about the author

Lauren Mandel, PLA, ASLA is a landscape architect and landscape performance researcher at Andropogon, where she pursues her passion for productive infrastructure.  Prior to this position, she worked as a project manager and rooftop agriculture specialist at the Philadelphia-based green roof firm Roofmeadow (formerly Roofscapes, Inc.) for five years.  At Roofmeadow Lauren designed green roofs, oversaw green roof construction around the country, and was integral to every rooftop agriculture project the firm encountered.

Lauren began exploring the viability of rooftop agriculture while in graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Master of Landscape Architecture and wrote the first draft of her book.  With ten years of professional landscape architectural and green roof design experience, Lauren continues to explore rooftop agriculture through design, research, and writing.

In 2012 Lauren founded EAT UP, LLC to offer “roof-to-table” speaking engagement, journalism, and consulting services.  She lectures on green roofs and rooftop agriculture and is available for speaking engagements upon request.  Lauren is a contributing writer for Urban Farm, Grid, and Landscape Architecture Magazine and welcomes further journalism opportunities.  When she’s not working, Lauren enjoys backpacking and extreme dog walking.

 

Work Experience

EAT UP, LLC | Owner

Andropogon | Landscape Architect + Researcher

Andropogon | Landscape Designer + Research Assistant

Roofmeadow | Project Manager + Rooftop Agriculture Specialist

Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLC | Landscape Designer

Mithūn | Landscape Designer

USDA Forest Service | Wilderness Ranger

Maysie’s Farm and Conservation Center| Farm Intern

American Farmland Trust | Research Intern

 

Education

University of Pennsylvania | Master of Landscape Architecture

Skidmore College | BA in Environmental Science, Minor in Studio Art

 

Professional Membership + Licensure

American Society of Landscape Architects

Pennsylvania Licensed Landscape Architect