Creating Magic
LESSA MILLARD, PLA, ASLA
Principal Landscape Architect
Contact
Born in Montana and raised in Portland, Oregon, Lessa’s path to becoming a landscape architect has been shaped by diverse experiences and a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Summers spent in Montana gave her an early love for wide-open spaces and the rugged beauty of nature, while growing up in Portland, known for its lush parks and innovative urban design, deepened her fascination with how landscapes shape people’s lives. She pursued this passion academically, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art and Biology from Mount Holyoke College, blending creativity with scientific understanding. Later, she completed a Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the University of Melbourne, where she honed her design skills and ecological focus.
Living and working in Australia was a pivotal chapter in Lessa’s career. In a country where water is a precious resource, she developed a strong commitment to eco-friendly design and water conservation. These principles became integral to her approach and laid the foundation for inContour—a woman-owned landscape architecture firm dedicated to sustainable, innovative, and impactful landscapes.
At inContour, Lessa leads a team that designs more than just beautiful spaces; they create environments that balance aesthetics with eco-conscious, practical solutions. Their Smartscape™ design philosophy prioritizes sustainability by reducing water use, minimizing maintenance, and enhancing natural ecosystems. From public parks that foster community connections to playgrounds that inspire play and residential landscapes that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, inContour’s work embodies quality, sustainability, and creativity.
When Lessa is not leading the charge at inContour, she can be found cheering on her son at the go-kart track, riding her horse through Montana’s scenic trails, or carving down snowy slopes. These out-of-office adventures continually inspire her work and reinforce her passion for creating outdoor spaces that people can cherish.
Lessa’s dedication to her craft, combined with her international experience and deep local knowledge, makes inContour a standout partner for any landscape project. Whether designing large community spaces or intimate residential gardens, Lessa and her team bring passion, creativity, and sustainability to each project. Reach out to inContour to discover how they can turn your vision into a landscape that is both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
