Action Through Practice: Landscape Architect, Jamie Dennell

When you think about landscape architecture, you might picture beautiful parks or vibrant community spaces. But for Jamie Dennell, a landscape architect at Lamp Rynearson, “Action Through Practice” is about much more than design—it’s about continuous growth, creative problem-solving, and meaningful collaboration.

Growing Skills, Building Outcomes: Jamie’s Approach to Practice

Jamie describes action through practice as a daily commitment to developing skills and refining processes. By doing so, he ensures the best possible outcomes for clients and partners. “As landscape architects, we’re jack of all trades,” Jamie shares. “Collaborating with different professions and using a variety of tools to convey ideas is vital for success. Every day spent honing those skills benefits both our team and our partners.”

Balancing creativity with technical and regulatory requirements is where Jamie finds the most excitement. “We never design something that doesn’t meet standards, but those requirements become a framework to push against in creative ways. That’s the most rewarding part of the job.”

Creativity Within Constraints: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Problem-solving is at the heart of Jamie’s work. Each project brings unique challenges, and finding innovative solutions—while staying within project and budget constraints—is what energizes him most. For example, Jamie recently tackled a neighborhood park project with significant grade changes. Through creative design, he and his team connected two playground areas with embankment slides, incorporated limestone walls for both retainage and play, and improved site drainage to enhance safety and reduce maintenance. The result is a space that’s accessible, engaging, and responsive to community needs.

Collaboration and Mentorship: Shaping Communities and Future Leaders

Collaboration is another cornerstone of Jamie’s practice. “Communication is vital to the success of any project, regardless of scale,” he explains. Building trust through clear communication and personal connections with clients, engineers, and communities makes every project more intentional and meaningful.

Jamie’s commitment to action through practice extends beyond his daily work. As a mentor with ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) mentoring, he helps high school students explore the real-world impact of design and construction. “It’s about giving students insight into what landscape architecture really is—designing communities and enhancing lives, not just planting trees. It’s rewarding to help them see the bigger picture and push their creativity.”

Through his dedication to growth, collaboration, and mentorship, Jamie embodies what it means to take action through practice—leaving a lasting, positive impact on both the profession and the communities he serves.

Learn More About Our Landscape Architect Team and Projects