Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Chavez.
Steven, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m 51 years old and was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. At an early age, I was influenced by the lowrider and custom car culture of Los Angeles. In my teens, I apprenticed with the legendary custom car builder Gene Winfield at his shop in Canoga Park. In my twenties, I developed an interest in mid-century modern architecture and decided to enroll in community college to pursue an education in architecture. While taking my general education course requirements, I took an environmental science course and was immediately interested in learning more about the natural environment. I wondered how I could combine architecture with the natural environment — which led me to landscape architecture. After going to a couple of lectures about landscape architecture, I changed my major to landscape architecture. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2006 with a landscape architecture degree and have been practicing landscape design and landscape architecture since then.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the challenges I faced in landscape architecture was the amount of time it takes to earn a landscape architecture degree. The program I was enrolled in was a full-time program with at least 40 hours a week you would need to commit to in order to complete assignments. This resulted in not being able to work, not even part-time. So, financially, it was challenging.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SCLA?
I’ve had my own landscape architecture practice since 2009. SCLA (Steven Chavez Landscape Architecture) is a Sherman Oaks-based boutique practice that specializes in modern landscape architecture and experimental design. Because of the small size and reduced overhead of my practice, I offer clients competitive rates coupled with close one-on-one attention during the landscape architecture phases of their projects.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
It was a risk to start a practice only a couple of years out of college. However, I knew before pursuing landscape architecture that I wanted to have my own small office where I can make design decisions. I started as a landscape designer then went through the licensure process to become a licensed landscape architect. The risk was mostly financial. However, by reducing my financial liabilities to only the essentials, I was able to weather the first couple of years of building up a client base.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stevenchavez.la/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenchavez.la/
