Tessa Pickering
Designer II

Tessa roots run deep in the rich soil of Grafton, Ohio, where she spent much of her childhood working at her family’s farm and market before pursuing a degree in landscape architecture at The Ohio State University. Initially drawn to architecture’s intersections with math, history, and art, she discovered her true calling when she learned about landscape architecture, which married another passion of hers: the outdoors. After graduation, Tessa worked at EDGE, a Columbus-based firm specializing in public projects, gaining three years of experience including co-ops and internships. 

Drawn to the atmosphere and vibrant food scene of Chicago, Tessa embraced the opportunity to move here while stepping into her role as Designer II at Hoerr Schaudt. Her mission is to design spaces that make the outdoor world exciting and accessible, helping people develop the same love for outdoor spaces that drives her work. 

When not immersed in design work, Tessa can be found on the tennis court, flowing through yoga, watching reruns of Gilmore Girls or Game of Thrones, or uncovering Chicago's hidden culinary gems.