Principal

Justin, a licensed Arizona landscape architect, earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Arizona State University in 2014. He is the founder and principal of The Design Laboratory, the heart of the team and the passion behind the lab. His work has earned awards across the discipline that include Honor Awards from the AZ Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for the Skyline Regional Park Trails Master Plan. He has managed and assisted in numerous park, trail and active transportation master plans, design and signage plans. His creative design skills were further recognized through Bronze and Gold Medals for garden designs at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. His background in construction and management helps to bring a grounded approach to problem solving from design through construction. In addition to his trail and active transportation work, his experience includes public, commercial, and residential design, cost estimation, construction documents, and website design/build along with other skills. Justin is a Faculty Associate in the Landscape Architecture Department at Arizona State University, continuing The Design Laboratory’s commitment to education and continual learning in the ever-changing design field.

Designer & Urban Planner

Spencer is a graduate of Arizona State University with a passion for landscape architecture and design. Originally from the Midwest, He moved to the Southwest to pursue creative opportunities, blending a love for designing outdoor spaces with an eye for aesthetics and functionality. Beyond landscape architecture, he enjoys working collaboratively with fellow colleagues, refining ideas, and bringing visions to life. In addition to design work, he channels his creativity into a clothing brand, finding inspiration in the process of making and creating. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with friends and exploring new creative ventures.

Designer & Urban Planner

Dora, a 2020 Arizona State University graduate, completed her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, a minor in Sustainability, and a minor in Design Studies, while graduating Summa Cum Laude. She made the Dean’s List several semesters in a row, as well as received nominations and a winning design in The Design School’s Design Excellence program. She was born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico and moved with her family to the United States at the age of 3, spending most of this time in Phoenix. Her Hispanic-American background, along with her love for the arts, nature, the environment and her cultural influences was a perfect match for the profession of landscape architecture, a career she is more intrigued by the more she contributes to The Design Laboratory’s designs, works closely with the The Design Lab team, and meets and interacts with The Design Laboratory’s great clients.

Designer & Urban Planner

Nikki Buckingham is a landscape designer and graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. During her time at ASU, she received several project awards and earned a spot on the Dean’s List for her strong design work and creative approach. Nikki has always been drawn to the design world, with a particular interest in creating outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually compelling. She enjoys working on a wide range of projects, from residential landscapes to urban spaces, and believes in the power of thoughtful design to improve the way people interact with their environment. Inspired by her love of the outdoors, Nikki often incorporates natural elements into her work, enhancing spaces in a way that feels authentic and connected to nature. She is excited to collaborate with clients to design unique, personalized outdoor spaces that reflect their needs, style, and the beauty of their surroundings.

Designer, Urban Planner