I trust we have the ability to live more gently on the land, and I aspire to design the paths to do so. As a landscape designer, I seek to positively affect both our natural and built environments. I strive to create works which: benefit a wide range of people, are context sensitive, and positively affect public health, social interactions and our quality of life. I work for Alta because Alta plans and designs environments that are ecologically sustainable as well as socially responsible.
My passion for the creation of livable places has been influenced by the following experiences: living car-free in the middle east and central America, completing several century bike rides, mixing public transportation with a dance party, as well as the random chance encounters made possible every minute that I do not sit in a car.
Karen Vitkay has been with Alta since 2005. She contributes over five years of plant ecology and landscape design experience. Ms. Vitkay has a passion for enhancing opportunities for walking and bicycling. She brings strong skills in site analysis and evaluation, conceptual and schematic design, and digital and hand graphic techniques. Her prior experience includes greenway master planning with the Drachman Institute for Regional Development and Land Planning in Tucson, Arizona, as well as the facilitation of an international design collaboration related to the development of a water conservation demonstration garden in the Middle East.
- Springwater Trail Implementation (Clackamas County, OR)
The Springwater Trail is a significant regional multi-use trail along a former railroad corridor within Northwest Oregon. Karen is managing the development of construction documents to implement a 2.2 mile portion of the trail which will connect downtown Portland to the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Pacific Crest Trail. Issues addressed within the documents include sensitive wetland areas, the reuse of a former rail bridge, roadway crossings, and context sensitive design. - Burns Downtown Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Plan (Burns, OR)
Located within Eastern Oregon, the town of Burns seeks to advance its bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Working under ODOT, Karen conducted an evaluation of Burns’ main commercial corridor, also a state highway seeking STA designation. Recommendations for improvements considered the need to balance regional transportation goals with those of the small town community. Case studies, discussions with community members and visual simulations helped guide the formation of design recommendations including: curb extensions, bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, intersection improvements, and a way-finding system sensitive to the rural character of the area. - The Water Conserving Garden (‘Aqaba, Jordan)
With support provided by the United States Agency for International Development, Ms. Vitkay designed a water conservation demonstration garden for the town of ‘Aqaba, Jordan. The process involved collaboration with Jordanian professionals as well as input from community members. The goal of the garden is to serve as an example of low water-use landscape design techniques in the rapidly developing coastal desert town of ‘Aqaba. Design elements include a native plant garden, a water harvesting exhibit, as well as interpretive opportunities related to the use of reclaimed water.
Professional Highlights
- Alta Planning + Design, 2005-Present
- Drachman Institute for Regional Development and Land Planning
- UA Office of Arid Lands Studies, Sustainable Development of Arid Lands Project
- Harvard Forest, Harvard University
- Ben Gurion University, Israel