aboutSQLA
SQLA is an international Landscape Architecture, Site Planning and Urban Design firm dedicated to the art and craft of creating engaging environments with lasting presence for living, work and play.
Why we started: In 1996 Samuel Kim had the vision to create a unique and innovative landscape and architectural design group called Square Los Angeles. It was born of a love for landscape design with an infusion of natural, cultural, and healing elements crafted into the design. This approach quickly set them apart and under Samuel’s leadership, the studio has grown to employ a team of creative designers who bring innovative solutions to projects from large multi-family residential communities to universities, commercial centers, intimate residential gardens, and meticulously crafted sculptural works.
Why we do what we do: Whether real, abstract or virtual, we believe with a passion that nature is essential for healthy, resilient human environments. We design richly layered landscapes that are infused with natural, cultural and healing elements that foster social sustainability and enrich the spirit.
Where we show up in the world?
Several publications in:
— Street Furniture by Braun
— 1000 x Landscape Architecture by Braun
— Progressive Architecture
— Architectural Digest
Competitions and awards
— First place International Design Competition
— Korean Architecture Culture Grand Presidential Award
— Arbor Day Award’ from the National Arbor Day Foundation
— First place, In-Chon Song Hyun Regional Park Competition
— Urban Designer award for the Westwood Streetscape Plan
— Gold Nugget Award for Centerpointe Apartments and Recreational Facility
— Winner in the 1988 University Arboretum Davis Arts competition
teamWORK
Samuel
Kim
Principal
Samuel K. Kim is the founder and principal designer of SQLA Inc.. With over 38 years of design experience, Samuel has a unique and innovative approach to landscape and urban design along with a wealth of experience on a wide variety of public, private and international landscape design projects. His areas of expertise include community master planning, site planning, streetscape urban design, specific leisure and entertainment, commercial, industrial, institutional and residential design projects. He is a registered licensed landscape architect in California and Nevada and holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Kitti (Bob)
Gitigomonsook
Senior Designer / Operations Director
Bob has participated in a wide range projects since joining SQLA Inc. 18 years ago, including educational, streetscape, commercial, leisure and entertainment, and residential. He is responsible for the management and production of documents throughout all phases from schematic design and design development to construction documents. His experience and skills have recently segued to managing custom make projects that are key ingredients for innovation on SQLA design projects. Bob holds an A.S. in Architecture from Pasadena City College.
Sopon (Don)
Preecha
Senior Designer
Don has been involved in all phases of project design since joining SQLA 15 years ago, especially in planting design, where his extensive knowledge of plant materials are effectively utilized. He is responsible for the management and production of documents throughout all phases from schematic design and design development to construction documents. He holds an Associates Degree from Mt. San Antonio College.
Kristen
Winslow Fritz
Design/Build Director
Kristen has been with SQLA for over six years and works on a variety of projects, including designing and overseeing all design/build activities on residential, residential community, commercial, and public projects. She has been responsible for schematic design, design development, and construction administration and manag-es design/build on all projects including permit processing and construction administration throughout the build process. She holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.
Muhammad Ali Baghchehsarai
Project Designer/Manager
Muhammad has over 10 Years of experience and has been a part of many world known resorts and theme park developments specializing in luxury developments, unique homes & creating custom elements, around the world from the USA, Caribbeans, the Middle East and China. He holds a B.S in Landscape Architecture From KAU.
Alejandro (Alex) Morales
Designer
Alex has over 5 years of experience in industrial and residential construction and joined SQLA in 2022.
He brings wide expertise in design and is also skilled in 3D rendering and VR technology. He holds a
degree from the Autonomous University of Baja California.
Coral Reich
Designer
Coral recently graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a B.S. in Landscape Architecture and a minor
in Studio Art. Her passion for art and creativity shines through her work at SQLA and she is eager to
learn and grow further in this field.
Shuyi Zhang
Designer
Shuyi recently graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a B. S. in landscape architecture. She is passionate about drawing and design and participated in some landscape and interior design projects as an intern. She is starting her career in this field.
Kug Myeong Si
Associate Designer
Kug has over 20 years of design experience on a wide range of large scale exterior and interior improvement projects. Since joining SQLA Inc. seven years ago, Kug has participated in numerous projects including streetscape, commercial, leisure and entertainment, and residential. He is responsible for presentation drawings, and management and production of documents through all phases from schematic design to design development and construction documents. Kug holds a B.S in Architectural Engineering at Dongkug University, Seoul, Korea.
Neslihan (Leslie) Alpogunc
Associate Designer
Leslie has a 20 years of design experience worldwide. She participated in a range of project types including urban, street, park designs in Istanbul and various commercial, residential in Los Angeles. Her special interest is sustainable landscaping that helps conserving energy and water, improving air and water quality and protecting environment. Leslie holds Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture from Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
Michael Spaulding
Senior Project Manager
Michael focuses on projects designed and constructed by Landist Group Inc., a part of SQLA Inc. He has an extraordinary level of experience that combines 24 years of practicing Landscape Architecture with another 24 years in Site Development Construction, all in Southern California. He holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona and is also a Licensed Landscape Architect in the State of California. During his construction chapter, he focused on the Design/Build project delivery structure that integrates design ideas with construction realities.
Jesse Palomares
General Construction Manager
Jesse, a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, brings 33 years of construction landscape experience to the table. He has worked on multiple projects throughout his career including high-value projects as high as $5 million, high-end residential projects, public and city works, and much more.