TEAM
ERIC BLASEN
Founding Principal
“Our landscapes are sculpted out of the topography. They are clean, smart and purposeful,” says Eric Blasen, who studied art history at the University of London (UK), received his Bachelor of Science in Geography from Oregon State University and his Masters of Landscape Architecture from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Eric started out designing award-winning furniture before co-founding Blasen Landscape Architecture. He has designed the garden hardscape for over 100 residences, but also created outdoor spaces for wineries, corporate offices and places of worship. Eric has taught Architecture at California College of Art and serves on the SFMOMA’s Architecture & Design Accessions Committee.
GARY RASMUSSEN
Partner Principal
Gary Rasmussen joined Blasen Landscape Architecture in 2001, after receiving his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of California, Davis. Gary spent an impactful semester abroad in Italy and has travelled extensively in Asia and Europe. The firm’s chief illustrator, Gary enjoys thinking big and bringing design concepts to life through handmade renderings. He is also keen to ensure that the ethos of a project is fulfilled in its every detail. An Associate Principal, he was a key contributor to the award-winning “San Francisco Heights” project and the edible garden at Oracle Park.
ANGELA BOES
Project Manager
Angela Boes joined Blasen Landscape Architecture in 2021. Drawn to the firm’s thoughtful creation of elegant outdoor spaces and use of local materials, she is focused on building her skill set with an emphasis on planting design. Prior to joining the BLA team, she worked primarily on custom residential projects in Seattle, San Francisco and Napa Valley. Raised in the Pacific Northwest, but she now calls the Bay Area her home. Angela earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Master of Architecture from the University of Washington. Outside of the office, she enjoys being outdoors with her family, reading and learning about plants.
SILVINA BLASEN
Founding Principal
“Gardens are a place to reflect, stop, look, listen and heal,” says Silvina Blasen, who studied Horticulture at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA, and Science and Art at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She was a partner at Stienstra / Martierena Landscape Design Build Garden Company in Buenos Aires, Argentina and a nursery manager at Smith and Hawken in Mill Valley, CA, before co-founding Blasen Landscape Architecture in 1993. Silvina is the plant expert and green advocate in the office. Her passion for planting design and knowledge of the environment is brought to every project to create work that is unique and sustainable.
NATE DUNHAM
Senior Associate
Nate joined Blasen Landscape Architecture in 2010, having previously worked under the late Jack Chandler in the Napa Valley. Originally from the midwest, Nate started his landscape architecture career after graduating with a BLA from Kansas State University, He worked in the United Kingdom, primarily in the Southwest and Bristol region. He continues to enjoy working on designs in the broad valleys and hills of the North Bay, especially in the Sonoma and Napa areas, and calls Napa home. In his spare time, he enjoys outdoor life with backpacking and hiking, taking his daughter when he can, as well as painting with watercolors.
NICH MATSON
Landscape Designer
Nich Matson joined Blasen Landscape Architecture in 2021 after attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and earning a bachelors of science in Landscape Architecture. As a student, Nich gained experience at two internships. He has a love for nature and artwork always looking for creative ways to merge the two passions together in his work. Nich is constantly drawing and in his free time enjoys doodling children’s books
