Darby Stephens

I’m Darby Stephens, a recent graduate from Utah State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. I fell in love with landscape architecture the moment I realized it was more than design, it was a way to shape how people feel, interact, and belong in the spaces around them. That spark grew into a passion that continues to drive my work today.Before entering the LAEP program, I explored architecture in high school, building skills in Auto CAD and construction documents. While I appreciated the structure, I found my true purpose in landscape architecture where creativity meets community, and beauty meets impact. My time at Utah State helped me grow not just as a designer, but as a collaborator, listener, and problem-solver.As I begin my professional journey, I am eager to create places that inspire connection, joy, and wonder. I hope to design public spaces, parks, and attractions that honor individuality and spark imagination. Like Robin Williams’ character says in Dead Poets Society, “Poetry, beauty, romance, love: these are what we stay alive for.” Through my work, I want to help people feel the magic of those moments.