Cathy Blake

Cathy Deino Blake is a prominent figure in campus planning and design at Stanford University. She has served as the Director of Campus Planning and Design at Stanford for over 20 years.23 In this role, she has been responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the university's master plan, which builds upon the original vision of Frederick Law Olmsted while adapting to modern needs.1

Professional Background

Blake's expertise lies in several key areas:

1. Campus Planning: She has played a crucial role in shaping Stanford's physical environment, balancing historical preservation with contemporary requirements.1

2. Landscape Architecture: As Stanford University's landscape architect, Blake has been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the campus's renowned beauty.4

3. Sustainability: Her work incorporates sustainable principles, including water conservation and the use of climate-appropriate plants.1

4. Higher Education Planning: Blake has demonstrated a strong understanding of the unique needs of university environments, particularly in creating ideal residential experiences for students.3

Achievements and Recognition

Blake's contributions to the field have been widely acknowledged:

• She was elected as a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FASLA) in 2016, a significant professional honor.4
• Under her leadership, Stanford has continued to implement and adapt the Olmsted Plan, preserving key principles while accommodating modern needs such as sustainability and changing transportation patterns.1

Involvement in University Planning

Blake has been actively involved in several important initiatives at Stanford:

• She played a role in the development of the Second Century Plan, which reaffirmed the original Olmsted Plan while introducing necessary updates.1
• She has contributed to major projects such as the Science and Engineering Quad (SEQ), which advances Olmsted's concept of interlocking quadrangles.1

Cathy Deino Blake's work at Stanford demonstrates a deep commitment to creating a campus environment that honors its historical legacy while meeting the evolving needs of a modern university community.