WHY THIRD NATURE
The name of our firm is inspired by terza natura, a Renaissance term used to describe gardens as neither entirely natural nor entirely man made; instead they are a combination of the two. In a constructed landscape, the natural world (first nature) and human artifice (second nature) combine to create something altogether different.
Randi Johnsen - Founder, Third Nature Studio
In 2004, Randi received a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, where she was given the prestigious American Society of Landscape Architects Honor Award. Her undergraduate degree is in Art from Reed College, where she studied Art History, Architectural History, and Studio Art. She has since returned to the University of California to teach undergraduate design studios as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning.
Randi has worked on projects throughout California and the world as an Associate at Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects, and as a consultant for the offices of Walter Hood and Cheryl Barton. After designing and documenting large-scale public, commercial and institutional projects, Randi discovered the compelling intimacy of working in a residential context for residential clients. Third Nature Studio was formed in 2008 as a result. It is a decision she has never regretted.
All projects are led personally by Randi. She works directly with clients from the initial site visit through design and construction, maintaining a close and continuous dialogue throughout the life of each project.
Studio
Randi Johnsen
Founder, Third Nature Studio
Third Nature Studio is a small, collaborative practice. While each project is led by Randi, the work is supported by a team of designers who contribute to drafting, research, visualization, and design development. This structure allows the studio to maintain a high level of personal attention while bringing depth and rigor to the design process.
Grace Amundson is a landscape designer collaborating with Third Nature Studio, with nearly ten years of experience across residential, public, and institutional projects. Her work spans complex earthwork and stormwater-driven landscapes, urban plazas, and high-end residential gardens.
At Third Nature Studio, Grace supports projects through design studies, detailed documentation, and coordination with consultants, helping to translate design intent into buildable, well-resolved landscapes.
Hannah Pei Lin is a landscape architecture intern at Third Nature Studio and an incoming graduate student at the Yale University School of Architecture. She contributes to projects through drafting, research, and material sourcing, and assists with client coordination.
Hannah brings a background in economics and design from Reed College, along with prior experience in architectural practice in San Francisco.
Studio Tour
Our studio is located on the ground floor of a a remodeled Victorian in the Mission District of San Francisco. Our joyful, experimental space is a messy home office, art studio, patio and garden where we test ideas and design gardens to be loved and lived in.
