Landscape Architect

Irene Duan

RLA · LEED AP · Senior Project Designer at RIOS

Over 15 years of experience shaping landscapes that connect people, ecology, and the built environment — from the San Francisco Bay Area to projects across the West Coast.

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Irene Duan

About

Irene Duan is a Registered Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 15 years of experience designing landscapes that are ecologically responsible, culturally meaningful, and beautifully crafted.

With a Master of Landscape Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin and a foundation in horticulture from National Taiwan University, Irene brings a unique blend of scientific understanding and design artistry to every project.

Her career spans work at leading firms including SWA Group — where she rose from Associate to Associate Principal over 12 years — and her current role as Senior Project Designer at RIOS, a multidisciplinary design practice.

15+

Years Experience

SF Bay Area

Based In

RIOS

Current Firm

Career Journey

A path through landscape architecture — from early design roles to leading complex, award-winning projects.

Current

RIOS

Senior Project Designer

Jul 2024Present·1 yr 9 mos
Los Angeles, CA (Remote)

Leading design on large-scale landscape architecture projects, bringing over a decade of experience to innovative, community-centered spaces that merge ecological thinking with bold design vision.

SWA Group

Associate Principal

Nov 2019Apr 2024·4 yrs 6 mos
San Francisco, CA

Directed multidisciplinary design teams on complex urban landscape projects. Managed client relationships, project budgets, and design direction from concept through construction documentation.

SWA Group

RLA, LEED AP, Associate

Sep 2011Dec 2019·8 yrs 4 mos
San Francisco Bay Area

Progressed from designer to associate while earning RLA licensure and LEED AP accreditation. Contributed to award-winning projects spanning public parks, corporate campuses, and urban master plans.

Suzman and Cole Design Associates

Landscape Architect

Apr 2011Sep 2011·6 mos
San Francisco Bay Area

Designed residential and boutique commercial landscapes with a focus on refined material palettes and site-sensitive planting design.

Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects

Landscape Designer

20102011·1 yr
Berkeley, CA

Collaborated on residential and small-scale public landscape projects, developing design documentation and planting plans rooted in California-native ecology.

Gates + Associates

Landscape Designer / Freelancer

20102010·< 1 yr
San Ramon, CA

Provided freelance landscape design support for parks and recreation projects, contributing to schematic design and presentation graphics.

Professional Credentials

RLA

Registered Landscape Architect

Licensed professional credential demonstrating expertise in landscape design, environmental planning, and the ability to protect public health, safety, and welfare through the practice of landscape architecture.

LEED AP

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Accredited Professional

Advanced credential in green building and sustainable design practices, recognizing deep knowledge of the LEED rating system and the ability to integrate sustainable strategies into landscape and built environment projects.

Education

The University of Texas at Austin

MLA, Landscape Architecture

National Taiwan University

BS, Horticulture / Landscape Architecture

Let's Connect

Interested in collaborating on a landscape architecture project? I'd love to hear from you.