Meet Lauren Venin, Associate Director and Landscape Architect at Dresdner Robin. Venin brings more than 17 years experience in landscape architecture to the Dresdner Robin team. With a solid skill set in all areas of project development, she excels in everything from conceptual design to construction services as well as specification and cost estimation.
Venin has worked on projects within high-density residential developments, urban parks, streetscapes, and mixed use development, with extensive project experience in both public and private sector projects.
She is a certified floodplain manager who volunteers in several civic organizations related to landscape architecture. She has served as chair of the Borough of Pompton Lakes Flood Advisory Board, and a founder and chair of the Borough of Pompton Lakes Trail Maintenance Subcommittee. She has volunteered her expertise to integrate Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development strategies into the management of public land and waterways in the town.
Venin’s pre-Dresdner Robin work included 11 years with a landscape architecture and urban design firm, focusing on projects involving senior campus living and assisted living projects as well as urban parks. She has also done extensive work for the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinating projects with multiple city agencies.
I discovered Landscape Architecture when I was in high school through a visit to Rutgers University’s landscape architecture department while my older sister was enrolled in a related program.
The first firm I worked with had a very positive attitude toward professional development and included construction observation and field visits as part of training of new professionals. I was able to do quite a bit of construction administration and observation early in my career and learn from some excellent contractors.
The technology we use and how we use it has been the biggest change, not surprisingly. The second biggest has been the change in the plant list for this region.
Over the last 20 years, we have lost several previously dependable plant species to invasive insect pests and new diseases, while other species have become viable choices due to climate change.
Climate change and new pests becoming endemic have really shaped our landscapes and influenced the nursery trade.
Increased government funding of resiliency projects and the shift in understanding of stormwater management ideals has opened up more opportunities for landscape architecture in urban environments.
Opportunities for women should not be any different than opportunities for men in this field. In the industry, I’ve seen a significant decrease in gender bias over the course of my career, particularly when working with the construction phase, as well as a shift toward a more supportive environment overall.
From a landscape perspective, we’re seeing a greater focus on native plants and availability of natives for installations. In urban residential design, we are seeing roof amenity areas become the default norm and more accommodations for pets, particularly dogs, in multifamily residential settings.
Be open to learning from everyone you encounter and make a conscious effort to lift while you climb.
If you know what you’re talking about, you shouldn’t be afraid to talk in front of anyone. It’s a powerful statement when you know your profession well and can show your confidence in presenting your ideas to others.
I’m a Girl Scout leader and Service Unit leader; if we want women to take their place at the table as adults, we need to build up girls and show them opportunities.
You cannot tell a girl she’s supposed to be docile and nice and talk over her in the classroom for her entire childhood and then expect her to somehow flip a switch and find her voice as an adult.
My to-do list changes by the hour. It’s a constant balance between work, family and volunteer commitments.
