After graduating high school, she did not know exactly what she wanted to do, but knew she wanted to do something creative. Speaking with a landscape architect urged further exploration into the career. This was followed by signing up for plant identification and drafting classes at the local community college. These classes made it clear that this was the correct career for her.

Melissa‘s college path consisted of many community college classes followed by a four-year program at Cal Poly Pomona. The landscape architecture program was one of the best in the nation at the time. Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture in 2016. All throughout school she was working on designs when she had the time.

After graduation, Melissa found employment with a landscape architecture firm in Orange County. This firm delt with parks and public works which provided valuable experience designing on a larger scale and working within city restraints. After obtaining the necessary hours to proceed with the licensure process, she returned to San Diego to help run the family business, Mark Langer Masonry and Landscape, Inc.

Working with Mark Langer Masonry and Landscape, Inc. has shaped Melissa into a well-rounded designer. The tasks she primarily held included landscape designs for a variety of clients, supervising planting jobs (both designed by herself and others), picking up materials for the crew, working on bids including detailed takeoffs, and typical office administrative tasks. She understands that functionality is of upmost importance and that often times this includes working within a client’s budget. The skills obtained from this job have been invaluable to her.

While working full time jobs, Melissa was also preparing and taking sections of the LARE, The Landscape Architect Registration Examination. At the end of 2021 she obtained her landscape architecture license. The prominent reason to be licensed is to be free of limitations that are involved when you are unlicensed as a landscape designer. Melissa recognized the value of this license early on in her career. In March of 2022, she decided to shift her full attention to independent design work.

Melissa has a great passion for the outdoors. The range is wide, from city landscapes to rural mountainous scenes. She is always drawing inspiration from what is around her. Her affection for plants is great, and this certainly coincides with her work. Having personal outdoor areas that one can utilize and form a connection with is a privilege. Melissa feels rewarded to be in a career that can help people obtain these spaces.