People

Meet our team of experts and professionals who are ready to explore your project and needs. Woodland Design Associates continues to grow and adapt over time and is always looking to provide high level services on fresh, exciting projects.

Emily R. Wood, RLA

President, Landscape Architect

Emily’s experience in the field of landscape architecture focuses on environmental permitting, erosion and sediment control, stormwater design, master plan development, comprehensive plans, as well as park and trail design. Her primary tasks as a project manager in the office are acquiring environmental permits, including NPDES and General Permits for large construction projects. She is currently the project manager of a handful of complex utility projects as well as leading multiple recreational and public space design projects throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Emily chose a career in Landscape Architecture because of her love for the outdoors. She wanted to be a part of an industry that created spaces that drew people outdoors – giving them the opportunity to enjoy it as much as she does. When not at her desk, Emily enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Jayson Wood, RLA, AICP

Design Director, Landscape Architect

Jayson’s career in Landscape Architecture began with an interest in planning, construction, and detailing. Since graduating from Pennsylvania State University in 2009 he has worked on a variety of design projects, wrote for Land8.com, and served as past treasurer for the Northern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. His time in California culminated in working with Jeff Miller of Miller Company Landscape Architects on a variety of schools and urban projects in San Francisco.

Jayson’s role at Woodland Design involves design, planning, and construction administration. He truly values project follow-through from conceptual design to final construction. When not at his desk he enjoys hiking and fishing along the Delaware River and Pine Creek.

Nathan D. Ruckinger, RLA

Project Manager, Landscape Architect

Nate’s comprehensive experience in environmental planning and land management stems from working at both the Lancaster County Conservancy and here at Woodland Design.  The early part of his career was spent focusing on ArcGIS and he is now considered an expert. Using ArcGIS allows him to gather and overlay key information to find mutually beneficial solutions between land development and the environment. Recently he is leading projects adjacent to sensitive habitat, achieving desired construction, while respecting critical resources.

Nate chose this career because he was naturally drawn to being outdoors and learning about the environment as a child. In college, his path focused on the study of land use on a broader scale– understanding how small fractals of ecosystems interact within a larger watershed or region. He continues to pursue this interest today.

When not in the office, you can find him fishing the nearest stream or hiking mountains throughout the northeast.

John J. Young

Site Designer—H.O.P. Specialist

John came to Woodland Design Associates in 2017 after nearly 30 years at various consulting engineering firms. During those years, John was involved in many commercial land development and building system design projects as well as the permitting process to see those projects go from concept to construction.

After joining the team in 2017, John has been involved in environmental permitting projects while specializing in working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to procure required permits for various projects.

When away from his desk, John enjoys spending time outdoors while hunting, fishing and hiking in Northeast Pa.

Jessie R. Rutledge

Environmental Planner

Jessie received a degree in environmental, geographical, and geological science, specializing in geography and planning from Bloomsburg University in 2019. Jessie’s current role at Woodland Design Associates Inc. involves mapping, assessing existing site conditions, and analyzing both throughout the design process. As an environmental planner she regularly works between databases and design software; to both gather and develop for use in all phases of project development.

Jessie chose her career path because she loves the outdoors. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with family and hiking with her dog, Tucker.

 

Alex Kammeier

Environmental Planner

Alex received his degree in environmental, geographical, and geological science, specializing in geography and planning from Bloomsburg University in 2020. Alex’s current role at Woodland Design Associates Inc. involving mapping, assessing existing site conditions, wetland delineation, and analyzing sites. As an environmental planner he is often in the field gathering data or working between multiple design software programs in all phases of a project’s development.

Alex chose his career path because of his passion for conservation and wildlife management. When away from his desk, he enjoys working on cars or being out in nature as much as possible.

J. Stanley Wood

Administrative Manager

Stanley became Office Manager at Woodland Design in November 2021. Stanley graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. He spent the previous 6 years working for Wayne County Children and Youth Services in various roles.

Away from the office, Stanley enjoys running, hiking, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Michael C. Wood, RLA

Consultant, Landscape Architect

Michael C. Wood is president Woodland Design Associates, Inc., a firm he founded in 1984, which specializes in land planning and design, located in Beach Lake, Pennsylvania. A Registered Landscape Architect, licensed in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, he professionally consults and directs a variety of the firm’s projects– from initial conception to final construction. An alumnus of Pennsylvania State University, Michael received his Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture in 1977.

Michael has a national reputation for resolving land use and environmental conflicts in both the public and private sectors. His thorough knowledge of federal and state regulations, where the firm practices, has been acknowledged by the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, where he has served as an expert witness.

Michael’s initial fondness for drawing, architecture, and the outdoors led him to find Landscape Architecture to be a fitting career path during his time at Penn State. Now, with over 30 years of experience in the field, his enthusiasm continues. When not at the office Michael enjoys hiking and kayaking on the Delaware River near his home or working on antique cars.

Amy D. Wood

Consultant

Amy is a Senior Biologist at Woodland Design Associates, a position she has held for the past 19 years.  She provides professional support through the design process and evaluates projects for environmental concerns; wetland identification, mitigation, and presence of species of special concern.  Amy is trained in GIS mapping and GPS data gathering.  Her expertise in GIS was perhaps, best showcased, in her management of the Countywide addressing project for Wayne County, PA. When not at the office, Amy enjoys quilting and endurance cycling.