About Richard Owens, ASLA

During his early years, Richard Owens was influenced and inspired by art, science and nature – passions that led to his being called to the profession of Landscape Architecture. Many generations of his family have been engaged in the professional pursuit of agriculture – leading Richard to a reverence and respect for the land. During childhood, he enjoyed the study of fine art and drawing images of places and structures with school friends.

In the afternoons, after-school, he spent time running with his dog into the endless woods behind the family home in Dahlonega, Georgia. During high school, he was captivated by the scenery of the Tennessee River Gorge north of Chattanooga, and the barge traffic that sliced through the river.

His passion for urban places was stirred by time spent in the cities of both Europe and the United States. Prior to establishing Owens Environmental Design, Richard worked with other leading design offices in Atlanta and contributed to exciting projects that included a Master Plan for Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta; the Galleria in Atlanta; the Headquarters for the Georgia Farm Bureau in Macon; and the  Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta.

Richard’s personal passions outside the office include hiking, canoeing, golf, local youth sports programs, church youth missions as well as teaching and speaking before groups in his church and the community.

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