Caltrans Landscape Architects help shape California’s transportation system by blending environmental stewardship, thoughtful design, and community-focused solutions. Our team supports all functional units in every phase of project development including encroachment permit reviews and intergovernmental reviews. During the environmental phase we prepare Scenic Resource Evaluations and Visual Impact Assessments to identify mitigation measures.  We prepare graphic visualizations to communicate project information throughout the project development process to support design decisions, environmental clearance, public engagement, and agency coordination. 

We are responsible for all landscape architectural work associated with permanent erosion control, contour grading, stormwater infiltration and filtration BMP's, vegetation management, biological and visual mitigation, planting, irrigation systems, roadside worker safety, structure aesthetics, complete streets, and community involvement. We work closely with and coordinate with other agencies, local organizations, and elected officials in the development of projects. We attend public meetings, hearings, workshops, and advisory committee meetings to explain project elements.

Through this work, we advance Caltrans’ Strategic Plan goals by designing resilient landscapes, enhancing quality of life, reducing environmental impacts, and ensuring projects truly benefit the people and places they serve.