Design Team
Mark Mason, PLA / Vice President
Landscape Architect
A licensed Professional Landscape Architect (PLA) since 2002, Mark enjoys developing client relationships and realizing their goals through thoughtful design. A graduate from the University of Georgia with a Landscape Architecture degree, he prefers a classic approach to design. Mark’s primary role is to oversee all the design projects in the office from schematic design all the way through to construction documents. In his free time, Mark can be found at the golf course, woodworking, or camping with his family.
Email Mark: mmason@coreatlanta.com
Emily Mason
Project Manager
After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a degree in Landscape Architecture, Emily worked at several larger landscape architecture firms in the Atlanta area. She now uses her background and experience in landscape architecture to seamlessly estimate our construction projects. Her other roles include daily project coordination with field crew, material procurement, overall construction scheduling, warranty and punch-list documentation, and client coordination during the construction process.
Email Emily: emason@coreatlanta.com
Ryan Blank
Landscape Designer
A graduate from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree, Ryan spent several years focused on large, single and multi-family residential developments. He enjoys the detailed process of realizing a conceptual idea through his drawings into a built form. He's excited about how the design-build process helps to gain additional insight on the installation process. When away from the office, Ryan likes to try new beers, enjoys watching major sporting events, and going to concerts. He also loves playing with his dog and being the "fun" uncle to his nephews and niece. Ryan is currently studying for the LARE exam.
Email Ryan: rblank@coreatlanta.com
Colt Churchwell
Landscape Designer
Colt joined the Core team as a designer in 2019. He holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Auburn University, which he earned in 2017. After graduating, Colt gained relevant experience in the public realm working on urban design projects ranging from public parks and streetscapes, to design development of civic masterplans. His approach to design is detail oriented and always responsive to the inherent character of a site, focusing on creating functional and beautiful spaces within larger systems. Colt is currently pursuing professional licensure.
Email Colt: cchurchwell@coreatlanta.com
Lauren Babineaux, PLA
Landscape Architect
Lauren joined the CORE team in 2021 as a landscape designer. Originally an Atlanta native, Lauren graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 2017. Lauren aims to create harmonious environments that engage, innovates, and inspires. Currently, Lauren is serving as the Communications Chair for the Georgia Chapter of ASLA. In her free time, you can find her cooking or brewing beer with her husband and dog, doing hot yoga, or at the lake.
Email Lauren: lbabineaux@coreatlanta.com
Will McDonald, PLA
Landscape Architect
With over 15 years of professional practice in Landscape Architecture, Will has managed a diverse variety of projects ranging from residential, public parks, urban plazas, multi-family amenity spaces, mixed-used developments, streetscapes, and campus design to the restoration of historic landscapes. His passion for architecture, nature, and art inform his principles as a designer and place maker. When away from the office, Will spends his free time with his wife and two daughters. A licensed Professional Landscape Architect (PLA), Will graduated from the University of Georgia in 2007.
Email Will: wmcdonald@coreatlanta.com
Brad Barco
Landscape Designer
A native of Rochester, New York, Brad joined CORE in 2022 with several years of experience in residential design. Brad graduated from Boston Architectural College with a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 2016. Since graduating Brad has designed projects in Boston, MA, Austin, TX and Tampa, FL. He enjoys taking conceptual ideas and producing detailed constructible documents that assist the translation between design and the built form. In his free time, Brad enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, traveling, sports, and all outdoors activities.
Email Brad: bbarco@coreatlanta.com
Implementation Team
Colin Walls
Construction Manager
A graduate of Chattahoochee Technical College with an Associate Degree In Environmental Horticulture, Colin spent 10 years in the retail and wholesale plant nursery industry as a manager and salesman before joining Core. In his role as a Project Manager, Colin enjoys the process of guiding the team’s progress from start to finish, striving to get the perfect result for each and every client. In his spare time Colin’s hobbies include gardening at home and following his favorite sports teams.
Email Colin: cwalls@coreatlanta.com
Julio Grande
Installation Foreman
Julio has been with CORE since 2011. His primary role is to translate CORE Landscape’s designs in the field. In addition to his role as the crew leader, Julio is also responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the construction site. He has extensive experience in reading construction plans, concrete and paver installation, machine operation, terrain grading, irrigation, and landscape installation.
Email Julio: jgrande@coreatlanta.com
Abel Grande
Installation Foreman
Abel has been with CORE since early 2018. His primary role is to manage the an installation crew and help translate CORE Landscape’s designs in the field. Abel brings over 25 years of landscape construction experience to our team. His primary role is to manage the installation crew on commercial and residential jobs and help translate CORE Landscape’s designs in the field. Abel is skilled in reading construction plans, masonry, machine operation, fine grading, irrigation, and landscape installation.
Email Abel: agrande@coreatlanta.com
Marcos Diaz
Irrigation Technician
Marcos has been with CORE for almost 10 years, in that time he has progressed from a general laborer to a trusted member of the team and he specializes in irrigation installation, troubleshooting and repair. He also has experience in demo concrete, hardscape and landscape installation.
Email Marcos: mdiaz@coreatlanta.com