Alma Du Solier
Design process, cultural landscapes.
I teach design because I am committed to giving back to my alma mater and sharing the lessons I have learned throughout my professional practice. For me, teaching is an extension of my work as a practitioner—it is not separate from it. I do not primarily identify as an academic; rather, I am first and foremost a practitioner who teaches from experience. My teaching is also a reflection of who I am—a designer shaped by a bicultural experience. A key aspect of my approach is demystifying the design process, presenting it not as a "magical" talent but as a fluid, reactive, yet intentional practice. This perspective is something I instinctively sensed as a young designer, but through years of experience, I have been able to articulate and unpack it for my students. By doing so, I help them build confidence, overcome creative blocks, and ease the overwhelming burden of viewing themselves as sole "saviors" of the world's problems—without falling into cynicism. I firmly believe that designers play a critical role in addressing complex challenges. However, as I emphasize in my design studios especially with the use and analysis of historical case studies, even with the best intentions and the most informed design strategies, our contributions are merely one layer in the evolving cultural palimpsest of the urban landscape. There is always an opportunity to improve, refine, and create a more meaningful impact.
Alma Du Solier, studio director and principal at Hood Design Studio, seamlessly blends environmental planning with landscape design. Du Solier began her journey with a Bachelor in Architecture from ITESM Campus Monterrey, Mexico, then further honed skills in landscape architecture at UC Berkeley. After receiving an MLA from UC Berkeley, she worked at Hood Design Studio where she significantly contributed to landmark projects like the DeYoung Museum, elevating the firm’s prominence in the cultural sector. Her career included stints at various studios, including monumental projects in Latin America, China, and the Bay Area, she eventually returned back to Hood Design Studio and to teaching at UC Berkeley.
Renowned for bridging gaps between designers and environmentalists, Du Solier's often functions as a pivotal communicator, orchestrating harmonious solutions across diverse stakeholders. With over two decades in the industry, Du Solier's adaptability shines, managing projects of any magnitude with finesse, embedding narratives, and illuminating her profound love for design.
First Year Core Design Studio
LA134A – Drawing for Landscape Architects
LA200B – Case Studies in Landscape Architecture
LA203/204 – Landscape Architecture Advanced Studios
