Elisa Read Pappaterra

https://www.studiopappaterra.com/

Today’s episode feels especially timely with a heavy heart. As
fires in the Palisades area of Los Angeles continue to devastate
communities and landscapes, we are  reminded of the growing
urgency to design with resilience and sustainability at the
forefront.


Our guest today is Elisa Read Pappaterra, a landscape architect
and founder of studio pappaterra. Elisa is renowned for her
expertise in fire ecology and her dedication to designing
landscapes that not only harmonize with the natural world but
also mitigate the risks of living in fire-prone areas. Her work
is as vital as it is inspiring, offering solutions that preserve
life, property, and biodiversity.


This conversation was recorded in Santa Barbara on October 5,
2024, following Elisa’s keynote speech at San Marcos Growers’
final event, “The Last Dance: A Celebration of 45 Years of
Horticultural Legacy.” Elisa shares her insights on the
importance of understanding a site’s cultural and ecological
“soul,” as well as her approach to creating firewise,
ecologically sound, and artistically inspired landscapes.


This episode is a  reminder that how we design our
landscapes today will shape the safety and resilience of
tomorrow. Whether you’re a designer, an advocate, or simply
someone invested in the future of our environment, this is an
important and compelling episode.