Principal Point of View with Julie Sajtar

Can you share a bit about your career journey and what inspired you to move from architecture to landscape architecture?

My path to landscape architecture began with a lifelong fascination for where art and the environment meet. Growing up in a river town near Chicago, I learned early on how natural landscapes can connect people and shape communities. Pursuing art in Los Angeles, I focused on soft-edge, California light and space painting, but soon found myself more intrigued by the materiality of light and space than what I could express with paint alone. I started creating art with aluminum foil, plastic, bottle caps, and scraps of thread—transforming my paintings into tiny, ephemeral objects that sometimes disappeared during the creative process.

Eventually, I realized I wanted a medium that let me fully engage with light, color, space, and their power to connect people to their surroundings. Landscape architecture became that medium—allowing me to combine my passion for art with a desire to create shared experiences and meaningful connections to the natural world, in ways that go beyond what could fit on a canvas.

Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career? 

Barbara Kendrick, my art professor in undergrad, was an early influencer in my career, both as a teacher and a creative force. She modeled female leadership through her strength and uncompromisingly direct feedback, pushing me to think more critically and honestly about my work.   She showed me how to lead with conviction and give clear, constructive feedback based on real expertise.

Mary Heilmann, whose abstract paintings—wobbly grids, bright colors, and soft edges—illustrate the story of her life through color, light, and space. Her paintings are playful, and catch the viewer in a dynamic loop of foreground, middle ground, and background, as seams, drips, and stepped blocks toggle between image and object. What is in front, behind, up, down is defined in the moment and throughout the process of looking.

What are some recent projects you’ve found especially rewarding or challenging?

 My approach has evolved beyond focusing solely on individual projects; it is now centered on teaching, mentoring, and nurturing the growth of our team at HS. I am dedicated to fostering an environment where learning and professional development are at the forefront, and I take great pride in mentoring colleagues to help them realize their full potential. One of my proudest achievements is the development of our planting design studio and the exceptional team we have built over the past several years. Growing from just two members to a robust team of eight in seven years, our group’s growth is a testament to our shared commitment to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional advancement. The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the positive impact that our investment in mentorship has had—not just on individual projects, but across the entire office and in the field—enabling us to inspire each other and elevate the quality of our collective work.  

What core values guide your work and decision-making?

Be your authentic self and embrace the full range of your experiences—each one shapes your perspective and strengthens your design thinking. Have the determination and confidence to lead. And remember, humor can be a powerful tool; it helps build connections, ease challenges, and keep perspective. Design is life, so bring your individuality, leadership, and a sense of joy to everything you do.

What excites you the most about our firm’s future?

The future of Hoerr Schaudt lies in the talent and potential of our incredible staff.  We’re continuing to build a culture of collaboration, trust, and design rigor and the next generation of Hoerr Schaudt leaders is where it’s at!