Imagine a landscape architect shaping the world around us
International Women's Day
Imagine a landscape architect shaping the world around us
What qualities or characteristics come to mind? What factors might have influenced your perception of this person?
To Shan Yang, Senior Landscape Architect at B+H, the industry is evolving. As we continue to challenge some traditional perceptions, we open the door for more voices to be heard and for landscapes that truly reflect the diverse world we live in.
When I hear this phrase, the first image that comes to mind is Maya Lin—studying the land, running her hands over a topographical map, sketching ideas for the VVM that are deeply rooted in both history and emotion.
Throughout my academic and professional career, I have seen firsthand how diverse voices bring new ways of thinking about space, materials, and storytelling.
Many of the most inspiring landscape architects I know, and young designers I work with—are women and individuals from different backgrounds who are redefining what leadership looks like in this field.
As a Senior Landscape Designer, Shan believes that a well-designed space cannot exist without a sense of connection – connection to the land, people, culture, and the stories that shape our environments.
“Coming from a background that blends different cultural perspectives, I see design as a bridge between traditions, philosophies, and ways of interacting with space. Some approaches emphasize harmony and balance, while others focus on function and engagement. A truly meaningful space must bring these perspectives together, creating places that are visually appealing and deeply rooted in context and experience.
The best designs in my perspective are those that resonate emotionally – offering comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s an urban plaza or a natural landscape, a well-designed space should tell a story, honor its surroundings, and invite people to experience it in their own way. A space without soul and purpose is just a collection of materials; a well-designed space is one that lives, breathes, and grows with the people who move through it.”
To us, Shan is the perfect example of a landscape architect shaping the world around us.
When you hear the phrase “Imagine a landscape architect shaping the world around us,” what did the person you imagined look like?
This International Women’s Day, we encourage everyone to explore the biases that could be influencing those initial impressions.
What’s your favourite part of working at B+H?
What I love most about working at B+H is the energy—it’s a place where ideas come to life through collaboration, and where you’re constantly surrounded by people who inspire you to think bigger and push further.
The mix of cultures and perspectives here makes every day interesting. I can be in a conversation with someone who has a completely different background or way of thinking, and suddenly, I see a design challenge in a whole new light. There’s a real openness to sharing ideas, learning from each other, and building on each other’s strengths. It’s really the people that make B+H special. It feels less like a company and more like a group of passionate designers who genuinely love what they do, and that’s what makes it exciting to come to work every day.