~ About the Founder ~

LASD Studio did not begin in a boardroom — it began in a garden.

As a child growing up in Ukraine, founder and principal Yura Lotonenko spent countless hours observing his grandfather at work. A geodesist, soil scientist, and garden planner, his grandfather approached land with both scientific precision and artistic sensitivity. Hand-drawn masterplans, inked patiently on large sheets, reflected a deep understanding of soil, terrain, and life itself.

Beyond his professional work, his own garden was a living ecosystem: fruit trees, berry shrubs, and more than forty beehives formed a thriving, interconnected landscape. Bees pollinated freely, soil was nurtured, and every element played a role in a balanced whole.

Those early experiences shaped Yura’s understanding of landscape not as decoration, but as an intelligent system — one where ecology, culture, and human presence are inseparable.

Yura later pursued formal training in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, earning dual Master’s degrees (Ukraine and Denmark) and building more than 17 years of international experience across Europe and the United States. His work bridges design history, ecological science, and contemporary technology, forming the foundation of LASD Studio’s Evolutionary Approach — designing landscapes as dynamic systems that change, adapt, and mature over time.

Today, Yura leads LASD Studio as a principal-driven practice, personally shaping design direction, conceptual development, and long-term vision for every project.

Explore Yura’s writings, research, and publications here: Publications.