Founder of everGREEN landscape architects, Leland Walmsley was born into a family of professionally renown designers practicing Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Construction, and City Planning in Southern California since 1918. Grandmother Margaret Sears is a celebrated landscape architect of the 20th century. Her portfolio includes: the exteriors of Gone with the Wind, the published gardens of "Il Brolino", the original gardens of the world-class Ojai Valley Inn Spa & Golf Resort. She collaborated on early California estates with world-renowned architects Wallace Neff, Myron Hunt, Paul Williams, Roland Coates, and Reginald Johnson. On her knee, Leland absorbed it all. Fast forward – 2004, everGREEN is launched and proves a path for others to follow in both awe inspiring and eco-conscious garden design.
"I love what I do; everyday I get to paint with plants and my canvas is the earth."
A talented artist, illustrator, photographer, designer and landscape architect in his own right, Leland continues his family's rich tradition of award-winning and published designs, captivating clients, and lovingly bringing paradise back to the planet, one gorgeous garden space at a time.
"My family and I have always practiced 'cutting edge', 'organic', 'environmentally responsible', and 'green' design, while others are just now scrambling to catch up. Many of my early client's don't even realize their gardens are 'eco-sensitive', but are enjoying all the benefits – reduced installation and maintenance costs and a healthier environment to work, live and play in. The way nature intended – the best of all worlds - inspiring, magical, and sustainable."
Leland is the 1st LEED AP and Green Roof and Living Wall Specialist Landscape Architect in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties and is a sought-after speaker on the topics of "aesthetics and eco-friendly garden design", "living walls", "green roofs", "water efficiency", "fire-scaping", and more. His firm and dedicated team of associates and office staff have adopted the 2030 Challenge – a commitment to landscape design, construction and maintenance with zero fossil fuel emissions by 2030. He even drives a sleek biodiesel powered by soybeans.
"What we do in and around our own homes effects the waterways and environment we all share. I hope to show people that regardless of design style, their gardens can be resource saving, eco-friendly and absolutely stunning. It's easy to be a responsible global citizen without sacrificing the dream for an outstanding garden."
Roger Williams (Leland's 11th great grandfather) was the founder & planner of the Rhode Island colony (State of Rhode Island) and the town of Providence. Among his many talents and accomplishments, he was a farmer and civil magistrate.
Grandmother, Margaret Sears, begins practicing landscape architecture in Pasadena, CA.
Uncle George Brigham practices architecture in Pasadena, CA and joins faculty of Cal. Tech.
Grandmother, Margaret Sears, co-creates renowned Italianate garden, Il Brolino (Montecito, CA)
Grandmother, Margaret Sears, creates the original gardens of the world- class Ojai Valley Inn Spa & Golf Resort.
Grandmother, Margaret Sears, co-designs the exteriors for the classic film Gone with the Wind
Grandmother, Margaret Sears, collaborates on projects in California with world-renowned architects Wallace Neff, Myron Hunt, Paul Williams, Roland Coates, and Reginald Johnson
Age 7, Leland’s 1st published & award-winning design (ambulance), Daimler-Benz International Design Competition, Germany
Leland explores Butchart Gardens, Victoria, Canada with Grandmother Sears
While in high school, Leland begins his career of designing gardens to pay for his college education
Step Father, Tony Vassallo, city planner and builder, spearheads revitalization of Old Town Pasadena
Leland attends UCSB
Leland Wins Pasadena Beautiful's "Golden Arrow Award" for an exceptional residential garden
Leland and David Walmsley (father) compete in Pan American Road Race, Mexico
Leland and David Walmsley compete in world famous Mille Miglia car race, Italy
Leland studies celebrated gardens across Europe
Leland graduates from USC School of Cinema-Television
Leland expresses his talents in the film industry as an art director, set-designer and assistant director
Between film gigs, Leland continues his passion for professional garden design
Leland realizes his dream of moving back to Santa Barbara and focusing exclusively on garden design
Leland receives his graduate certificate for landscape architecture, UCLA
Leland becomes a licensed landscape architect, California Architects Board
Leland establishes everGREEN landscape architects, inc. with a mission to bring paradise back to the planet, one garden space at a time
Leland's career as a sought after Public Speaker begins on topics related to sustainable landscapes and the aesthetics of garden design
everGREEN receives Santa Barbara County "Green Award" for progressive and sustainable business practices
Public Speaker – "Green Roofs & Living Walls"
"Tour of Green Homes" Habitat for Humanity – featured garden
House Beautiful Magazine – "The Privacy Fantasy" – featured garden
Leland distinguished as 1st and Only LEED AP Landscape Architect in Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties
Leland receives Silver Award for an inspiring Provinçal garden, San Francisco Flower & Garden Show
Leland follows in Grandmother Sears' footsteps in creating original gardens for the expansion of the world-class Ojai Valley Inn Spa & Golf Resort.
Leland is a founding Council Member – US Green Building Council, Central Cal. Coast Chapter
Public Speaker & Trainer – USGBC: Sustainable Landscape Architecture LEED workshop
Leland is contributing author to Green Facilities Handbook (Fairmont Press)
Leland elected Vice President, USGBC
Public Speaker – "Sustainable Real Estate Investment Opportunities"
Public Speaker – "From Ashes to Opportunity: After the Tea Fire"
Central Coast Magazine Green Awards – Nominee for 2010 Award
EcoTech, Inc. (Malibu, CA) – Leland becomes a shareholder & joins forces with high-profile, international sustainable building leaders
Public Speaker – UCSB, Bren School of Environmental Studies
Public Speaker – USGBC: Water Efficiency in the Landscape
Public Speaker – ALTbuild (Santa Monica, CA)
Public Speaker – Cal. Garden Club's 79th Convention
and more...
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