Q&A with Elijah Ellingson, PLA, ISA Certified Arborist – CFB’s Landscape Architect
Meet Elijah Ellingson
Elijah Ellingson, PLA, recently reached an important career milestone by becoming a licensed Landscape Architect in Florida. He is also an ISA Certified Arborist – a distinctive combination of credentials, particularly so early in his career. As CFB’s Landscape Architect, Elijah applies his knowledge of both site design and plant health to help create functional, thoughtful, and visually engaging spaces.
We sat down with him to discuss his career path, professional credentials, and approach to Landscape Architecture.
Q&A with Elijah Ellingson
1. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture?
I have always loved design and the opportunity to work with plants and other site elements to create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. I firmly believe thoughtful design makes everything better by creating places that are more memorable, enjoyable, and meaningful for the people who experience them.
2. Can you tell us about your education and career path leading to your current role at CFB?
A common first step toward becoming a Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect is earning a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited university. I followed that path at the University of Florida, where I studied from 2020 to 2024.
Before joining CFB, I worked for a smaller Landscape Architecture firm on a broad range of hospitality, commercial, residential, and public projects. That exposure to the many facets of the profession provided valuable experience and helped prepare me for my current role at CFB.
3. In addition to becoming a licensed Landscape Architect, you are an ISA Certified Arborist. What inspired you to pursue that credential, and how does it strengthen your work?
I believe Landscape Architects have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about all aspects of the discipline, including plant health and vitality. Becoming an arborist enables me to have a deeper understanding of tree biology, health, and preservation. That knowledge helps me make better design decisions, evaluate existing trees more accurately, and provide clients with practical recommendations for their landscapes.
4. What motivated you to pursue professional licensure so early in your career?
The professional responsibilities that come with licensure were my primary motivation. Being able to sign and seal my own plans is essential in my role as CFB’s Landscape Architect and allows me to take greater ownership of our work.
Earning my license was also an important personal milestone. Being among the first members of the University of Florida’s Landscape Architecture Class of 2024 to become licensed made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
5. What did the process of becoming a licensed Landscape Architect in Florida involve, and what was the most challenging part?
Although it is possible to become a licensed Landscape Architect in Florida without graduating from an accredited landscape architecture program, that is not the path I chose. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Florida in summer 2024 after completing the program’s required internship. After graduation, I completed the required professional experience under the supervision of licensed Landscape Architects.
I then completed the four sections of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, along with Florida’s Plants & Materials examination. Together, the examinations cover a broad range of subjects, including site analysis and design, grading and drainage, stormwater management, construction documentation, project management, professional practice, and plant materials.
The greatest challenge was mastering the range of knowledge needed to pass all five exams. The process required technical expertise and a comprehensive understanding of nearly every aspect of Landscape Architecture practice.
6. How does Landscape Architecture complement CFB’s civil engineering, environmental, surveying, and other services?
One of my favorite aspects of working at CFB is the collaboration among our disciplines. Having previously worked at a small Landscape Architecture firm, I understand the challenges that can arise when all project disciplines are not available in-house.
At CFB, Landscape Architecture can be incorporated earlier in the site design process and coordinated directly with our civil engineering, environmental, surveying, and other teams. This collaboration helps reduce conflicts and revisions while producing a more cohesive, functional, and successful final design.
7. What is something people may not realize about the role Landscape Architects play in planning and designing successful projects?
Many people believe Landscape Architects simply add plants after a site has been designed, but our role is much broader. We help shape the overall site by coordinating grading, drainage, circulation, accessibility, environmental considerations, and permitting requirements – all while creating spaces that are functional, environmentally responsible, and visually appealing.
Successful Landscape Architecture integrates natural and built systems to support the long-term success of a project for the client and the people who ultimately experience the space.
8. What aspects of Landscape Architecture are you most passionate about, and what are your professional goals now that you have earned your license?
I am most passionate about public projects and other spaces where I can see how people interact with and experience the finished design. For me, the real joy of Landscape Architecture comes from seeing a space used as intended and knowing the design contributes to the public’s quality of life.
As I continue my career, I want to expand my technical knowledge, gain experience across a variety of project types, and further develop my design and project management skills. Ultimately, I hope to become a well-rounded professional who consistently delivers thoughtful, reliable, and high-quality solutions for clients and the people who experience the places we design.
From early site planning through final design, CFB’s Landscape Architecture services combine creativity, functionality, and multidisciplinary expertise to create thoughtful spaces designed for long-term success.
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