Guillermo Gonzalez, PLA, ASIC

My career as a landscape architect began before I even knew the discipline of landscape architecture existed. When I started college, I knew that I wanted to do something that involved design and being outdoors as much as possible. At the time, the only thing I knew that came close to that description was architecture. As I began taking college courses related to architectural drafting and design, I knew I was in the right place, but something was still missing. I found I was missing the exterior component of design that shapes our environment outside of building walls. By then, I was already committed to multiple architectural drafting and design courses under my belt, so I ended up pursuing an associate degree in architecture.
After my associate degree, I started digging deeper into career paths that met my expectations and I discovered the landscape architecture major at Cal Poly Pomona. Once I started taking the different courses related to my major, I knew I was finally in the right place. During construction courses that formed part of my landscape architecture education, there was only a small portion of formal irrigation design education that also included lighting design and water features. From those topics, it was irrigation that really struck a special interest that I knew I wanted more of. While continuing my other landscape architectural courses, I ended up registering for additional irrigation design courses that were offered through the plant science department. I was very pleased with my decision to do so, I learned so much and I loved it!
After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, I spent a few months working for a design-build company that did mostly residential projects. I learned much there, but my main goal of becoming a landscape architect was not on track yet. I then started working at WEBB, a multi-disciplinary civil engineering firm, where I am now, and got back on track to becoming a licensed landscape architect.
WEBB being a civil engineering firm, I work very closely with civil engineers daily. This perfect combination of engineering experience, along with my special interest in irrigation and landscape design has allowed me to work on a wide variety of projects ranging from irrigation water facility planning, to detailed construction drawings for various types of public and private projects. As a result of my unique experience working closely with civil engineers in combination with irrigation and landscape design, I currently provide plan check consulting services for Eastern Municipal Water District where I provide expert advice on all phases of recycled water irrigation planning and construction level drawings, as well as continuous involvement in guideline updates for the District’s Recycled Water Program. Being on both sides of the counter has been a unique and rewarding experience in being able to practice and enforce our current irrigation codes and design practices.