STACY PAETZEL, RLA - Founder and Principal

Marshall Paetzel Landscape Architecture, PC was founded by Stacy Paetzel, a New York State Registered Landscape Architect. Ms. Paetzel is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the US Green Building Association. She was recently appointed as a Board Member of the New York State Board for Landscape Architecture and is a past board member of the New York State Council of Landscape Architects and NY Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Ms. Paetzel is active as co-chair of the Parrish Art Museum’s annual Landscape Pleasures symposium and Trustee of the Landcraft Garden Foundation.

An active member of the design community, Ms. Paetzel organized review sessions and taught courses to assist up-and-coming landscape architects obtain licensure. Ms. Paetzel was appointed to the ASLA National Licensure Committee for her continuing work to promote the profession.

Growing up on a farm in rural Virginia surrounded by open meadows and mountain views inspired Stacy’s love of native plants and landscapes that have a sense of place beyond the property line. Ms. Paetzel graduated from Virginia Tech University’s nationally acclaimed five-year landscape architecture program in 2000. Before forming MPLA, Stacy worked for Land Marks, a land planning and conservation firm based in East Hampton, New York, where she learned to enjoy the challenge of designing around some of the country’s most stringent environmental regulations.

JONATHAN PAETZEL, RLA - Principal

After receiving his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech in 1998, Jonathan returned to his native Long Island to begin his career in landscape architecture. Jonathan spent his first five years in the profession with a small design firm honing skills in landscape design and horticulture. With a strong desire to have more influence in project implementation and construction oversight, Jonathan joined a landscape contracting company involved with residential and public landscape construction as their lead designer. Jonathan would become managing director at the company where he managed the implementation of large-scale landscape projects designed by many notable landscape architects and designers from all across the country. Jonathan also designed and managed the installation of his own substantial residential landscape projects, winning multiple awards during his eleven years with the company.

In 2014, after the success and growth of the firm his wife Stacy Paetzel started ten years earlier, Jonathan joined the team of Marshall Paetzel Landscape Architecture. Jonathan's extensive experience with high end project management and job site supervision has been an excellent addition to the firm. His extraordinary attention to detail and knowledge of materials and construction make him ideally suited to oversee the preparation of bids and construction documents, as well as being the point of contact with contractors in the field. Jonathan is dedicated to achieving flawless results during the implementation of all MPLA designs, while ensuring our clients are receiving the best value from the contractors they hire. Jonathan is a Trustee of the Landcraft Garden Foundation.

ARIEL SCHEEL - Senior Project Manager

Ariel has built her career in landscape architecture by gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of design and construction projects. From high-end residential estates to dynamic school play areas, she has a versatile and well-rounded design perspective.

In 2013, Ariel graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Following graduation, she diversified her basis of knowledge by working with respected design firms in Westchester County and Long Island, further strengthening her technical foundation and creative approach.

In addition to her design expertise, Ariel has developed strong skills in project management and implementation. She has experience coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors to ensure projects move efficiently from concept through completion. Her work includes the preparation and development of detailed construction documents, ensuring that design intent is clearly communicated and accurately implemented in the field.

At MPLA, Ariel is passionate about crafting distinctive, thoughtful landscapes that bring each client’s vision to life while balancing beauty, functionality, and sustainability.

JOHN MERRITT, RLA - Design Associate

John earned a Bachelors degree in Urban Planning from the University of Virginia and a Masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He has been a member of landscape architecture firms and architecture firms on projects both domestic and abroad. He took a brief detour from landscape architecture to pursue an opportunity in the custom fabrication industry, managing a shop in Tribeca that made physical models and props for television commercials, magazine ads, and feature films. The exacting standards of custom fabrication reinforced in him the imperative that landscape architecture had already taught: in design, there are no accidents and no afterthoughts. With this range of experience, he understands the necessary and vital connection between architecture and landscape.

In recent years, John has developed a focused interest in permaculture and ecological design. He believes conventional means of solving site challenges do not have to be left as perfunctory but can be made to be beautiful.

John is a registered landscape architect in the State of Vermont.

JOSUE CRUZ - Senior Design Associate

Josue received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in 2019. He then traveled to San Francisco to complete his capstone on the origins of modern landscape architecture design and the influence the California Midcentury Modern design movement had in the residential realm of landscape architecture.

Since returning home to the North Fork of Long Island to begin his professional career in Landscape Architecture, Josue has expanded his understanding of local residential construction while working alongside master masons, landscaping crews, high end residential builders and other design firms.  It’s this exposure to various trade masters and design professionals that keeps Josue inspired to grow and improve as a design professional.

In his personal life, Josue enjoys strength training, photography, and spending quality time with his family. He has a long-term aspiration to establish a foundation aimed at providing essential educational supplies to underprivileged children in his home country of Honduras.

KRISTA JONES - Project Coordinator

Krista grew up around job sites. As the daughter of a builder on the East End of Long Island, her passion for real estate and construction was sparked early — and only grew stronger over time. That foundation led her to a decade-long career in New York City, where she gained hands-on experience across residential, commercial, and industrial development.

Before taking on the role of Project Coordinator at MPLA, Krista served as a Project Manager for a real estate private equity firm, overseeing large-scale construction for a vertically integrated real estate investment manager. She’s led the execution of complex projects ranging from 5,000 to 350,000 square feet, with total budgets exceeding $150 million. Her ability to manage details, coordinate teams, and drive results has made her a trusted partner across every stage of the development process.

Today, Krista brings that high-level experience back home to the North Fork, helping MPLA Studio navigate complex project management through oversight and coordination. She combines city-tested expertise with a deep understanding of the East End.

TERESA MARSHALL - Office Manager

With over twenty years of experience in the banking industry, Teresa oversees day to day operations, financial matters and invoicing.