Gary Garcia was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Gary pursued his interests after high school by enrolling in Santa Monica Community College’s (SMC) Architecture program. He completed SMC’s two-year program in 2003.
In fall 2005, Gary transferred to the Architecture/Landscape/Interiors program at Otis College of Art and Design earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2008.
In fall 2008, Gary pursed his interests and concerns at the graduate level in a Master of Landscape Architecture degree at the University of Southern California. Currently he is developing a Directed Design Research entitled “Receptive Spaces: Abandoned lots caused by the Los Angeles riots of 1992.
Gary has worked professionally throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies. Most recently employed with SWA Group a world design leader in the fields of landscape architecture, planning and urban design, where he collaborated with all productions including: renderings, models, and presentations for national and international design competitions.
Gary believes his current success comes from challenging and exploring the interface of the spatial design fields within the climate of political negotiation, social/cultural trends, infrastructure and ecological strategies. Resulting in a reformed and enhanced approach of creating urban environments and experiences.
Earth Asia Design Group, Shanghai, CN, Landscape Designer
Designer in Urban + Commercial Landscapes
University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, US, Masters, Landscape Architecture
Otis College of Art and Design, Los Angeles, CA, US, Bachelors, Architecture/Landscape/Interiors
EDPA Foundation Design Competition, 1st Place