We are more than just a collection of talented designers; we’re a collaborative force driven by a passion for creating meaningful and sustainable urban places. Our commitment to community engagement and innovative design approach are reflections of our strong culture and team spirit that defines the studio.
Meet the Alluvial
Design Studios Team
landscape architects
It's not just about designing with us, it's about the people who make it happen and the spirit that drives them. The studio thrives on a culture of collaboration, creativity, and a shared dedication to shaping exceptional urban places.
WHO WE AREThe Team at Alluvial Design Studios shares a passion for exceptional urban design that enhances our client's quality of life.
who we are
Martin Armstrong is a licensed landscape architect and the owner and studio director of landARCH619/Alluvial Design Studios, based in San Diego. His career spans several decades and includes a diverse range of California and international projects.
Armstrong is also an active contributor to the landscape architecture community, advocating for the profession through public service and leadership roles.
Education:
Armstrong received his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, graduating in 1994. He began his journey in design as an architecture student at Cal Poly in 1988 before transferring to the landscape architecture program in 1989.
Early work:
After college, he worked for various offices throughout California and spent time on projects ranging from estates in Montecito to resorts in the Seychelles.
landARCH619/Alluvial Design Studios:
In 2022, Armstrong founded landARCH619/Alluvial Design Studios, a firm that offers landscape architecture, urban design, peer reviews, and site inspection services throughout California. The company focuses on sustainable solutions for projects impacted by environmental and climate challenges, utilizing a collaborative team of landscape architects, geologists, biologists, and civil engineers.
Public service and advocacy
California Landscape Architects Technical Committee:
In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Armstrong to the California Landscape Architects Technical Committee.
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA):
Armstrong is an active member of ASLA, having served as the President of the San Diego Chapter in 2023.
City of San Diego:
He volunteers as a technical expert member for the City of San Diego’s Park and Recreation Board.
Cal Poly LADAC:
Armstrong serves on the Landscape Architecture Department Advisory Committee (LADAC) at his alma mater, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to help ensure the program’s success.
Art Guy is a Certified Irrigation Water Auditor, has served as an Irrigation Examiner for the State Board of Landscape Architects, and provides plan checking services to public agencies for adherence to California AB1881 guidelines.
Arthur Guy, was the managing principal for BGB Design Group along with directing a comprehensive approach to irrigation design for the firm, serving as the technical liaison pertaining to water management issues which arise during the planning, design, and implementation of projects. Art’s knowledge of horticulture extends from high desert to tropical bioregions, enabling him to effectively design planting irrigation systems appropriate to individual environmental site requirements while being compliant with California irrigation laws.
Art is a registered Landscape Architect in California and Nevada, and has been an Examiner for the California State Board of Landscape Architects for licensure evaluation. He is a member of the Irrigation Association and a Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor.
Born and raised in San Diego, Andrew is deeply committed to the community. Both the built and natural environment influence his approach to design. He strives to find each project’s inherent balance between the big picture and the granular details, understanding how the various elements relate to the overall context. Andrew is a proponent of designing responsible landscapes that reflect a nuanced sense of place while celebrating the unique conditions of the Southwest.
Andrew holds a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Arizona where he won the Design Excellence award. He sits on the executive board of the American Society of Landscape Architects San Diego chapter and is involved with several community organizations including the San Diego River Park Foundation and the University of San Diego Real Estate Alumni Association.
Andrew’s responsibilities at Alluvial include managing the design, development, and delivery of the firm’s diverse landscape projects of varying scales, from private and commercial developments to public realm initiatives. He is also actively involved with developing and implementing Alluvial’s strategic growth initiatives and fostering existing client relationships.
Love of the natural world and a delight in problem solving led Julia to pursue a career in landscape architecture. Her interests include urban ecology, horticulture, the psychology of space, and sustainable design. Through working in plant nurseries in North Carolina, Arizona, and coastal California, she has gained extensive knowledge of landscape plants.
Working as a designer for a design-build firm, along with a year spent as a landscape maintenance forewoman, taught her to appreciate the metamorphosis of built landscapes, from the mind of designers, through the construction process, and ending in the hands of users and caretakers. As a previous writer of cultural landscape inventories for the National Park Service, she understands the importance of a site’s history and cultural context, and designs with these in mind.
She looks at landscapes as complex systems comprising ecological factors, functional considerations, economics, aesthetics, and culture. She received her Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Arizona.
what we do
A Foundation of
Collaboration
- Diverse Perspectives, United Purpose: Alluvial brings together a multi-generational team, each member contributing unique experiences and expertise. This rich tapestry of perspectives fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and a comprehensive approach to urban design.
- Trust and Open Communication: The team cultivates an environment of trust and encourages open communication. This is exemplified in their use of “facilitated dialogue and experiential learning” to inspire cooperative action.
- Community-Centered Approach: This collaborative spirit extends beyond the studio walls to include the communities they work with. Alluvial understands that the most impactful designs emerge from active engagement with residents, business owners, and local stakeholders.
who we are
The Driving Force –
Passion for Place
- Creating Spaces for Connection and Belonging: The team at Alluvial is driven by a desire to create places that foster a sense of connection and belonging within communities. They believe that urban design can be a powerful tool for social and cultural cohesion.
- Weaving Narratives Through Design: They view each project as an opportunity to weave a narrative through space, considering the site’s history, culture, and intended users. This attention to context creates designs that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful.
- Embracing Innovation and Sustainability: Alluvial’s team stays updated on the latest design advancements and integrates sustainable practices into their projects. They are committed to creating resilient and environmentally conscious urban environments.
Guided by values of courageous listening and compassionate honesty, we foster collaboration and meaningful connections with clients and communities.
Pursu Agency