Our Team

Suzanne Arca Design has received numerous prestigious industry awards including the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) 2011 International Landscape Designer of the Year, as well as APLD—Gold Medal Residential, APLD—Best in Show, ASLA—Merit Award, and CLCA—Judges' Award.

Our team is made up of experts with diverse backgrounds in landscape architecture, horticulture, and construction. Each of us shares the same vision—to create transformational spaces our clients will love.

Suzanne Arca - Our Team 2012
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, ALPD, CLCA
Founder and Principal

A creative team leader with a detail-driven focus

  • 34 years of expertise in designing, building and maintaining landscapes and providing vision to residential and commercial property owners
  • Degree in Landscape Architecture, University of California at Berkeley
  • Licensed Design and Build Landscape Contractor, C-27 #734757
  • Green Business Certified
  • Certified Horticulturalist and Bay Friendly Qualified Landscape Professional
  • Instructor for the Department of Landscape Architecture, University of California Extension and the Landscape Horticulture Department, Merritt College
  • Guest Lecturer for garden clubs, nurseries, and horticultural events
Elaine Miller
Operations Manager

An excellent communicator and liaison between office and clients, efficiently supporting our staff and crew

  • 20 years of office management expertise
  • B.A., Theater Design, California State East Bay
  • Certifications in Green Building, Retrofitting, Remodeling and Mechanical Systems
  • Cabinetmaker
  • AutoCAD certification
Aaron H. Hartley
Field Construction Supervisor

Committed to uplifting team members to higher levels of productivity, and determined to raise the bar

  • Confident and skilled construction lead who possesses an astute aesthetic sense
  • Specializes in construction coordination, implementing and preserving design intent in the field
  • 20 years of expertise in the construction trades and 10 years in all aspects of commercial and residential landscape construction and maintenance
  • Extensive plant knowledge both in identification and cultural aspects
  • Licensed Pesticide Applicator
  • Leadership Training
Lauren Galanes
Maintenance Gardener

Intelligent, hardworking horticulturalist always mindful of the environmental impact of her work

  • Over 25 years of expertise in landscape horticulture, design and construction
  • BA, Art, San Francisco State
  • MA, New College of Santa Rosa: Humanities and Leadership: Culture, Ecology and Sustainable Community
  • Certification in Permaculture Design
  • Acupressure Practitioner, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Antonio Gonzalez
Construction/ Maintenance Crew

A well-organized and thoughtful team player with an eye for detail

  • 22 years of field experience in irrigation, artful stonework, construction, irrigation copper work, and woodwork
Mauricio Torres-Sanchez
Construction/Maintenance Crew

Enthusiastic, pro-active crew member always ready for the next task at hand

  • Many years in the field with strong aesthetic pruning skills, plant knowledge, irrigation installation and construction