Lisa Taranto

Trained as architect, Lisa’s passion lies at the intersection of human systems and ecological systems. She believes that thoughtfully designed public spaces uplift the human spirit while honoring all living things.

Lisa’s journey began at Arcosanti in the late 1980s, where a year and a half immersed in experimental architecture/ecology sparked her lifelong dedication to regenerative communities. In the early 2000s, she pioneered community gardens and urban farms throughout Richmond, VA, fostering local food systems and shared green spaces. Since settling in the Catskills in 2012, Lisa has led transformative land stewardship projects—notably serving seven years as Head of Horticulture at Menla in the Pantherkill Valley, where she deepened her expertise in ecological restoration and native landscapes.

Today, Lisa runs a Kingston-based architectural and landscape design studio rooted in ecological principles and a collaborative spirit. She lives within walking distance of the Hudson River and Rondout Creek, spending her free time kayaking, puttering in her gardens, and exploring the vibrant ecosystems she calls home.