KATHARINA KAFKA

AALA, CSLA, M.L.Arch.

Katharina has over 15 years’ experience as Landscape Architect and works within the full range of scale, from Master Plans and pocket parks, to civic spaces and private yards.

Originally from Vienna, Katharina obtained a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria in 2002. Her degree included a year of study at the Versailles National School of Landscape Architecture (ENSP) in France, as well as an internship with Michelle Desvigne Landscape Architects in Paris. After first working as a Landscape Architect in Vienna, Katharina moved to Dublin, Ireland in 2004 and continued her career with Mitchell and Associates. She acquired her professional membership with the Irish Landscape Institute in 2007.

Katharina moved to Edmonton in 2010 and joined the Alberta Association for Landscape Architects (AALA) and CSLA (Canadian Society for Landscape Architecture) in 2011. For the past six years, Katharina has primarily been working with Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd. on many collaborative projects.

Katharina fundamentally believes that the landscapes that surround us are vital to our well being, whether it is the vastness of the boreal forest or an urban city square. She has a deep appreciation for nature and the richness of cultural landscapes, as well as a passion for urban spaces. Katharina enjoys working with local ecosystems and connecting people to nature. She believes, that in a city or town, the public spaces are essential to the feel and making of the place. It is these unfiltered urban spaces – the streets, plazas and parks – where people from all walks of life come together, that inspire and bring a place to life. Katharina has a strong interest in designing these public spaces as vital places for living, working, relaxing and playing.

Katharina’s designs are deeply rooted in their neighbourhoods and their natural and historic contexts.  She enjoys working in a close, collaborative process with Architects, Engineers, fabricators and contractors.

Katharina has extensive experience designing schools and playgrounds. She particularly enjoys working for Indigenous communities and organizations.   

JOEL KAFKA

BSc Biology, CPRA Certified Playground Inspector.

Joel Kafka joined Katharina to offer design build services and is responsible for implementing the build part of the company on selected projects.

Joel brings to the company over 10 years of experience in Landscaping, carpentry, and general artistry. Joel has always enjoyed hands on creativity.

While attending the University of Alaska for biology, he worked several summer seasons building wilderness trails and Cabins for the Alaska National Parks Service. After obtaining his BSc, Joel underwent a carpentry apprenticeship in timber frame carpentry and natural home building.

On the Biology side, Joel assisted with research projects that involved reindeer, bears, seals and old growth forest. After moving to Edmonton in 2002 Joel worked for several years running his own landscape company before taking a biology position with the province of Alberta. In 2009 Joel created an in school science educational program with the City of Edmonton teaching about the importance of water conservation and caring for the North Saskatchewan river in Edmonton Elementary schools.

After 10 years of teaching in a classroom setting, Joel has happily decided to join Katharina in creating a family business, putting her designs into form.