Health Care
ERLA brings evidence-based insight into our work within exterior healthcare landscape architecture and how nature supports recovery, resilience, and comfort. We work closely as a collaborative partner, coordinating with architects, engineers, and contractors to keep schedules and budgets on track and integration of landscape design to accompany and elevate the experience.
As the owner and principal of ERLA, I lead the process directly, clients can count on clear communication, thoughtful solutions, and a responsive partner who understands the unique demands of healthcare environments.
A title goes here. Click to edit and add your own.
As owner and principal of Emily Russell Landscape Architecture, I stay personally involved in every healthcare project—from initial conversations and team collaboration to the final walkthrough. I serve as a dedicated point of contact, guiding the design team, listening closely, and ensuring your vision comes to life seamlessly through each phase.
My primary focus is placed on enhancing the experience for patients, families, staff, and visitors, as I collaborate with my team, contractors, engineers and architects to translate your facility’s mission into outdoor spaces that are welcoming, restorative, and deeply connected to the healing work inside.
​
As a landscape architect, I bring a vital dimension to healthcare design by shaping the spaces that surround and connect to the building. Patients, families, and staff experience the campus long before they step through the door—every approach path, courtyard, and window view communicates calm, safety, and dignity. Thoughtful landscapes can shorten perceived wait times, reduce stress, and invite moments of respite; they make clinical environments feel more humane.
“Every garden, pathway, courtyard, and entry we design reflects a commitment to well-being and a personal investment in your project’s success. Attention to these details supports a thriving healthcare community who find active engagement for healing and dignity in these environments”.
Goals
Approach
As a design team, ERLA adds value by translating clinical goals and operational needs into restorative outdoor environments that support healing and resilience. I integrate evidence-based design—drawing from research on stress reduction, attention restoration, and access to nature—while balancing technical requirements like stormwater, accessibility, and long-term maintenance and cost evaluation.
By coordinating early with architects, engineers, and clinicians, I help ensure the site plan isn’t just functional infrastructure but an extension of the facilities healing mission.
We Believe in Inclusivity
Our values are grounded in fostering inclusivity, honesty, respect, and equity within our company and communities. We believe in the inclusion of all origin, religion, culture, or sexual orientation. We are committed to celebrating humanity's wealth of diversity and renewing hope for racial justice within the world of landscape architecture.