ADLA Studio

ADLA Studio is a landscape architecture and construction firm that merges horticultural knowledge, technical building skill, and fine art sensibilities to create site-specific, inspirational gardens. We specialize in residential gardens, private estates and commercial landscape design. We provide complete design-build services from conceptual schematics through development to final installation.  

Motivated by our passion for nature, art and architecture, our work seeks to balance our client’s individual lifestyles with the nature of their site.  We regard the built environment as the ultimate medium through which ecology, functionality and aesthetics culminate into artistic expression.  By weaving together the poetic elements that define landscapes such as color, texture, light, and atmosphere, we strive to create spatial compositions that foster a deeper connection to the outside world.  

Our approach is illustrated through the process of thoughtful observation, listening and collaboration.  We envision each site’s inherent possibilities and through the methods of careful plant and material selection and attention to detail. Our work seeks to elegantly choreograph spaces that reflect our client’s desires.  Landscapes are dynamic and ephemeral and we pay special attention to seasonality and how each design will evolve and mature over time. Our experienced gardeners can provide specialized seasonal maintenance over the lifetime of each landscape so that the integrity of the design is sustained through the years. 

TYLER PORTERFIELD – MLA PRINCIPAL

Tyler has a background in fine art, music, and construction. He developed his interest in landscape architecture at the University of Georgia in the late nineties. He has a passion for vast and dramatic landscapes, which led him from his native city of Athens, Georgia to travel throughout the Rockies and the high desert and mountainous regions of Oregon. He earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art and after moving to Austin in 2004 he worked for an environmental design company where he gained a strong understanding of Texas’ ecological systems and native vegetation. Tyler received a master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Texas in 2009. His specific interest and expertise centers around engagement in design through graphic representation, detailing, and the relationship between material and texture in the built environment.

SARA PIERCE – PLA LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Sara has explored landscapes through a variety of ecological, cultural and historical processes. Her undergraduate work in landscape ecology provided the foundation for her study of landscape systems and the creative use of plants in design. A desire to explore a more humanistic approach to landscape led her to pursue an M.A. in anthropology where her research focused on ethnobotany and the politics of water in Texas. She went on to earn a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Texas. Sara has a passion for place-making and her appreciation of the Austin landscape has been enhanced through years spent working in planning and design for the parks department and at local landscape architecture firms.

TODD JENKINS – LEAD DESIGNER

Beginning his formal education in art and architecture, Todd Jenkins felt compelled to transition to Landscape Architecture as a path to better explore the dynamic nature of the built environment. Since receiving his Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from Texas A & M in 2000, Todd has worked for, and lead, high end residential design-build firms in Houston, Southern California, and Austin. Over these two decades of professional practice, he has gained experience working on all aspects of the design build process, from schematic design to construction project management. An avid painter and still a believer in the value of hand-drawn graphics, Todd’s ability to meld the artistic with the functional has led him to join the like-minded partners at ADLA.

MICHELLE FLORES – OPERATIONS MANAGER

Michelle’s passion and love for gardening started in her grandmother’s backyard. Many years ago her appreciation for plants led her to work at a local Austin nursery where she and Sara met for the first time. Michelle went on to gain an extensive knowledge of the landscaping process while working for premier gardeners in Houston and Austin. For several years she owned her own landscape company that cultivated large productive gardens. She originally introduced ADLA’s construction manager Martin to Sara and Tyler; he has worked with them for nearly a decade now. Michelle is an integral part of ADLA. Her deeply ingrained attention to detail can be seen in every aspect of her work. She is passionate about working with client’s to make their design build experience seamless. A proud Austinite, Michelle spends her time off with her family, exploring the city through food, running the trails, and camping.

HUGO SANTANA – LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Hugo Santana is a Mexican, Austin based artist, designer, spatial thinker and musician. He has an Architecture degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juarez in Mexico and a Master in Fine Arts in Sculpture and New Media from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He is the founder of Chronicles of an Impossible Voyage, a digital experimental audio platform. Hugo tactfully explores complex issues related to borders and the expectations of visibility and invisibility of labor, a subject that is both politically and culturally relevant to our time and place in history. Outside of the studio, Hugo loves to see art exhibitions, making short films and sculptures, cooking and wandering through the streets of Austin on his bike.

NICOLE ATWELL – OFFICE MANAGER

Nicole has loved growing up in Austin and watching the city transform right before her eyes. With a degree in Business Management, Nicole was a natural addition to the team as we continue to grow our ADLA family. Her personal passion for the outdoors has grown into a deep appreciation for garden and landscape design. In her free time, you can find her beside any body of water with a good book in her hands. She greets each client with a smiling face and is happy to jump in and assist in any way she can. Nicole makes sure to always keep the ball rolling and ensures our clients are enjoying the process every step of the way.

JAYSON CARL – CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Jayson grew up in the countryside near Kingsland, Texas and was raised with a commitment to hard work. He started his career in landscape construction by managing a golf course and working at a plant nursery. After moving to Austin he gained valuable trade skills such as welding, carpentry, and masonry, while managing a landscape crew and working in irrigation and lighting. Jayson’s experience and work ethic is a valuable asset to the construction team at ADLA. In his down time he enjoys listening to live music and working on classic cars.