Meet David and Mikaela Pearson | Architect and Landscape Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with David and Mikaela Pearson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David and Mikaela, is there something you believe many others might not?
Safety third. Not because safety isn’t a priority, but because “too much safety seems to yield only danger in the long run.” (Aldo Leopold) A singular approach to safety often results in rigid systems that don’t support living. Think of channelized rivers – they were created to reduce the risk of floods, but have reduced water quality, exacerbated heat island effect, reduced community connection, destroyed river life and led to more catastrophic floods. Instead of ranking priorities we need to understand the impacts of systems. As professionals we are trained to prioritize health, safety and welfare – we want to make sure health and welfare aren’t left behind.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We were both drawn to architecture in undergrad because we like making things. With an architecture degree there is a clear route forward, and while design thinking can be used in many fields designing buildings is what we love. The part that gets exciting for us is combining Landscape and Architecture. Because we have both specialties we get to think on different scales and combine them from the beginning of the design process. The outdoor space is often the largest space of any project – so it adds a lot to the creative process to think of the larger context. Starting a business can feel daunting but focusing on opportunity/cost helps mitigate the fear of stepping out. We both studied design in undergrad at Cal Poly SLO, in graduate school at Harvard and worked for a number of years professionally. So, in terms of professional work, we’re prepared. So, we are driven by acting on what we’ve learned and implementing what we believe in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When people visit San Diego our answer is not a flashy itinerary – it is walking. “Walk and talk” is a film term — but it really is the best way to see a place and reconnect with people. Walking to a cafe (shout out Hawthorn Coffee in North Park), a park (Balboa Park is an obvious favorite) or wandering the neighborhoods or canyons (the Seven Bridges walk is a standout) is our go-to. Our walks have shrunk in distance since having kids, but they still let us get out, move, see people and appreciate San Diego. As architects and landscape architects walks where we get to see buildings and gardens are our constant inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our kids. They have opened up our design thinking. It is much easier to shift our perspective now – and appreciate the spontaneity of life!

Website: palo.us

Instagram: palo_architect

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pa-lo/

Image Credits
Ryan Rosen, Geordy Pearson