Behind the Design: Q&A with RCI’s Landscape Architects
Celebrating National Landscape Architecture Month
At RCI, our landscape architecture team is the creative force behind some of the most dynamic outdoor environments across the Gulf Coast. In celebration of National Landscape Architecture Month, we caught up with two of our talented landscape architects, Megan Olden and Tim Michell, to hear their personal stories, perspectives, and the passion that drives their work.
How did you get started in landscape architecture?
For both Megan and Tim, their paths to landscape architecture were filled with discovery and a sense of destiny. “I always knew I was going to attend LSU,” Megan recalls. “When deciding between majors, Meteorology would have taken me to Oklahoma, but LSU had the top Landscape Architecture school in the U.S. It was one of those ‘meant to be’ moments.” Tim’s journey took a different turn: “My landscape architecture career started at LSU after completing my first year of mechanical engineering classes,” he said. “I realized I was uninspired and needed a change, so I discovered Landscape Architecture and immediately fell in love.”
What inspired you to choose this career path?
For Megan, it was all about a lifelong connection to plants and the outdoors. “Growing up, spring was my favorite time of year—I couldn’t wait to go to nurseries and be outside,” she said. “When I learned about Landscape Architecture during my senior year of high school, it just seemed like the perfect fit.” Tim shared that once he started taking LA classes at LSU, he was hooked. “Merging design with societal and cultural needs is the most inspiring part of LA for me,” he said.
What does your role at RCI involve on a day-to-day basis?
Both Megan and Tim wear a lot of hats, and their workdays are anything but typical. “On any given day, I could be doing a multitude of tasks,” said Megan. “Whether it’s designing and estimating enhancements for maintenance clients, planting plans for residences, or permit landscape plans for engineering firms, every project brings something new.” Tim elaborated on the diversity of his role as well: “Designing, drafting, estimating, coordinating with clients and vendors, assisting crews with plant placement—I do a little bit of everything. Seeing plans become reality is incredibly fulfilling.” He also highlighted the importance of staying organized and supporting the team: “My most important responsibility is being relentlessly driven to produce high-quality planting, and irrigation plans while also estimating to support Division 80,” Tim said. “Creating invoice and Design/Build trackers has helped us stay on track, especially as we take on larger and more complex projects.”
Are there any trends in landscape architecture that excite you?
Tim is excited about how landscape architecture is evolving to address environmental challenges. “The profession is trending toward stormwater and drainage design using a sustainable approach,” he said. “This is exciting, especially as we deal with more intense storms along the Gulf Coast.” For Megan, it’s all about going back to our roots—literally. “The use of native plants in commercial and residential landscapes really excites me,” she said. “Native plants are so important to our ecosystems by supporting local wildlife.”
What makes RCI’s approach to landscape architecture stand out?
Both Megan and Tim agree that it comes down to detail and dedication. “The attention to detail that RCI expects from our design team stands out to me,” said Tim. “We’re constantly improving our craft as a team.” Megan added, “It’s easy to get into a rhythm of using the same plant material in every design, but we strive to create unique landscapes for each project. That intentionality really makes a difference.”
Can you share a project you’re particularly proud of?
Megan didn’t hesitate to share one of her milestone projects: “The Oasis at Orange Beach is my first resort pool project that I designed and saw through installation,” she said. “Our relationship with them has continued—we maintain the property and have completed several enhancement projects before and after the pool installation. It’s exciting to see how the entire site is evolving through our work.” Tim highlighted a meaningful community space: “We completed a renovation of the Hancock Whitney Bank courtyard in Gulfport, MS,” he said. “We exceeded the client’s expectations and helped them celebrate their 150-year anniversary. It included hardscape, planting, and irrigation—it was a really special project.”
What’s one key lesson you’ve learned in landscape architecture?
Tim emphasized the profession’s complexity and impact: “Landscape architecture is more than just design and being creative with plants,” he said. “It’s about solving current problems with modern solutions across scopes of work like hardscape, lighting, drainage, irrigation—you name it. The profession puts the health, safety, and welfare of the community above all else.” Megan echoed that sentiment: “We are capable of designing much more than what people realize—pools, vertical hardscape elements like signage, subdivision entrances, drainage systems, lighting... the list goes on,” she said. “It’s a truly multidisciplinary field.”
Landscape architecture is where creativity meets purpose—and at RCI, it’s done with care, precision, and vision. Megan and Tim are just two examples of the talent behind our projects, and their dedication shines through in everything they do.
