Who we are
BORDER’s Make Something Beautiful® studio uses an inclusive design process to make the most of every opportunity. We’re curious. We look forward to the unexpected that comes from creativity.
A color, pattern, or nearby landmark can jump start our imagination of developing a unique story. Most of all, we love what we do, which helps us go above and beyond to provide personal service and create lasting relationships.
Duane Border has been practicing and teaching landscape architecture in Los Angeles for 30 years with a personal approach to project visioning and design that has built strong relationships with clients and collaborators.
BORDER was founded with a bold vision to make landscapes that connect people to the environment, and to one another, in urban environments built on the restorative properties of landscape design.
Leadership
Duane Border ASLA, PLA
Principal / Landscape Architect
Duane Border is an award-winning landscape architect and Principal at BORDER, a boutique studio in Los Angeles that combines lifestyle, sustainability and art to create unique design solutions and interactive environments.
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Duane developed a connection to landscape during his youth in Indiana as part of a family with agricultural roots where the environment, land, and horticulture are a way of life. This combined with his love of art, and incessant doodling in the margins of his algebra notebook, landscape architecture was a perfect fit.
As an intern at a firm specializing in zoological and botanical gardens Duane learned the power of immersive landscape design and has carried these lessons throughout his career designing civic, education, residential, and hospitality projects.
BORDER is an evolution of Duane’s philosophy of providing contemporary, urban landscape solutions that maintain the romance of the garden. This approach was used in founding of his previous firm, Duane Border Design, in 2012. BORDER elevates this philosophy to include a focus on the restorative properties of landscape design.
Duane has served on the American Society of Landscape Architects Southern California Chapter Executive Committee, including as president for two years, and is a member of the ASLA Annual Conference Education Committee. He has also been a featured speaker at ASLA Annual Conferences and an instructor at the UCLA Extension Landscape Architecture Program.
When he’s not at the drawing table or in a project meeting you can find Duane following the Foo Fighters on their latest tour or watching the Lakers strive for banner number 18.
Designers
Julia Bennett, ASLA
Landscape Designer
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Julia brings a unique multidisciplinary perspective to BORDER, shaped by her background in landscape design, marine science, photography, and the visual arts. Her work explores the dynamic intersections of design, science, and storytelling, with a focus on how these disciplines can collectively support and elevate the natural environment.
As a landscape designer, Julia’s experience enhances the studio’s collaborative and process-driven approach. Her commitment to sustainable and restorative planting practices plays a vital role in shaping BORDER’s design ethos.
Julia believes that addressing today’s environmental, social, and cultural challenges requires cross-disciplinary collaboration. With a focus on equitable design, she brings clarity, care, and intention to every project, helping create landscapes that honor both ecological systems and human experience.
Rachel Ison, ASLA
Landscape Designer
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Rachel Ison brings her passion for research and community driven design to BORDER as a landscape designer. Her interest stems from a background in Anthropology and Environmental Studies, where she studied the relationship between the natural world and the people who inhabit it. This intersection of disciplines, along with a penchant for art, led her to landscape architecture, where the influences of culture and ecology play a significant role in creating engaging and resilient designs.
As a native of Southern California, her understanding of the environment and history of the place continues to inform and guide her through the design process on a variety of projects in the Los Angeles region. Through thoughtful analysis and exploration, Rachel strives to create immersive, inspiring, and ultimately, beautiful landscapes.
Juan Lopez
Landscape Designer
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Juan brings a breadth of experience in civic, commercial, and residential projects to BORDER, contributing a well-rounded perspective to the studio’s design process. His background in community outreach, design development, detailing, and construction management strengthens the studio’s ability to deliver thoughtful, responsive landscapes that exceed expectations from concept through completion.
Juan has a meticulous attention to detail and a skill for clear, organized project management. From early design phases to on-site implementation, he ensures that each element is carefully considered and executed, supporting design integrity and seamless collaboration across teams.
Driven by a deep passion for equity in the built environment, Juan focuses on community-based projects that prioritize inclusive access to green, open space. His work aims to create environments that foster connection, resilience, and long-term stewardship.