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OUR PEOPLE »STAFF-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OUR PEOPLE »BIOS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dwayne Adams
Dwayne landed in Alaska in 1977 at the direction of the US Air Force. It was the best thing that ever happened to him—he found a wife (Sandy) and had a kid (Sara) and has had 18 great years at LDN. Alaska has provided Dwayne the opportunity to go to some of the most amazing places on the face of the earth, from Nunapitchuk to Ketchikan. Given a choice of anything to do Dwayne loves to play human rocket ship on the lighted trails at Kincaid Park on a pair of skinny skis. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Terry Schoenthal A friend once told me that there are many of us who are Alaskans but don’t know it until we get here. I probably fall into that category. I arrived in Alaska in the spring of 1983 with a freshly minted degree in Landscape Architecture and a rusty pick-up. I was almost instantly hooked. Alaska is a place of superlatives, not well served by verbal descriptions. Twenty-five years later, I’m often surprised that places I’ve seen a dozen times can still take my breath away. People have asked me why I would practice landscape architecture in Alaska. Truth is, I can’t imagine a better place. As a principal at Land Design North, I am privileged to carry on a tradition established by it founders in 1976. It is a tradition of quality design, concern for an often fragile landscape, individual growth, and fun. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Kimerer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Spackman
Mike is originally from Laramie, Wyoming where he learned to appreciate the great outdoors and winter. He has a Masters of Landscape Architecture degree from Kansas State where he was a TA for Mike Lin’s graphic classes. Mike is a licensed or registered landscape architect in several states. His resume includes projects from around the globe including such diverse places as Tokyo, Santiago, Edinburgh and Anchorage. Mike is active in his church, serving as member of Calvary Chapel’s prison ministry. Mike is an avid downhill skier, but, when there is no snow, he enjoys riding his motorcycle and bicycles, playing golf and shooting.
Jonathan Petrunic
Outside of work, I try to occupy my time being anyplace that isn’t indoors. Whether it means taking a walk, hike, or bike ride, in the wind, rain, snow, or all of the above, I’ll do it. Sitting still is not a great strength of mine. Since returning to my home state from college 5 years ago I’ve sought out to explore Alaska with several fly-out hunting trips. For me, the getting there and the camping out is all the fun. Exploring the landscape is a blast because you never know what you are going to find, or what will find you, when you’re out there.
Kim Kaplun Kim Kaplun, a life-long resident originally from the town of Hope, returned to Alaska in 2005 after spending time abroad in South America. From there, Kim was able to move into Anchorage and start working for LDN that summer, bringing with her a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture and years of experience in road construction. When she isn’t out walking her dog, Sam, on the trail system, she enjoys hiking in the Chugach mountains and fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. Beyond this, she also loves world travel and is on a quest to reach every continent before 2012; only three more continents to go! Her favorite aspect of working for LDN is developing graphic material for projects and being able to participate in northern design. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exterior to the office I roil winter sports and summer camping with a pretty packed social calendar (I think self-righteousness is funny when obviously intended for humor). Originally from Buffalo, NY, I’m appreciative of the approachable transplants and welcoming sourdoughs in the scenic state of Alaska. With endless opportunities for life-enhancing experiences and a landscape that most people wait way too long to experience, I feel lucky to be me. Sara Wilson Doyle
Sara is a longtime LDN staff member with 15 years experience in community planning. Sara has lived in high desert and tall grass prairie country, on the east coast, and in Helsinki and London, but is very glad to be in Alaska. Sara previously worked on community and sustainability issues at The Land Institute and the The E. F. Schumacher Society and studied at the The Conway School of Landscape Design. Sara has many passions outside her professional work: being with family, exploring in nature, growing and gathering (perennial gardens, wild plants and berries), and enjoying great conversation and “slow” food. She tries to keep a small footprint on this planet, though this is not easy in Anchorage with our short growing season, few local products, and challenges getting around without a car. She recommends checking out: www.myfootprint.org for inspiration toward simpler, more sustainable living. Sara also loves thought-provoking books and offers these recommendations:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annie Brace
Nearly Five years ago, in a small town in Iowa, I got hitched to my college sweetheart Jeff, and after about 36 hours of wedded bliss we started our trek through the contiguous United States and made our way “home” to Anchorage. I soon found my second home here at Land Design North as their graphic designer and marketing personnel. Although entertainment and recreational activity is never on the decline here in Alaska, Jeff and I decided to spruce up our lives with the addition of our daughter Eliza who is a blossoming 2 1/2 year old spitfire.....and just to keep it interesting we tossed in another kid who is an ever-changing 7 month old boy named Cooper. Life really is good. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephanie Taylor Stephanie Taylor started with Land Design North in February 2001 as the Receptionist. Prior to coming to Land Design North and Alaska, Stephanie was from the Southern Oregon Coast. Stephanie is currently the Contracts Administrator. When not at work Stephanie can be found splitting her time between spending time with her husband and daughter enjoying all that Alaska has to offer and working towards her Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing degree.
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