Courtney Jane Miller, PLA, ASLA

President | Principal Landscape Architect

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT | CALIFORNIA REGISTRATION #5581
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT | ARIZONA REGISTRATION #72792
LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONAL | BUILDING DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION

Courtney created CJM::LA in 2013. As founder and principal landscape architect, she leads both the creative visioning and strategic planning for the design studio. An artist at heart, Courtney approaches her work in landscape architecture as a creative practice – weaving together technical knowledge with creative problem solving to produce unique, timeless and resilient landscapes. Prior to establishing CJM::LA, Courtney managed the design of multi-family residential, hospitality and community developments throughout southern California. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s landscape architecture department, Courtney remains an active member of the department’s Advisory Council. She regularly contributes to the Santa Barbara chapter of the AIA and was previously a member of the City of Santa Barbara Architecture Review Board. Courtney’s appreciation for the natural world, unusual details and architectural remnants within the built environment inspire her daily. She is known for her thoughtful approach to historic renovations, non-profit institutional, adaptive reuse and hospitality projects.

Nicole Horn, PLA, ASLA, MCP, MLA

Associate Principal

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT | CALIFORNIA REGISTRATION #6375

Nicole is driven to create beautiful and environmentally sustainable projects that improve the social, ecological and physical characteristics of our cities and open spaces. Her interdisciplinary background in urban planning, resource management and landscape architecture has given Nicole a unique ability to effectively design and manage a variety of project types from master planning to small-scale site design. Nicole has worked on mixed-use, commercial, luxury residential, institutional, hospitality and public park projects in China, Taiwan, Brazil, Hawaii and California. Her current role as a board member for the Ventura Botanical Gardens has recently allowed Nicole to promote the use of native California plants and advocate for climate-appropriate design as a community leader in the city of Ventura.

Arturo Zaragoza

Project Manager

Arturo is fascinated by the positive impact that landscape architecture can have on the built and natural environments that we live and play in. Born and raised in Lompoc, CA – Arturo drew early inspiration from the regional ecology of his surroundings which ultimately led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA. Arturo brings experience in education, commercial, streetscape, parks and transportation landscapes to the CJM::LA creative team. His approach to design is informed by the dynamic relationship between architectural resources and ecological principals; and constantly seeks to engage, inspire, and connect people to their surroundings by purposefully combining the two to create sustainable design solutions. In his spare time, Arturo enjoys spending time with his extended family including six nieces and nephews.

Jianhua Chen

Designer

Jianhua is inspired by the world around him, and how communities engage with the outdoor environment. A native of coastal China, his approach to design is informed by a childhood immersed in nature. Since joining CJM::LA in 2021, Jianhua has led both the development of our 3D visualization process, as well as the expansion of our internship program. A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona’s landscape architecture program, he is inspired to create beautiful and sustainable landscapes that respond to site context and history. Jianhua finds joy in outdoor activities, embarking on road trips, and indulging in culinary adventures at new restaurants across California. His adventurous spirit and thirst for exploration mirror his approach to professional growth, making him an invaluable member of our team.

JANET SHOTWELL

Office Manager | Bookkeeper

Janet thrives on her ability to keep CJM::LA running smoothly and efficiently. She is detail-oriented, organized and enjoys making new business and social connections. Janet joined the CJM::LA team in August of 2014 after developing her office management, marketing and bookkeeping skills at a variety of Architecture and Landscape Architecture firms from the East Coast to Orange County, California. She holds degrees in Historic Preservation and Architectural Technology. Janet is also largely involved in the Santa Barbara community, and currently volunteers with many local organizations such as The Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, The Lobero Theater, William Sansum Diabetes Center and The Chamber of Commerce.