Bernice Wahler, ASLA, RLA, WBE
Principal & Founder
Bernice specializes in the detailed design of private residences. She has a distinct appreciation for her clients’ goals and priorities that provide the foundation for her designs. She carefully merges these goals with an understanding of and inspiration from the site’s context and a commitment to developing resilient solutions. With over twenty years of experience, Bernice has developed and executed landscapes that are of enduring quality and celebrate the uniqueness of their surroundings.
She has practiced with leading design firms in the United States and Asia including EDSA Orient, Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture, Pressley Associates and Stephen Stimson Associates.
In 2012, she founded Bernice Wahler Landscapes to specialize in the detail design of private residences. She collaborates with clients, architects, engineers, and contractors on award-winning private residences throughout New England.
With many of her projects very near to the coast, Bernice has a strong understanding of the regulations and approval process required in the development of these properties. She prides herself on listening to and collaborating with clients, architects, engineers, regulatory agencies and contractors in the realization of these projects
Cally Casey, RLA
Studio Director
Cally’s passion for landscape and design was shaped by her upbringing along the vibrant Massachusetts coastline. Surrounded by the ever-changing vistas, scents, and seasonal shifts of this dynamic environment, she developed an innate appreciation for the outdoors.
With a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design and Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from College of the Holy Cross, Cally merges her creativity with an understanding of ecological principles. Her approach strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Cally thrives on collaboration, working closely with clients to understand their unique aspirations. She is dedicated to enhancing their vision while ensuring the creation of enduring landscapes.
Drawing on her vast project experience with leading design firms, including luxury retail, corporate campuses and roof terraces, hospitality, outdoor entertainment, and residential spaces, she brings her expertise to all aspects of the project from concept to construction.
Ted Duffy
Designer
Ted joined Bernice Wahler Landscapes in June of 2023, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has studied in places significant to landscape architecture, such as San Francisco, Sea Ranch, CA, and Rome, Italy. He has lived and worked on Cape Cod for the past few years doing fine gardening and landscape installation. He is passionate about ecological restoration, sustainable design, and stormwater management.
Ted grew up exploring the coasts of the Cape from Pocasset to Provincetown, he has a great understanding of the native ecology, as well as the traditional material and color pallets of the area.
When not working, Ted enjoys his hobbies as a mixed media artist. His design style is complemented by fine art, from sources including oil painting, watercolors, ceramic, sewing, and digital artwork.
Ruiqing Miao
Designer
Ruiqing received her Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design. She has traveled extensively across Asia, North America, and Europe, observing how landscape spaces can elevate people’s lifestyle, mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
While residing in the New England area, she noted the influence of diminished light perception during its winters on people’s mood and health. This experience has deepened her interest in how sensory perceptions crafted by landscape spaces can enhance people’s overall well-being. She endeavors to design landscape spaces that evoke various senses. The result is not just a visually appealing landscape but also a comfortable living atmosphere, offering a soft sense of happiness that nurtures the soul.
Outside of working hours, Ruiqing finds serenity in natural surroundings where she is enveloped by nature that provides her a sense of wellness and peace of mind.
Lucia Peña-Banda
Creative Lead Designer & Marketing Manager
Lucia is a dedicated professional who earned her degrees in Landscape Architecture and Sustainable Community Development from UMass-Amherst. Throughout her academic journey, she demonstrated a keen focus on addressing climate change, and actively participated in various community outreach projects.
As a designer, Lucia is passionate about integrating sustainable and adaptive design principles into her projects, providing a foundation for landscapes that can thrive in an ever-changing world.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lucia brings a vivacious and creative flair to every setting. As the unofficial office DJ, she infuses spaces with fresh music and ideas. Beyond her design pursuits, Lucia is a devoted Celtics fan, and is actively exploring new hobbies that will undoubtedly contribute to her diverse skill set.
Kara Blanco
Office Administration
A Cape resident since she was four years old, Kara has served her local community as a realtor for more than 7 years. Beyond her early education at home, Kara is a former executive assistant to a Senior V.P. at Fidelity Investments in Boston. An accomplished singer, she also studied Voice Performance at the Boston Conservatory of Music and attended the Katherine Gibbs School for business. This diverse and accomplished background, has given her a keen insight into office administration skills, client relations, and project management.
When she is not problem-solving at the studio, you can find her doing yoga, taking in the sandbars offroad with her family on Sandy Neck Beach, or enjoying fresh seafood at the Lobster Trap with friends and family. Kara always offers our team and clients immeasurable support related to financial coordination, scheduling, and general office management.