Brett Allen Park, Principal, and Tony Ortiz, Associate Principal, are among the newest additions to RVi. Based in California, they bring decades of experience in landscape architecture—both individually and as long-time business partners. In this Spotlight, they share insights into the foundation of their successful partnership, the value of diverse experiences, and the global impact of landscape architecture. Discover their enthusiasm and how they’re excited to make an impact at RVi.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture and Planning?

Brett: I picked this career when I was 16 or 17 years old. I always knew this was what I wanted to do, and the feeling is still there. It’s like being an artist. This is who I am, and I’d rather do what I love than find a job just for a paycheck. To me, this isn’t a job, it’s a passion I get paid for. I love it.

Tony: I found this profession later in my college years, but I’ve always loved artistic expression. I like graphic design, and I explored a few different avenues that weren’t really for me, until I found landscape architecture and planning. It’s exciting to see how a drawing becomes a built environment that people actually get to enjoy. Seeing people enjoy your design is one of the most amazing parts of what we do.

I also like how every project is different. This profession provides you with different points of view and the opportunity to create something special and unique.

Tell us more about your backgrounds in the industry.

Tony: I grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and earned my undergraduate degree from Washington State. The first two decades of my career were spent as a landscape architect and designer in Orange County, followed by freelance work in Los Angeles. When RVi approached us about expanding into the California market, it felt like a perfect fit.

Brett: I graduated from The Ohio State University before moving to Florida, where I spent the first 10–12 years of my career gaining experience with hotel and theme park design. Later, I worked with firms in San Diego and San Francisco, which led to international projects in China, Japan, Australia, and India. That position challenged me to navigate the intricacies of business cultures, negotiations, and cultural differences. I’ve always been fascinated by how culture influences design, how people interact with their environments, and how it affects their relationships.

What drew you to RVi?

Tony: With our deep knowledge of the California market and strong industry relationships, we saw exciting opportunities to grow something special with RVi.

Brett: The culture at RVi is what really stood out to us.  Everyone has been so receptive and genuine, and it’s made all the difference. We all want the same thing: to do great work, do the best we can, and to treat our clients and colleagues well.

Tony: What excites me most is the ability to focus on design first. In past roles, project management and financials often took precedence. At RVi, we have the freedom to prioritize great design and strong client relationships.

How did your partnership begin, and what makes it work so well?

Brett: We’ve been working together for over a decade. It started with a high-stakes project—3,000 acres of distressed property with an aggressive timeline. The project opened in 2013 and set records for home sales. That experience cemented our working relationship and put us on a trajectory for nearly 13 years of continuous collaboration. The two of us together is a recipe that works.

Tony: Finding a like-minded design partner isn’t easy, but we clicked right away. We share the same creative instincts, which makes working together seamless. When we meet with a client, we don’t just take notes—we sketch in real time, refine ideas on the spot, and translate visions into tangible designs. That ability to react instantly creates a powerful dynamic.

A lot of times, we’ll be in a meeting with a client and after doing some sketches, we’ll ask, “Were you thinking of something like this?” They see our drawings and they say, “Yeah, that’s exactly it!” That’s where the magic is.

Brett: That’s what makes us unique as a team. Our objective is to get into a room with a client and draw in front of them, not just take notes and come back later —we collaborate, listen, and bring ideas to life in the moment

What are some key lessons you’ve learned over the years?

Brett: A strong team is everything. Diversity in background, experience, and perspective leads to better solutions. Everyone should feel heard and confident in sharing their ideas.

I’ve also learned that you have to be a good listener and be good at conducting conversations that elicit feedback so we can have a unique dialogue and hear from everybody.

Tony: Passion is the foundation. We can teach technical skills, but we can’t teach passion. The best teams are built on a shared enthusiasm for the work.

How do you stay passionate about landscape architecture after all these years?

Brett: Being a landscape architect is like a humanitarian effort; our work plays a role in preserving the environment and enhancing people’s quality of life. We help people understand the environment and its importance, and the more people learn about the importance of our environment, the more they lean on us as professionals to take care of it.

I’ve always believed that our natural resources are precious. Next to water, I believe the most precious thing we have is our environment and the landscape. I chose this career because I saw the land as our most valuable natural resource with the most impact on who we are as humans. I feel like the work I’m doing is important, valuable, and helpful—for humanity and for myself. Being outdoors has always helped me be the healthiest version of myself.

Tony: Brett and I share a deep passion for interacting with nature. The experiences we have outdoors influence our work, allowing us to apply a science-based approach that enhances how people engage with natural spaces. When a design invites life—both flora and fauna—it naturally draws people in, often in ways they don’t consciously realize. Seeing these principles come to life and watching people reconnect with nature through thoughtful design is incredibly rewarding.

There’s a competitive motivation about our work that I like. I love presenting an idea and figuring out how to get everyone on the same page so they can be as excited about the idea as I am.

What are you looking forward to as part of the RVi team?

Brett: Bringing on new team members, mentoring them, and inspiring excitement about our profession is something I’m truly passionate about. I want to connect our team with the same opportunities I’ve had—traveling the world, working with unique clients, overcoming challenges, and growing in this field. Most of all, I’m looking forward to having fun, which we already are—because the best part of this work is doing great projects alongside great people who truly value each other.

Tony: I’m excited to join such a talented team, meet new clients, collaborate on projects across the country, and help grow the business and brand in California. Meeting everyone and diving into new projects has already been an eye-opening experience, and I can’t wait to start creating alongside this incredible group of professionals.

Fun facts: What’s something the RVi team might not know about you?

Tony: I grew up traveling the world with my mom, visiting places like Greece, Italy, and Australia. That love for travel has stayed with me—I take a trip every year. Also, fun fact: I may be one of the last people to have met my spouse in a bar rather than online! We have an 11-year-old daughter, and I can’t wait to introduce her to fly fishing, one of my favorite hobbies.

Brett: I became a dad at 50, which has completely shifted my perspective on life. My first date with my wife was in the Cleveland National Forest, and we later got married on Mount Baden-Powell—our son, Baden, is named after it. These days, my greatest legacy is making sure he has a happy, fulfilling life.