STEPHANIE PORTUS

PRINCIPAL, PLA - LA6667215

University of Florida, College of Design,
Construction + Planning – Landscape Architecture

What’s that tapping sound? That’s me — learning what something’s made of. Driven by curiosity and one-upping myself and PLA, I’m always digging, exploring, tasting, tweaking, deep-diving, re-potting, nurturing, and nudging — our staff, our ideas, and our designs.

BETH DAWSON

PRINCIPAL, PLA - LA6667273

University of Florida, College of Design,
Construction + Planning – Architecture

With PLA by way of VA, MD, MA, NJ, ME, OR, and finally FL — I swear I’m not running from the law. I’m running to keep up — with my son, my to-be-read pile, my evolving oasis, and of course the nuts and bolts of bringing our clients’ dreams to blissful fruition.

AARON MASTIN

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL, PLA - LA6667536

University of Florida, College of Design,
Construction + Planning – Landscape Architecture

What do you wish your dream yard could do? What do you smell, hear, feel, and see? When I’m not translating clients’ fantasies into reality, I’m doing my thing with photography, family, outside stuff (can’t get enough), and Olympic weightlifting (You’d be surprised how many clients’ dreams include heavy rocks).

KEREN BEN-NAIM

STUDIO MANAGER

Fashion Design and Merchandising

Got my coffee. Now I can function. Let’s see — I’m from Israel by way of Queens, NY. I get my kicks exploring life with my daughter, from collecting horror memorabilia (boo!), from thrill-seeking (close call!), from music, from writing, from so much design talent around me, and from seeing our clients react so joyously as their visions come to life.

GABRIELLA FERREL

STUDIO ASSISTANT

Independence Junior College, Business and Economics

Brooklyn-born and Belize-raised, I love my running, my tunes, and expressing myself artistically — whether it’s with my paints and brushes, camera, or needle and thread. Being exposed to so many spectacular Belizean landscapes, I feel blessed to be a part of PLA’s landscape invention process, whether I’m behind a desk, or out on-site.

KELSEY BOYD

PROJECT MANAGER

Morehead State University, Biology,
Florida International University, College of Communication, Architecture & the Arts – Environmental and Urban Design

You’ll find me dancing, diving, climbing, gaming, reading, writing, exploring anime, or more likely managing a project — which, lucky for me, lets me blend my scientific and artistic sides. More than anything, I’m driven by how a beautifully imagined, well thought out, technically designed space can project this transcendent effortlessness — as if the space should’ve been that way all along.

LAURA COLLAZOS

PROJECT MANAGER, PLA - LA6667542

University of Florida, College of Design,
Construction + Planning – Landscape Architecture

I have many passions — cooking, dining, exercising, family/friends, exploring the great outdoors, and traveling. But right up there, I just love love love bringing the design of a space together, capturing the client’s one-of-a-kind lifestyle, as well as their personal aesthetic — all in one magical, real-life vision.

JULIANA GUINN MUSMANNI

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Miami Dade College, Architecture
Florida International University, College of Communication, Architecture & the Arts – Landscape Architecture 

Just because I’m a Miami girl doesn’t mean I don’t see other places; my passport and I get out a good bit. Tennis and crafting are fun too. But what I’m most passionate about is landscape design, learning about new plants and hardscapes, and watching our clients’ eyes light up as they see their dreams come to life in plan-view, 3D-view, and finally — real life.

JULIE SALAZAR ROSARIO

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Florida Atlantic University, Urban Design

Born in Boca Raton with Costa Rican roots, my love for nature started in tropical summers with family and deepened through my studies. Faith keeps me grounded, and my church community fuels my joy. Off the clock, you’ll find me hosting dinner parties, testing new recipes, and sharing laughs. For me, life, love, and design are all part of the same masterpiece

LAURA DIEGUEZ

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

Rafael Landivar University Guatemala, Architecture
The University of New Mexico – Landscape Architecture

Guatemala-born and a true lover of nature, I’m most alive when hiking new trails, capturing moments through my camera, or traveling with my family. My connection to the natural world runs deep, and it fuels my passion for landscape architecture—transforming spaces into living, breathing works of art that bridge architecture and nature. When I’m not working, you’ll find me soaking up the sun at the beach or finding inspiration in the landscapes around me.

KENADY BEIL

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

University of Florida, College of Design,
Construction + Planning – Landscape Architecture

Villa Hills-born and endlessly inspired by nature, I’m happiest when I’m out on the water wake surfing, camping under the stars, or diving into a great book. I love creating with my hands—whether it’s through art, design, or music with friends. For me, landscape design is all about connecting people with nature and creating spaces that make their hearts sing. Working at PLA Design Studio has been a dream come true—every detail, every smile from a client, is a reminder of why I love what I do. 

KAMERON GLASGOW

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T SU)
College of Agriculture and Environmental Science – Landscape Architecture

Fort Lauderdale-born, sports-loving, and a proud girl dad, I thrive on energy and connection. Whether I’m gaming, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, I find joy in the excitement of the moment. I’m passionate about helping clients bring their visions to life, transforming their ideas into spaces where they can thrive and create memories. For me, it’s about taking dreams and turning them into realities people can feel at home in.

AILEENA ROBERTS

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

University of Kentucky
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment – Landscape Architecture

Louisville-born and creativity-fueled, I love painting, crafting, and chasing inspiration. Travel, food, and culture keep me curious, while design lets me shape spaces where memories thrive. Raised by designers and inspired by Olmsted parks, I’ve embraced this path wholeheartedly.