Gina’s journey into landscape design finds its roots in the influence of both her grandmother and mother during her upbringing in Nogales, Arizona. When Gina was young, when her grandmother passed away, some of her most vivid memories revolved around her time spent tending to the flower beds along her grandmother’s front walkway. Gina’s love for gardening deepened as she collaborated with her mother, who allowed her to explore her design ideas in their own garden. Despite not all ideas being successful, her mother consistently encouraged her free-spirited approach to the garden—a space that eventually became the backdrop for her wedding, a culmination of dreams envisioned during countless Spring and Summer days spent in their backyard trees, which served as their playground.
Upon entering college, uncertainty surrounded Gina’s academic path until she discovered the field of Landscape Architecture while waiting for a friend in the main hall at the College of Agriculture. The description resonated with her, bringing her back to the cherished times spent with her grandmother and mom in the garden. The initial years of study were challenging as she navigated a field dominated by competitive men. While her peers had basic drafting and drawing knowledge, she entered without prior experience. Despite the initial challenges, her dedication, passion, hard work, and the support of an encouraging professor and peers led to the successful completion of a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Arizona.
During her time at CAPLA, Gina became a member of the Tejido Group, a community outreach design and planning program functioning as a professional office. In this capacity, she contributed to several large-scale projects, including the 'Cuisinart Resort and Spa' in the British West Indies, The University of Arizona Student Housing Master Plan, and a New Town Development housing 3,000 people on a 1200-acre pecan grove in Picacho Peak, Arizona. Being part of this unique program gave her an early understanding of large-scale projects and the dynamics of working as part of a larger team—lessons and values that she continues to carry today.
Upon graduating in 1997, Gina commenced her professional journey by joining Wheat Scharf and Associates in Tucson, Arizona, as a junior designer, progressively advancing to the role of project manager. Her time in Arizona proved instrumental in developing a comprehensive background in landscape design tailored for arid environments. Engaging in diverse projects, she had the privilege of being part of a pioneering team dedicated to the beautification of roads, interchanges, and bridges. This practice has since become commonplace. A particularly inspiring aspect of this experience was collaborating with open-minded civil engineers who fostered design freedom and collaborated to bring their visions to life. One notable achievement was the I-10 Interchange in Tucson, Arizona, where their collective efforts made a lasting impact on the landscape.
In 2000, August and Gina got married in her parents' ‘magical garden’, and shortly thereafter, August and Gina relocated to San Diego, California. During her four years as a Project Manager at Estrada Land Planning, Gina refined her skills in urban design planning. Her contributions encompassed diverse projects, including streetscape improvements, mitigation initiatives for non-sensitive habitats, County of San Diego park enhancements adhering to accessibility standards, and the Memorial Skate Park General Development Plan. Concurrently, she immersed herself in understanding the intricacies of the Mediterranean ecosystem that defines San Diego. During these years, she laid the foundation for her venture, Benzien Design.
Upon establishing Benzien Design in 2004, she redirected her focus towards crafting more intimate spaces and fostering stronger client relationships. Specializing in residential design across Arizona, San Diego, and the Pacific Northwest, she developed a signature style characterized by a modern organic ambiance. This style often incorporates clean-lined hardscaping and structures, complemented by a mix of soft and accent plantings, creating movement, energy, and flow. She takes pride in assisting clients in seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces, placing unique vignettes at every turn for an enticing experience. Notably, one such project, the 'Fairy Garden' in Escondido, California, earned the 'Garden of the Year' award from San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles in 2011. Subsequently, she was featured in San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles in 2012 in an article focusing on before/after small space solutions. Always drawing inspiration from the microenvironment of each project and influenced by her education, global travels, and love of culture, she ensures that each endeavor is truly one-of-a-kind. In 2015, Gina and her family relocated to Portland, Oregon, where she continues to expand her knowledge in a new environment, bringing a fresh perspective of outdoor living, rain or shine, to the Pacific Northwest.
August and Gina have shared their passion for design since the day they met at the University of Arizona, where both received their professional training in Landscape Architecture. Although their creative paths have diverged throughout their careers, they have consistently spoken the same language, united by a common link—design. Challenging each other, just as they did in school, they continue today to support each other's growth and push the boundaries within their respective disciplines. A shared love for travel has been a constant contributor to their professional growth, fostering an understanding of communities in an ever-changing world. From an inspiring moment in school to an ongoing appreciation today, their belief in the value of travel experience underscores the importance of giving back. This commitment led them to establish the Benzien Family Travel Scholarship to contribute to what significantly influenced their design careers.
Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, with their three kids—Lucas Cash Benzien (17 years old), Seraphina Paige Benzien (14 years old), and Noah August Benzien (10 years old)—along with Quintin, their Goldendoodle, August and Gina continue to embrace the joys of family life while staying connected to their shared passion for design.