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Throughout her 20+year career, Lessa has been passionate about her artistic and aesthetic approach to landscape architecture while simultaneously incorporating sociological sensibilities and sustainable practices into her designs.

Lessa has studied, practiced, and lived domestically and abroad, including Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Australia. She returned to the Gallatin Valley and her roots for good in 2005. She holds a BA in Studio Arts and Biology from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Before founding inContour, Lessa had the privilege of working with several prestigious firms. Her career includes experiences at Contour Design in Melbourne, Australia, where she first honed her water-wise design skills. Harper Houf Peterson Righellis in Portland, Oregon, Bechtle-Slade, Potter Clinton Development, and WGM Group in Bozeman. Her time at these esteemed organizations endowed her with extensive knowledge in private development, planning, landscape architecture, and project management. It has been her life's experience, working with commercial developers, private homeowners, and large ranches in arid environments that has led her to develop a design approach called Smartscaping™ that is the central tenet of inContour, and is ideal for projects throughout the Mountain West and beyond. Learn more about our Smartscape™ approach here →

Lessa established inContour in 2011, inspired by the dual goals of embracing her new journey as a full-time mother and continuing her deep-seated passion for landscape architecture. This unique beginning allowed her to maintain a healthy balance between her responsibilities as a mother and her professional aspirations. As her circumstances evolved and she found herself able to once again dedicate more time to her career, Lessa seized the opportunity to grow inContour. By 2021, what started as a solo venture blossomed into the full-service Landscape Architecture studio we know today, renowned for its dedication to creating beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces and providing a quality work life balance to our team. This evolution is a testament to Lessa's commitment to both her family and her passion, making inContour not just a business, but a reflection of personal growth and professional excellence.

In her free time, Lessa can be found spending time on her small farm in Gallatin Gateway with her son, training her horse, skiing, and creating fine art.

Creating magic

LESSA MILLARD, PLA, ASLA

Principal Landscape Architect