Boston

Cody S. Klein, FASLA

Cody joined OJB in 2011. As a Partner leading OJB’s Boston and Philadelphia offices, Cody stands out as a formidable driving force in the world of landscape architecture, steering the ship of innovation and design excellence. With a penchant for leadership and a commitment to design excellence, Cody’s influence has been nothing short of transformative. As Partner-in-Charge for projects from New England to the Southeast to the Midwest, his unique blend of creative ingenuity and a profound appreciation for the environment has yielded award-winning projects that not only captivate with their elegance but also endure through time with their practicality. Beyond his portfolio, Cody’s ability to foster inclusivity and collaboration within the design process makes him an invaluable asset to the company. Originally from a small town in rural Arkansas, Cody draws inspiration from both urban living in Boston and a deep connection to the outdoors.

In 2024, he was elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows, the highest honor bestowed upon a landscape architect for their contributions to the profession. He is also a proud Alumni and frequent speaker at Oklahoma State, recently being selected as the Ferguson College of Agriculture Alumni Early Career Achieve award. In his free time, Cody finds inspiration in the intimate moments of nature. He enjoys exploring Vermont with his family, where he is an avid cyclist and skier.

Drew Stangel, ASLA

Drew joined the OJB Boston office in 2014 after working in Denver and Austin. Drew earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. As a Principal in the Boston office, Drew fosters a comprehensive design culture married with technical exploration. He leads teams that explore complex environmental and constructional concerns with humanistic outcomes. His pragmatic thinking and knowledge of multiple technical disciplines helps him identify site complications and keep projects running smoothly in all phases of development. Drew is a strong proponent of open collaboration and is highly skilled in helping clients and team members achieve their project goals. In all projects, he navigates material experimentation with environmental responsiveness. Having lived in several regions of the United States, Drew enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family outdoors whenever he can.

Simon Beer, ASLA, PLA

Simon has been with the OJB Boston office since its opening in 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Purdue University and is a licensed landscape architect in Massachusetts and Maine. With two decades of professional landscape architecture experience, Simon is highly skilled in managing projects across a wide range of scales and typologies. As a Principal, he implements key decisions in all project phases and motivates his team to question ideas and deliver the highest quality of work possible. His expressive designs are characterized by their sensitivity to user concerns, ecological cognizance, and durability. Growing up in rural Indiana and having worked in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston, Simon is knowledgeable about plant ecologies, materials, and microclimates across multiple regions of the United States. In his free time, Simon enjoys spending time with his wife and kids.

Christa Mahar

Christa Mahar leads OJB’s marketing and communications efforts, managing overall strategy for client engagement as well as promotion and publications. She joined OJB in 2019 after more than 25 years of marketing leadership for some of the most successful international architectural practices in Boston and New York. Christa has developed and managed production of multiple monographs and project publications, and served as editor of five design books, including OJB’s first monograph, Envisioning Landscapes. Her experience also includes the organization of several traveling architectural exhibitions, from archival research to design, production and catalogue publication. Her collaborative approach is integral to OJB’s business relationships and development efforts.

Andrew Cridlin

Andrew joined the team at OJB in 2016, following an internship with the firm in 2015. Andrew earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Andrew is a Director in the Boston office, where he leads the design, management, and technical execution of projects. A clear communicator and conscientious builder, Andrew is skilled at managing projects of all scales and typologies from hospitality complexes to mixed-use residential spaces. He has held a series of increasingly responsible positions and has developed into a highly sought-after project leader. In his free time, he is an avid golfer and outdoorsman and enjoys bringing his understanding of outdoor recreation and natural systems to the design and management of projects.

Ryan Ort

Ryan joined the OJB Boston office in 2016. He earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Purdue University. Hailing from a family of construction and landscaping professionals, he quickly found a passion for landscape architecture. An Associate Director in the Boston office, he excels in seeking high performing and original solutions to every obstacle. He utilizes this skill to manage a diverse collection of projects from corporate headquarters to public mixed-use spaces. His focus on plant species and natural materials gives him a stable grounding to create progressive and responsive landscapes. He is a firm believer that design should revolve around a unique and local planting palette so that the outdoor space can achieve its greatest human and ecological potential. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys trying new restaurants and exploring new neighborhoods in the city.

Samantha Partington

Samantha joined the OJB Boston team in 2019. She earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture degrees from Wentworth Institute of Technology. As a Technical Director, Samantha is always seeking to create landscapes that find the balance between innovation and express an authentic sense of place. Utilizing her skills from Wentworth, Samantha possesses an extensive toolkit for effectively managing projects involving infrastructure and complex technology. She contributes a deep understanding of sustainable construction methods and strongly supports OJB’s efforts in reclaiming land and materials. Growing up on the coast of Massachusetts, Samantha recognizes the need for creating sustainable environments that involve material reuse and native planting. In her free time, Samantha enjoys running and hopes to visit all the United States National Parks.