Cheryl Lough, PLA
With more than 20 years of experience as a landscape architect, Cheryl brings a global portfolio of work that spans projects both large and small. Grounded in evidence-based design, she specializes in biologically diverse placemaking and curates thoughtful, site-specific experiences for every client. Her background in academia and project management provides deep insight into the evolving challenges of contemporary design, informing solutions that integrate ecological systems with urban infrastructure. Cheryl’s practice is driven by a commitment to addressing environmental imperatives through designs that reconnect built environments with the natural world, fostering mutually supportive relationships between nature and the urbane. Her work consistently balances aesthetics, function, and biodiversity, with careful consideration for both the site’s broader ecology and the experience of its users.
Our Team
Brian Boyd
Brian Boyd brings over 20 years of experience directing design across civic, commercial, institutional, and residential landscape architecture. A LEED Accredited Professional with deep expertise in horticulture, he creates work that honors a site’s authentic sense of place, strengthens connections between people and nature, and elevates the character of urban public spaces. His conceptual clarity and problem-solving intuition are central to his design approach.
Runchuang (Ray) Ma
Ray comes to UPON with a Master of Urban Spatial Analytics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. His background blends sustainable design with strong technical skills in geospatial analysis, programming, and data visualization. Ray is driven by the potential of data-informed design to address climate resilience and enhance the performance of urban landscapes. His interdisciplinary approach supports thoughtful, evidence-based solutions that strengthen the connection between people, ecology, and place.