The Team

Locally founded in 1988 and previously named Vollmer & Associates, CollectiV Landscape Architects was launched under the new leadership of Jim Smith and Ryan Wilt as principals. The Director of Design and original owner, Steve Vollmer, continues as the design voice of the firm; providing a proven approach blended with the fresh influences. We will maintain the familiar team that develops unique design solutions as we continue our commitment to our valued clients.

Our portfolio displays a wide range of projects including: planned communities, specialty gardens, urban development, community and public parks, resorts, regionally environmentally sensitive projects and both public and private work. Our firm brings a wealth of experience in designing distinct solutions that blend thoughtfully and responsibly with their surroundings. We are dedicated to collaborating with each partner to realize a design solution that is appropriate to each site and our client's goals.

The compliments

“They had a unique ability to provide a great landscape and hardscape design which complemented both the architect’s and interior designer’s design intent, and balance the project budget at the same time.”

Bradley J. Marman, Project Director,

Hyatt Development Corporation

“Our experience has been that the relationship between CollectiV and their clientele has been one of close friends or trusted advisor rather than the distant business relationships which are so common in their industry. They are genuinely concerned for the success of the project and the reputation of their clients.”

Trevor Barger, AICP,

Espiritu Loci

"CollectiV's keen sense of design coupled with a solid team approach provides maximum value for our investment. I find their design solutions respectful of the physical and financial constraints of the job and working drawings to be clean and thorough.”

Todd Marshall,

Urban Development Partners

The Individuals

Featured

Jim Smith

PRINCIPAL - RLA/LEED AP BD+C

jims@collectivla.com

Designing as well as managing signature projects for 24 years, Jim has a passion for creating unique solutions that leave lasting impressions while blending thoughtfully into their local or regional surroundings. He has spent his entire professional career in Arizona and strongly believes in sustainable technologies and LEED practices. His drive and ambition to design great spaces have been demonstrated in a wide range of projects that include intimate residential gardens, resorts, over structure environments, Class A commercial developments, and large scale community master plans.

Ryan Wilt

PRINCIPAL - RLA, ASLA

ryanw@collectivla.com

Starting his career in Arizona 16 years ago, Ryan has experience managing a large variety of project types and sizes throughout the valley. Originally from the grasslands of Kansas and a graduate from Kansas State University, Ryan has a passion for creating outdoor spaces. This passion stems from an appreciation of the simplistic native prairies and a keen understanding of human interaction within the built environment.

Ryan recognizes the importance of landscape in the desert southwest. He believes a successful design allows landscape to adapt to its surrounding while provided a sense of place. With experience in all aspects of project development, he has acquired expertise in conceptual design, project details, and construction completion.

Steve Vollmer

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN - RLA, ASLA

stevev@collectivla.com

Beginning his career as an architect in Syracuse, New York, then transferring his major to landscape architecture after relocating to Phoenix and being inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Steve has been able to successfully blend these influences to create places that thoughtfully respond to the site and provide for social interaction. Prior to turning the firm over to collectiV, Steve led Vollmer & Associates for over 26 years. Steve's design and vision will help lead collectiV into the future.

Mike Chapman

PROJECT MANAGER

mikec@collectivla.com

An ASU graduate with 19 years of experience in Arizona, Mike acts as the central point of contact for many of our most complicated and challenging projects. His skills and abilities touch almost every project we do and his talents bring concepts to reality. He has been involved in many Sonoran inspired award winning projects throughout Phoenix and Tucson. A portion of Mike's experience includes: sport facilities, public parks, speciality gardens, and roof top environments.

Kathy Fletcher

OFFICE MANAGER

kathyf@collectivla.com

The energizing force behind collectiV for the last 20+ years. She is the office manager in charge of contracts, insurance, accounts payable and receivable, essentially any and all office and corporate business. Her energy and long term commitment to office operations allows us to responsibly interface with clients and outside members of our design team. She is our rock, the personality of the office and the den mother to us and all of our clients. She has a commanding sense of the office operations and knows how to get it done right, the first time.

Marco Esparza

PRODUCTION HEAD & IRRIGATION DESIGNER

marcoe@collectivla.com

Marco leads our production staff with 15 years of experience. He generates many of our office graphics and collaborates with all of the principals and project managers to assure continuity throughout the firm. Above all, he keeps everybody laughing with his great sense of humor. Marco is skilled in irrigation design, LandFX, Photoshop and AutoCad.

Edwin Esipino

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

edwine@collectivla.com

Edwin is a graduate from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. He’s originally from Washington State and likes living in a sunnier climate. Edwin is proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp and the Adobe suite of software. He enjoys working on the wide variety of projects at collectiV, especially parks and master planned communities.

Alejandra Osuna

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

alejandra@collectivla.com

Alejandra has a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Arizona State University and has valuable residential design-build experience. She is a highly skilled draftsperson who uses her Photoshop skills to create visually striking project presentations. When not working, Alejandra enjoys, going to concerts, art festivals, museums and spending time with her family and her shih-tzu dog, Ewok.

Jose Rizo

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT - RLA

joser@collectivla.com

Jose is a graduate of ASU with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. Jose recently received his PLA Registration as a Professional Landscape Architect. He enjoys working on a variety of projects and working out the details. When not working Jose like to explore new places to eat and drink, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Caelin Cox-Gonzalez

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER

caelin@collectivla.com

Caelin recently graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. Born and raised in Uptown Phoenix, he became interested in landscape architecture from being surrounded by desert landscapes and mid-century modern design. He is proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and the Adobe Suite, and enjoys working on a broad range of projects.