At Giffels Webster, we’re fortunate to have a team filled with people who bring heart, creativity, and curiosity to everything they do. One of those people is Francesca Schovers, a talented landscape architect who’s been with us for nearly four years.
In this spotlight, Francesca shares how a casual conversation with her dad led to a lifelong passion for landscape architecture, the twists and turns of her career path, and why she still geeks out over plant varieties with her team. From working on small-scale gardens to contributing to the revitalization of Detroit’s iconic Michigan Central Station, her journey is a testament to how curiosity and openness to learning can shape a deeply fulfilling career.
Read on to discover her story, insights, and advice for the next generation of landscape architects.
1. What is your name and title?
Francesca Schovers, Senior Landscape Architect
2. Tell us how long you’ve been with Giffels Webster.
3.5 years (4 years this November)
3. What sparked your interest in landscape architecture as a career?
Like most landscape architects, I didn’t know this profession existed! My dad mentioned it to me as he knew my love of plants and architecture. Once I did a little digging, I found out my university (Michigan State University – go green!) has a great landscape architecture program. I took the introductory class, fell in love, applied and was accepted.
4. Was this always your dream job, or did your career path take a few turns?
During the landscape architecture curriculum, we were exposed to a few of the different routes a landscape architect could take after graduation, but nowhere near the number of possibilities a registered landscape architect could focus on. I really was not sure where I wanted to end up, but I knew I wanted to learn more about plants. My first job out of college was at a small landscape design company associated with a nursery greenhouse. My plant knowledge grew exponentially, and I was able to see the implications of design in the real world. From there I jumped into an architecture firm and absorbed everything I could about building design and its relationship to site design. My time at Giffels Webster kind of fell into place and I could not be more grateful for the opportunities and experiences gained here.
5. What do you love most about working in landscape architecture today?
It is always changing! There is always a new plant variety, a new plant disease, innovative site elements we get to explore with, new contractor to convince that project X absolutely needs to have this bench type – minimal boring moments. The answer for one project may not be the same for a different project of the same magnitude. That and plants. Everyone can find their inner “plant nerd” and geek out with the landscape architecture team over a new plant variety.
6. What’s one project or moment you’re especially proud of in your career so far?
Michigan Central Station in Detroit, Michigan, is a once in a lifetime project. Growing up in the suburbs of Detroit, the station was always a topic of conversation at some point or another. Knowing I contributed to a small portion of the site design is a badge I will always carry with me.
7. What would you tell some one considering a career in landscape architecture?
Strive to experience as much of the profession as possible – plant knowledge, construction detailing, construction observation, design, site amenity elements – these things are all around us, but rarely focused on. Once you start seeing the world through different lenses, it helps expand your design base and builds your professional knowledge one experience at a time.
8. How do you see your field evolving, and where do you see yourself in that future?
The field is becoming more and more diverse in many ways. I see different technological aspects impacting project deliverables both positively and negatively. In my opinion we need to review the basics as a profession and then focus forward. I don’t feel like I have explored all the aspects of my current position, I look forward to accomplishing what lies ahead for me.
9. What do you enjoy outside of work?
Exploring the world through my kid’s eyes is one of my favorite activities. A simple trip to the garden can become a game I could never dream of, or just a midday snack with a new pet frog. A lake, my people and a meal prepared with love is is my happy place.
At Giffels Webster, we’re proud to support team members like Francesca who bring passion, curiosity, and creativity to every project. Her journey is a great example of how exploring new paths and staying open to growth can lead to meaningful work and lasting impact—both within our communities and beyond.
Stay tuned for more spotlights as we continue to celebrate the people who shape our firm and inspire the future of planning, design, and sustainability.
Want to learn more about careers at Giffels Webster? Visit https://www.giffelswebster.com/careers/.
