garden Clubs throughout the metropolitan area and in England.
Michael joined Arentz in 2003 where he collaborated on all facets of the creative process. Michael’s interest in art and design as a child led him to landscape architecture. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Penn State University is a registered Landscape Architect in DC, NY, VA, MD, and FL. He lives in Pittsford NY and spends much of his free time on the golf course, traveling to his son’s golf tournaments, and at swim meets cheering for his daughter. Michael is currently on the Board of Governors at the Monroe Golf club and is serving as chairman of Master Plan Committee.
Patrick joined Arentz in 2005 capitalizing on the collaboration and integration of Landscape Architecture and Architecture. He is a registered Architect in DC, VA, MD & FL. He holds a B.S. Architecture and a M. Architecture from the Catholic University of America and is a member of the AIA & NCARB. When not practicing and teaching, Patrick enjoys traveling (visiting over 30 countries,) various art media, skiing, cars & motorcycles and boating around his home in Annapolis, MD.
Joe has been with ALA since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech and is a registered Landscape Architect in Virginia. Growing up outside of Warrenton, VA Joe developed an interest in the varied landscapes of the Virginia piedmont which led him into the field. He has a background in practicing in both commercial architectural and civil engineering firms prior to joining ALA. In his free time, he enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and daughter.
Gyan Manu joined ALA in 2020. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in Architecture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana. Gyan is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He hosts the talk show program, ‘Ask-the-Architect’ on community radio station Akwaaba Radio. Gyan loves spending time with his kids, enjoys painting, reading, cooking, nurturing his bonsai trees and coaching soccer.
Tucker Arbogast joined ALA in 2022. He graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree in 2020. Growing up in central PA he fostered an interest in the simple yet elegant elements in both designed and natural spaces. Additionally, he has a passion for history, worldbuilding, and cooking.
Awards
- 2021 ICAA John Russel Pope Award: Chain Bridge Garden, Washington, DC
- 2019 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Woodside Farm, Boyce, VA
- 2019 Winner of Luxe RED Awards: Sycamore Point Easton, Maryland
- 2019 ICAA John Russel Pope Award: Northwest DC Garden, Washington, DC
- 2016 ASLA Potomac Chapter Honor Award: Private Georgetown Garden, Washington, DC
- 2015 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Big Wood Residence, Ketchum, Idaho
- 2014 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Rock Ford Farm, Boyce, Virginia
- 2014 ASLA Potomac Chapter Honor Award: Northwest DC Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC
- 2012 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Northwest DC Garden, Washington, DC
- 2009 AIA Award of Merit in Historic Resources: Georgetown Residence, Washington, DC
- 2009 Residential Design Award: Running Cedar, Orlean, Virginia
- 2008 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Running Cedar, Orlean, Virginia
- 2007 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Orlean House, Orlean, Virginia
- 2005 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: The Cliff, Boyce, Virginia
- 2004 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Hillmead Residence
- 2000 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Iron Gate Residence
The goal for each project is to simply design beautiful, well-proportioned, and edited places that just feel right. Our response is to look beyond the site to the external influences that can connect a place to its larger environment. An understanding of scale and context is paramount to delivering a sense of calm and permanence, while an appreciation of tactile experience and execution of details bring satisfaction and delight.
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Richard carries his design and observation skills forward as lead designer and Principal at Arentz. “My goal is to find the most fitted relationship between our clients and the landscapes that they choose to live in.”
Richard’s agrarian roots formed his connection to the landscape at a very early age. “You understand the seasons, the impacts of weather, and the interconnectedness of man to nature, growing up on a farm”. He was given the freedom to explore, study and sketch the natural and cultivated landscape. His skills of observation were further enhanced by opportunities to work in 14 different countries, working on environmental, cultural, historical, and economic issues of landscape. After graduating from the Pennsylvania State University with a B. S. in Landscape Architecture, his first day of work was in Heidelberg, Germany. This first experience led to other firms and opportunities with incredible mentors. Projects ranged from resort development in Tunisia, to NATO facilities in Iceland, Embassies in Uganda and Peru, to spending a year living and working on a new government center in Tokyo, Japan.
Richard’s work is frequently published and has been recognized with many awards from professional groups and publications. Richard received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Pennsylvania State University, College of Arts and Architecture. He has served on design juries and lectured at Penn State and Garden Clubs throughout the metropolitan area and in England.
Michael joined Arentz in 2003 where he collaborated on all facets of the creative process. Michael’s interest in art and design as a child led him to landscape architecture. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Penn State University is a registered Landscape Architect in DC, NY, VA, MD, and FL. He lives in Pittsford NY and spends much of his free time on the golf course, traveling to his son’s golf tournaments, and at swim meets cheering for his daughter. Michael is currently on the Board of Governors at the Monroe Golf club and is serving as chairman of Master Plan Committee.
Patrick joined Arentz in 2005 capitalizing on the collaboration and integration of Landscape Architecture and Architecture. He is a registered Architect in DC, VA, MD & FL. He holds a B.S. Architecture and a M. Architecture from the Catholic University of America and is a member of the AIA & NCARB. When not practicing and teaching, Patrick enjoys traveling (visiting over 30 countries,) various art media, skiing, cars & motorcycles and boating around his home in Annapolis, MD.
Joe has been with ALA since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech and is a registered Landscape Architect in Virginia. Growing up outside of Warrenton, VA Joe developed an interest in the varied landscapes of the Virginia piedmont which led him into the field. He has a background in practicing in both commercial architectural and civil engineering firms prior to joining ALA. In his free time, he enjoys sharing his love of the outdoors with his wife and daughter.
Gyan Manu joined ALA in 2020. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in Architecture from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana. Gyan is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He hosts the talk show program, ‘Ask-the-Architect’ on community radio station Akwaaba Radio. Gyan loves spending time with his kids, enjoys painting, reading, cooking, nurturing his bonsai trees and coaching soccer.
Tucker Arbogast joined ALA in 2022. He graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree in 2020. Growing up in central PA he fostered an interest in the simple yet elegant elements in both designed and natural spaces. Additionally, he has a passion for history, worldbuilding, and cooking.
Awards
- 2021 ICAA John Russel Pope Award: Chain Bridge Garden, Washington, DC
- 2019 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Woodside Farm, Boyce, VA
- 2019 Winner of Luxe RED Awards: Sycamore Point Easton, Maryland
- 2019 ICAA John Russel Pope Award: Northwest DC Garden, Washington, DC
- 2016 ASLA Potomac Chapter Honor Award: Private Georgetown Garden, Washington, DC
- 2015 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Big Wood Residence, Ketchum, Idaho
- 2014 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Rock Ford Farm, Boyce, Virginia
- 2014 ASLA Potomac Chapter Honor Award: Northwest DC Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC
- 2012 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Northwest DC Garden, Washington, DC
- 2009 AIA Award of Merit in Historic Resources: Georgetown Residence, Washington, DC
- 2009 Residential Design Award: Running Cedar, Orlean, Virginia
- 2008 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Running Cedar, Orlean, Virginia
- 2007 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Orlean House, Orlean, Virginia
- 2005 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: The Cliff, Boyce, Virginia
- 2004 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Hillmead Residence
- 2000 ASLA Potomac Chapter Merit Award: Iron Gate Residence