Leslie Lowe
Leslie Lowe is the Principal Landscape Architect at Beargrass Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning and the founder of Grotópo. Licensed in both British Columbia and Montana, Leslie brings a distinctive blend of creativity and technical expertise to her work, drawing from her dual background in Landscape Architecture and Theatre Arts. Her design approach is collaborative, imaginative, and deeply rooted in environmental stewardship. With over 14 years at the helm of Beargrass, Leslie has developed a reputation for delivering thoughtful, place-based designs that balance ecological sensitivity with community needs.
Educated at Utah State University with a Master of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and holding an MFA in Drama Design from the University of Calgary, Leslie has a unique perspective that informs her holistic approach to design. She is especially skilled at working with non-profit organizations, coordinating with government agencies and stakeholders to bring projects to life. Passionate about the outdoors, Leslie integrates sustainable agriculture, native plants, and ecological resilience into every project she undertakes. Based in Whitefish, Montana, her work reflects a commitment to both the natural world and the communities that inhabit it.
Leslie lives with her husband Rick and her three Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, Laird, Kya and Leben. When not working she Referees Hockey, Ski's, shoots her bow and hunts Upland Birds with her Griffs.
• Registered Landscape Architect BCSLA
• Registered Landscape Architect, Montana
• Registered Landscape Archaitect, Michigan
• University of Calgary- M.F.A
• Utah State University- M.L.A.
• University of Idaho-B.F.A.
• Montana Board of Architects and Landscape Architects
• British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects
• Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
What do you attribute your success to?
I have had an amazing group of clients and design partners that have supported me and encouraged me throughout my career. I also have to thank my 96 year old mom for giving me her strength and spirit to persist through adversity and strive for creativity, honesty and adventure.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your path and be flexible with your vision.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be intentional about where you start—look for a firm that aligns with your current expertise or the area you want to grow in. That alignment will give you the support, experience, and opportunities you need to build a fulfilling and successful career. Never accept bullying or abuse and be willing to fight with integrity and honest to protect your values. Don't be afraid to make change, often the greatest rewards are found in that leap of faith.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field has been mastering site grading—especially since math wasn't my strongest area—but I’ve worked hard to overcome that and as often happens, weaknesses become strengths. With all the growth happening in Montana, it’s become essential for me to build a strong, dependable team of contractors with the same passion and vision for the project.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Combining design work of theater and and my love of outside is the best of both worlds. One of my greatest achievements is creating landscapes for clients, and profoundly changing their relationship to the outdoors. Sometimes they even become avid gardeners and bird watchers. In general, my greatest achievement is successfully integrating my designs into the natural and built environment and increasing the outdoor interactions of my clients, developing a healthier and more rewarding lifestyle.