Jonathan Berlin

With a dual background in environmental science and landscape architecture, Jonathan believes that we share a responsibility to heal the ecology of landscapes as part of the design process. He is especially motivated by finding a harmony between conservation and other project objectives. At Nelson Byrd Woltz, Jonathan conducts ecological surveys, informs the selection and siting of project elements, and develops protocols for land stewardship. His main area of practice is conservation agriculture, focusing on protecting and restoring natural resources on farmland.

Before joining NBW in 2024, Jonathan received his Master of Landscape Architecture from Penn State University, where he was recognized as the program’s graduate Olmsted Scholar. For his capstone project, Jonathan designed and conducted a quantitative vegetation survey at 20 reforestation sites in Maryland, evaluating their long-term performance using the metrics of tree survival, native plant diversity, invasive plant cover, and vertical structure. He also holds a Master of Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara, specializing in conservation planning.

Jonathan applied this academic experience as an intern at Living Habitats LLC, assisting the design of native habitats at the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in southern California. Prior to becoming a landscape architect, he worked for more than 8 years as an environmental planner. Aside from leading a wide range of park, trail, and open space projects, Jonathan developed expertise analyzing the visual effects of projects like California High-Speed Rail and mitigating their impacts. In addition, he has significant experience collaborating with diverse communities to inform the design process.