WE ARE OPTIMISTS.

Inspired by the beauty of the natural and the built, WOLA sees potential. We value the interconnection of landscapes and the many ways people live within them.

Our values shape the approach of each WOLA project: careful understanding of site, authentic client engagement, and thoughtful, beautifully detailed design work. We listen to our clients: our designs respond to context, character, and history to develop imaginative solutions for a broad range of projects.

From campus master plans to fine residential landscapes, diligent research and analysis informs our work as we develop design solutions which best serve our clients and realize vision.

 
 
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Our history & perspective

Founding Principal Emily Wright has led WOLA since its establishment in 2018, building on her experience at award-winning design firms in the New England area with an expertise in forward-thinking design as well as local and national project management. She leads WOLA in its commitment to listening to their clients and collaborating with architects, builders, and engineers.

Inspired by her formative years in the beauty of pastoral bluegrass farmlands of Kentucky, combined with a love of the unique character of regional New England landscapes, Emily’s unique perspective and background brings value and imagination to WOLA projects.

WOLA is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) with projects all over New England, served efficiently and with care from an office in Northampton.

 
 
 

Emily wright, RLA & ASLA
Principal

Emily Wright is a founding principal at WOLA. Over the past eight years, Emily has developed an expertise in site design and project management, overseeing a range of institutional projects. With a focus on campus master planning and site design for both public and academic institutions, Emily manages interdisciplinary teams and works closely with owner’s agents to ensure that client expectations are met.

Emily received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky at Lexington, and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Emily has been honored for design excellence by the American Society of Landscape Architects. She is a licensed landscape architect and a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Allyson fairweather
designer

Allyson is a designer trained in both landscapes and interior environments. She began her career as an interior designer in the Boston area where she contributed to a range of project types, including multi-family housing, academic housing, and senior living. Her graduate studies brought her to the Pioneer Valley where she pursued her degree while continuing to practice her architectural skills at a local firm. Allyson is detail oriented, passionate about hand drawing, and excited to apply her multidisciplinary knowledge to her practice as a landscape designer.

Allyson received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Endicott College with a concentration in Sustainable Design, and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Allyson has been recognized for design excellence by the Landscape Architecture Foundation and the Boston Society of Landscape Architects.

 
 
 

camilla novo
Designer

Camilla is a budding landscape designer with prior work experience operating a small business and serving her country. Camilla grew up in the Boston metro area and joined the service as a young adult where she honed her skills in photography and journalism. Her next chapter led her to running a successful painting and carpentry company in the Greater Boston Area for several years, where she gained proficiency in project management, construction and leadership . She found herself growing more interested in her client’s gardens as the time went on which led her to pursue a degree in landscape architecture. Camilla enjoys traveling to places with beautiful landscapes, architecture, and history. She believes this has all played a part in bringing her to her newest chapter, as a landscape designer.

Camilla received her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture Cum Laude from University of Massachusetts Amherst. While at UMASS, she involved herself with the BSLA Student Chapter and assisted in event planning and has been featured in the BSLA Fieldbook.

Leighla
Office Manager

Lady “Leighla” Novo is a 12 years young Boxer who just might
have the most important job in the office, keeping everyone in elevated spirits as the office manager and goof ball. She wears many hats in her day to day. Not only does she excel in her position as office goof but has also added micromanager to her duties, always checking in on everyone and making sure everything is moving smoothly. She’s an overachiever that doesn’t miss a meeting even when they don’t pertain to her, or a lunch for that matter. Other official duties include taste testing, neighborhood patrol, demanding pets and snoring louder than your ol’ grandpa Joe.

Leighla lives for the finer things in life, she is an avid traveler, loves fine dining and enjoys a midday snooze on the clock.

 
 
 
 

WE ARE TEAM PLAYERS.

WOLA is committed to working collaboratively: our expertise adds value to project teams which best serve our clients, and we know that the strongest work is created in concert with architects, engineers, and builders.

We research and analyze to understand each site; we listen to our clients and respect their time and resources. From fine residential gardens to campus master planning and implementation, our process is rooted in our breadth of experience and knowledge of best practice.

 
 
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OUR design services

  • Landscape analysis

  • Site feasibility studies

  • Land planning

  • Conceptual & schematic design

  • Programming

  • Project coordination

  • Construction documents & technical drawings

  • Construction phase services

  • Local and state permitting including land use, historic, and environmental

OUR PROJECTS INCLUDE

  • Residential landscape design

  • Higher education & corporate campus master planning

  • Municipal design including streetscapes, parks, and playgrounds

  • Healthcare, cultural, and institutional site design

  • Neighborhood preservation & design guidelines