I used to study fish. Funny thing was, through researching the impacts of land use on aquatic habitats, I learned more about how people live on the land than how fish live in the water. Now, as a landscape designer, I strive to help people live a more sustainable life on the land. We spend so much of our lives traveling from one destination to another on tired roads and highways. That's why I am excited about my work at Alta. We get to imagine and build healthy ways for people to move around and experience our cities, neighborhoods and environments. Through our work we create beautiful and inspiring places so people can feel good about where they live.
Emily Duchon is a LEED© Accredited Professional with a strong portfolio of bicycle, pedestrian, and trail master plans and trail and park designs. Emily’s creativity, energy, and eight years of experience in ecological design give her the tools to create vibrant open spaces and transportation networks in communities. She brings a diverse skill set to her work including abilities in geographic information systems, conceptual and schematic design, digital visualization graphics and construction document development. Emily’s ability to conduct successful community outreach efforts is a valuable asset for building project support and community investment in Alta’s projects.
Recent Projects
Park to Playa Trail Feasibility Study and Wayfinding Plan, Los Angeles, CA
Emily was the project manager for a trail feasibility study and wayfinding plan for the five-mile "Park to Playa" corridor within Baldwin Hills. The vision to create a seamless trail connecting urban residents with the natural coast will be realized through multiple-agency and jurisdictional coordination with California State Parks, Los Angeles County Parks, Los Angeles City Parks and Baldwin Hills Regional Conservation Area lands.
Park to Playa Trail Construction Documents and CEQA, Los Angeles, CA
Building upon Alta’s previous Feasibility Study, Alta is leading a team of consultants to develop construction drawings and environmental documents for the implementation of seven miles of the Park to Playa Regional Trail and wayfinding signs. Emily is serving as project manager and is working closely with project partners and agency staff.
Santa Monica Beach Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Ground Graphics and Signing, CA
Emily managed the design and production of construction plans that will sort out bike, pedestrian, rollerblade and other traffic along, across, and to a world famous beach front path. The plan is compliant with the MUTCD, practical to create and maintain, and useful in helping to direct users.
North San Luis Obispo County Coastal Trail Master Plan, CA
Alta is leading a team of consultants in the study and design of the California State Coastal Conservancy’s (SCC) Northern San Luis Obispo County California Coastal Trail Master Plan. Emily is assisting in the design of on-street bike routes, bluff top trails, and connections to local destinations and parks and open space along the 35-mile route.
Pacific Coast Highway Bikeway Improvements, Malibu, CA
Alta is providing conceptual design services and public outreach for upgrading the bike route on the world-renowned Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Awards
- International Federation of Landscape Architects, Jury Award
- ASLA Student Merit Award
Selected Presentations
- National Brownfields Conference 2008, Time and Space as Dynamic Elements in Brownfield Landscape Planning
- Michigan Planning Association’s Conference 2007, Mobility Options Incorporating Safe Routes to School Principals, a Walking Audit, Traverse City, Michigan
- 2nd National Low Impact Development Conference 2007, LID on Brownfields
