Our Story

With stewardship of the environment and an engaging approach, we tell our clients’ stories, deliver unique, innovative and affordable solutions, maximizing our technical capabilities to bring a measurable return on our clients’ investments.

THE BEGINNING OF OUR STORY

Landstory has been committed to the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment since the firm’s beginning in 1974. Under the leadership of Claire Bennett, FASLA, the firm flourished as a small practice with a focus on large, estate residential and commercial Landscape Architecture design. Joann Green joined Claire as a partner and vice-president in 1992 and became sole owner in 1997 upon Claire’s retirement. Since then she has led the Landstory team to provide outstanding, award-winning design and exemplary customer service. The breadth of the firm’s Landscape Architecture expertise extends to the following areas:

SITE DESIGN
TRAIL PLANNING + DESIGN
PARKS & RECREATION PLANNING + DESIGN
CORRIDOR PLANNING + DESIGN
URBAN DESIGN + DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Our Staff

Joann K. Green RLS, ASLA / Principal

A little about her…

Why she’s passionate about Landscape Architecture

“The potential for positive outcomes – from an environmental, sustainable, social, aesthetic and cultural perspective, it has the power to improve people’s lives through the generations, in very direct and meaningful ways.”

One thing most people may not know about her

“Seven years ago I began metalsmithing classes at the Stutz. Along with a variety of private shows I’ve had the good fortune to be invited to exhibit at events for Indianapolis Arts Council, Harrison Center and Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art.”

Favorite travel

London, England – unparalleled history, culture, residential & commercial development, open space, green space, architecture. Embodies everything that makes urban centers great.

Best advice

“From my dad: ‘It’s not the mistakes you make, it’s the grace to admit them, to do whatever it takes to fix them, to learn from them and move on.”

Bio

Joann Green is President and owner of Landstory. A registered Landscape Architect in Indiana, Joann has been a principal Landscape Architect with Landstory since 1992. Her 40 years of experience extends to a broad array of project types (parks, trails, streetscapes, urban revitalization plans, large scale industrial and institutional site design) for private and public sector clients on a local, state, regional and national level. Born and raised in Indianapolis, she holds a Landscape Architecture degree from Purdue University. Joann’s previous experience involved project management and department head positions with two large A&E firms in Indianapolis. She takes pride in being involved with every Landstory project providing design and technical oversight, project management and on-going client communication.

Education

Bachelor of Science – Landscape Architecture, Purdue University – 1977

Registration

Landscape Architect, Indiana

Community Participation

Design Arts Society, Indianapolis Museum of Art Board Member
Arts Council of Indianapolis, Public Art Selection Committee Member
Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Registration for Architects & Landscape Architects
Indiana Key School Mentoring Program, Host
Department of Capital Asset Management, Board Member

Recognition

School of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni – Purdue University – 1999
Landscape Arch. Outstanding Alumni – Purdue University- 1994

Visiting Professor

Fifth Year Professional Practice Instructor – Ball State University – 2001
Third Year Design Instructor – Purdue University – 1995

Email

jgreen@landstoryla.com

Chris Moore Landscape Designer

A little about him…

Why he’s passionate about LA

“Growing up in The Woodlands, Texas, most days were spent with my brothers exploring on our bikes through the natural timberland landscape. It wasn’t until much later when I was introduced to Landscape Architecture that I understood why The Woodlands was special and that, as a landscape architect, I have the opportunity to create spaces that provide the feeling I experienced.”

One thing people don’t know about him

“I have an affinity for 80’s pop culture. Back to the Future, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Nintendo, Dukes of Hazzard, Hot for Teacher, hypercolor tshirts, and Swatch watches.”

His first job

Counting corn plants in the fields at Asgrow Seed Farm

Bio

Chris attended Purdue University. He has gained valuable Landscape Architecture experience in the private and public sectors. Much of his work has focused on parks, trails, and streetscapes and design experience in the realm of public and private open space planning, master planned communities, and resorts. He’s been involved in all stages of the design process including schematic design, design development and construction documentation. Chris takes pride in his technical ability, delivering our clients the highest quality documentation all the way through to implementation and construction completion.

