GROUNDSWELL
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | URBAN DESIGN | PLANNING
LEADERSHIP
Chris Jones
Principal, Landscape Architect, ASLA
Chrissy Vaughn
Principal, Marketing/Communications
Lynn Grubbs
Marketing Coordinator
Chris Jones is the founder of Groundswell. His 18+ years of experience include signature urban parks and open space, museum projects, master plans, higher education, waterfronts, and private development, garnering many awards and commendations for the artful integration of architecture, place, and culture.
Chris' commitment to community extends broadly, serving as a pro bono member on the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee in Olympia, mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters of King County, and guiding the next generation of landscape architecture students at Washington State University, University of Washington, and Utah State University.
After 18+ years partnering with and guiding clients, Chrissy has honed her marketing, communications, and business development craft through strategic account planning, compelling storytelling, and influencer relationship building.
Chrissy's specialties include public and media relations, integrated communications and marketing, business development, client relationship management, strategic planning, and executive interview coaching.
She is an active volunteer with the Girl Scouts of Western Washington and a Whitman College W Club Board Member.
Lynn has over 35 years' experience directing strategic marketing activities for a variety of national events and organizations, working directly with regional and national media.
She previously worked for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, creating and coordinating marketing projects aimed at promoting local business growth, and for the past 15 years, has been the Director of Marketing for a nationally known environmental company.
Rebecca Melvin
Landscape Architect
Rebecca is a registered Landscape Architect with 10 years of project experience spanning waterfronts, schools, campuses, city parks and private gardens. As a Seattle native she has always been inspired and comforted by the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. For Rebecca, landscape architecture is as much about listening as it is about building and imparting the value of being a cultural advocate for the natural world. She is passionate about using design to support community and sustainability, creating landscapes that foster a deeper connection to the land.
Nia Short
Landscape Architect
Nia is a registered Landscape Architect with seven years of experience working on unique public open space projects. Nia combines her background in placemaking to create coherent and engaging public spaces for people to enjoy. Nia’s experience is diverse and includes signature waterfronts, higher education, city parks and healthcare campuses. Nia specializes in efforts that engage communities in the planning process that make them unique and reflective of the communities they serve. Nia is passionate about sustainable planting design and engaging in a collaborative dialogue with clients, stakeholders, and designers.