Study Landscape Architecture at CU Denver
A Message from the Chair of Landscape Architecture
Welcome to Landscape Architecture in the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver!
We are excited to have you study landscape architecture with us! It is a dynamic and multifaceted field encompassing design, planning, environmental, and social considerations. Our Master of Landscape Architecture program will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this exciting field and make the positive difference in the world you seek to make. We are a joyful and close-knit community of co-learners and can’t wait to meet you.
I invite you to contact me, our advisor, CAP admissions, and our faculty to learn more about our program.
Listen to Our Podcast
In October 2025, the Department of Landscape Architecture launched the "Something Else About Landscape Architecture" podcast. Landscape architecture is so much more than designing outdoor spaces. At its core, it's a discipline that blends art, ecology, design, and social understanding. It goes beyond gardens and parks, branching out to include projects that involve restoring ecosystems, designing for resiliency and longevity, planning spaces that are accessible and equitable, and adapting spaces in response to climate change. Tune in as we dig into something else, something less obvious, something you might not know about landscape architecture.
Landscape Architecture Studios | Spring 2025
MLA Contacts
Roxy New
(she/her/hers)
Senior Course Coordinator & Graduate Academic Advisor for MURP, MUD, MLA, MSHP, & PhD
Roxy’s passion for working in higher education began while she was completing her undergraduate degree in social work. She received both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Oklahoma, and upon completing her master’s in 2014, she began her career in academic advising.
Since this time, Roxy has worked at the University of Oklahoma, the University of Texas, and now the University of Colorado Denver in advising and course management. At CAP, Roxy advises for Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP), Master of Urban Design (MUD), Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), Master of Historic Preservation (MSHP), the PhD in Geography, Planning, and Design, and many graduate certificate programs. She also oversees course scheduling, rooming, and development as the Course Coordinator for the college.
In her free time, Roxy loves going to movies at the Alamo Drafthouse and tending to her ever-growing houseplant collection. She has one black cat name Lino, who has joined her on each of her cross-state moves.
Meet Current MLA Students
Dan Schumacher
Dan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Columbia University before joining us at CU Denver and is currently pursuing a dual Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Urban Design . "...During my studies and work in architecture, I realized I was interested in the movement of people outside of the building and how landscape architecture is designed to create a symphony of activity within urban settings. I have since realized my connection to architecture remains strong and so I enjoy mingling my landscape architecture coursework with urban design classes to thoroughly explore the relationship that exists between landscape, architecture, and urban planning."
Rachel Thody
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Western Washington University in addition to completing biology and chemistry prerequisites at Whatcom Community College, and now her sights are set on a career in natural sciences through landscape architecture. "“My number one reason for pursuing landscape architecture is to help facilitate a better relationship between people and the environment and work as a liaison for the plant." Rachel also has a passion for mountain biking. “I’m totally motivated by mountain biking since it's my favorite hobby for the dopamine and for being out experiencing really cool landscapes. You can't help but be a die-hard conservationist when your playground is in jeopardy of unchecked development and climate change.”
Lexi Bernstein
Lexi earned her bachelor's degree in art from the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University in Saint Joseph, Minnesota and her Master of Fine Arts and Humanities from the University of Dundee in Dundee, Scotland. "Lexi said that as she pursued professional positions, she quickly realized what she what her interests truly were. “I realized the pieces I was drawn to creating utilized green walls and roofs, landform manipulation, and generally included building spaces for community.” This realization led her to the MLA degree program. I was always motivated to make pieces that were accessible, public, and usually large scale.”