• Frederick R. Bonci, RLA, ASLA, CLARB

    Founding Partner

    For almost forty years, Fred Bonci has led many of the firm’s projects, from community planning to urban design, public open spaces and parks to sustainable design.

    Fred’s “why”: To create socially engaging public spaces that are vibrant, healthy, livable, equitable, and sustainable.

    Areas of excellence: Transforming urban neighborhoods with a focus on affordability, diversity, and mobility. Fred’s knowledge and extensive experience with urban projects have led to an ever-increasing number of commissions locally, nationally, and internationally.

    Way of working: Highly collaborative with a goal of developing lasting relationships, Fred engages all those willing in the design process. He listens intently to residents and stakeholders to solve problems, strengthen communities, and improve everyday life.

    Little-known fact: Exploring new places, cultures, and environments throughout the country and world inspires and informs Fred’s designs.

  • Joseph P. Hackett, RLA

    Principal

    Joe has been with LBA since 1990 and Principal since 2003. For over 33 years, he’s provided project management technical expertise and built client relations for some of our most enduring projects.

    Joseph’s “why”: To transform and enrich communities through green spaces and sustainable design.

    Areas of excellence: Always up for a challenge, Joe has been instrumental in many of LBA’s signature projects, especially those where design, social need, and ecology intersect.

    Way of working: Collaborative and team-oriented, Joe brings a diligent, straightforward approach to design and an appreciation for simple, elegant detailing.

    Little-known fact: Always one to recognize unseen possibilities, in his free time, Joe builds furniture from salvaged materials.

  • Dan McDowell, RLA, ASLA, CLARB

    Senior Associate/Project Manager

    Dan has been with LBA for 17 years and is at the forefront of our parks, public space, urban design, campus, and town planning projects.

    Dan’s “why”: To utilize discipline and understanding to ensure what is designed is built, and the client’s vision is realized.

    Areas of excellence: Dan excels at turning a master plan into reality with his thoughtful, expert insights into detail, technology, and industry best practices.

    Way of working: A true leader, he works collaboratively, not only with our in-house LBA team but also with all of our sub-consultants and design collaborators.

    Little-known fact: A Nittany Lion thru and thru, Dan is an active alumni and committee member.

  • Jason Loaney, RLA, ASLA

    Associate/Project Manager

    Since 2007, Jason’s contributions to LBA projects have ranged from graphic and technical support to design to project management.

    Jason’s “why”: To bring the best ideas for community parks, open spaces, and development to a functional and meaningful reality.

    Areas of excellence: Jason’s commitment to detail and excellence can be found in projects such as Triangle Park at PNC Tower, Bedford PH 1 & 2 CNI, Larimer/East Liberty CNI, and Skyline Terrace.

    Way of working: Jason’s broad scope of abilities and experience, coupled with a highly detailed approach, complements every aspect of every project.

    Little-known fact: A BBQ pitmaster, beer connoisseur, and avid golfer, Jason nails the weekend trifecta.

  • Rebecca Bercini

    Office Administrator

    Since 2005, Rebecca has been both a positive influence and an invaluable member of LBA and our client teams.

    Rebecca's “why”: A deep respect for nature and a love for the outdoors makes her the perfect fit for LBA and vice versa.

    Areas of excellence: Rebecca's work ethic, helpful nature, and loyalty have made her a true asset to LBA.

    Way of working: A can-do attitude, exceptional organizational abilities, and a professional, responsive approach are the hallmarks of Rebecca's working style.

    Little-known fact: Rebecca heads into the great outdoors and her camp in the Allegheny National Forest on weekends.

  • Christine Tarullo, RLA, ASLA, CLARB

    Landscape Architect

    Christine’s work ranges from large-scale master planning to site-specific design. It includes the campus redesign of the University of Pittsburgh, the grounds at the William Pitt Union, and the Bigelow Boulevard shared complete street.

    Christine’s “why”: To cultivate enduring relationships between people and their environments through landscape architecture.

    Areas of excellence: By translating conceptual ideas into their built reality, Christine brings public spaces to their full potential.

    Way of working: Positive and focused, Christine approaches each design challenge as an opportunity to arrive at a functional, contextually-based, and elegant solution that enhances site performance and optimizes ecological systems.

    Little-known fact: Travel and photography add a fresh perspective to Christine’s life and design.

  • Michael Leckie

    Project Manager

    A Clemson grad, Michael brings diverse experience in planning, urban design, and site design, along with a unique perspective on planting design to LBA. He has taught a course on Sustainable Planting Design to undergraduate and graduate students at Boston Architectural College and worked on many award-winning design projects during his career at LBA and at his previous firms in the Boston area.

    Michael’s “why”: To bring a sense of place and wonder to each project through innovative design and four seasons of interest and color.

    Areas of excellence: With 12 years of experience in landscape architecture and garden design, Michael provides deep horticultural knowledge and a client-focused approach.

    Way of working: Positive and collaborative, Michael actively engages in all design phases, from client and public meetings to conceptional design development to construction administration.

    Little-known fact: During the summer, Michael brings his work home and into his vegetable garden, where he enjoys teaching his children how to plant, maintain, and harvest the food they eat.

  • Natalie Plecity, RLA, LEED AP

    Landscape Architect

    Natalie’s time with LBA spans two decades. Throughout the years, the Purdue graduate and registered landscape architect has brought her vision and talent to numerous projects and the firm she adores.

    Natalie’s “why”: Finding connection, meaning, and community in design, from building a team to finding plant combinations that thrive and impress to designing public gathering spaces.

    Areas of excellence: Bringing her creativity to every project, including Pack Square Park, Mon Wharf Landing, Convention Center Park, and the Walled Garden at Mellon Park.

    Way of working: Enjoys working, learning, and collaborating with everyone from engineers to artists.

    Little-known fact: Natalie builds art installations on her street with her daughters in her spare time.

  • Maddy Rubinoff

    Landscape Designer

    Maddy joined our team after graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder. As an aspiring architect in training, she brings a fresh perspective and excitement to every project.

    Maddy’s “why”: To create meaningful, inspirational designs that tell each site’s unique story and reveal the importance of our environment to health, success, and happiness.

    Areas of excellence: Maddy is passionate about sustainable design and is always open to exploring new ideas, influences, and learnings.

    Way of working: Maddy never loses sight of the community and its needs or the importance of collaboration and resolution. This, along with a deep understanding of natural environments and systems, leads to public spaces that refresh, unite, and inspire.

    Little-known fact: The Rocky Mountains were her playground growing up; it’s where she developed her love of the outdoors and skiing. Maddy will take fresh powder and big runs over a hot summer day any time. Downtime is her creative time, which includes art projects, painting, drawing, and sewing.