Education

Bachelor of Science – Landscape Architecture, Purdue University – 2003
Construction Inspection Training, Indianapolis Department of Public Works – 2013

Community Participation

ULI – Urban Land Institute

Email

cmoore@landstoryla.com

Shea Hendress PLA

A little about him …

Why he’s passionate about LA

I believe Landscape Architects have the unique ability to bring a big idea to the table and see it become reality. We strive for the successful design by reaching that perfect balance of social needs, environmental opportunities and economic focus. As stewards we create total environments, culminating into great places for people.

One thing people don’t know about him

I was born and raised on our family dairy farm in Wolcott, Indiana.

His first job

Lifeguard for the Monticello City Pool

Best advice

If is worth doing, it’s worth doing right. – Grandpa Hendress

Bio

Shea graduated with a degree in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University in 2006. He moved to Atlanta, GA after graduation to work with HGOR, a landscape architecture firm, and joined Landstory in early 2014. Shea recently became a licensed/registered Landscape Architect in Indiana.

Education

Bachelor of Science – Landscape Architecture, Ball State University – 2006

Registration

Registered Landscape Architect, Indiana
Registered Landscape Architect, Kentucky

Email

shendress@landstoryla.com

Wesley Silk Intern

Why he’s passionate about Landscape Architecture.

I’ve always enjoyed art and the ability to express myself through creativity. Landscape architecture gives me the opportunity to solve unique problems that are increasingly important in today’s culture.

One thing you didn’t know about him.

I grew up drawing cartoons so when we had career day in the fourth grade I chose to become a cartoonist. After my teacher suggested I pick another career, I chose to be an architect. So, from the fourth grade I’ve known I’ve wanted to become an architect.

His first job.

Corn detasseling in Northern Indiana

Bio

Graduated from Purdue University in 2014 with a BS in Landscape Design and Horticulture. Currently continuing my education at Ball State University to receive my masters of landscape architecture in 2019. Most experience is in landscape construction, herbaceous perennials and ornamental plants, and residential design and sales.

Education

Bachelor of science – Purdue university landscape design and horticulture 2014; Masters of Landscape Architecture – Ball State university candidate 2019

Email

wsilk@landstoryla.com

Testimonials

Corydon, Indiana Historic Sites Master Plan

“It has been a true pleasure working with Landstory… These projects were large in scope, incorporating architectural and landscape improvements, separated into phases, through a 30 year implementation period. All were finished on time and within budget… Each staff member was professional, practical and patient… There were challenges unique to each plan… which were handled with ease. The suggestions and concepts developed for each plan were excellent.

The master plans were very well received and both communities expressed appreciation for the advanced planning. Landstory worked very hard to incorporate our suggestions and gave us a product which we are proud to display.”

City of Noblesville

“Landstory has served the City of Noblesville providing a variety of landscape architectural services for the last 5 years…their responsiveness, broad and creative talent and attention to detail is unparalleled. Joann Green’s direct and consistent involvement in each of our projects has also proven invaluable.”

New Albany Main Street Improvements

“Clark Dietz has a long standing and excellent working relationship with Landstory. I personally had the pleasure of working with them recently on the design and construction of a $2.6 million streetscape project for historic New Albany, Indiana. This project demonstrated their understanding of the critical balance between the engineering, Landscape Architecture and budgetary aspects of the project while creatively telling New Albany’s story.”

Lexington Legacy Trail

“Landstory’s work was exemplary and professional and I would not hesitate to hire them again. They were able to work with the design team, Trail committee, public and client seamlessly. They were also able to develop and implement a design that added significantly to the project.”

Awards

Professional Awards

White Art Plaza | INSALA Honor Award, 2013
University Avenue Corridor Study | Outstanding Overall Achievement non-TMA MPO, 2010
Lucas Oil Stadium | A Monumental Affair Achievement Award, 2009
I.U. Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center | INASLA Merit Award, 2009
I.U. Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center | Team Monumental Award, 2008
“Rails to Trails” Design Recognition | ASLA, 2003
Cardinal Greenway Master Plan | ASLA “Rails to Trails” Award, 2003
Prophetstown St. Park | INASLA Merit Award, 2000
Cardinal Greenway | INASLA Merit Award, 1999
Downtown Highland | INASLA Merit Award, 1999
White River State Park | INASLA Merit Award, 1997