About the Norton Land Design Team
Established in 2008, Norton Land Design has become the Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan areas’ go-to expert in the fields of environmental planning, land development consulting, & landscape architecture.
About Us
Michael Norton
Lead Landscape Architect and Environmental Planner
Ignited by a seventh-grade environmental project, Maryland native Michael Norton has never lost his passion for environmental science. Ever since that fateful day in middle school, he has been driven by an intense appreciation for nature and our place in it. To this day, everything from his education and professional life to his recreational activities has revolved around the outdoors.
After earning his BS in Environmental Analysis and Planning from Frostburg State University and while working on his MS in Landscape Architecture from Morgan State University, Mike worked within the industry at a small firm, learning daily operations and building a reputation for strong environmental designs. Following over a decade at other offices, he founded Norton Land Design in 2008.
Specializing in environmental inventory, conservation, and land design, he thrives on developing plans that incorporate the needs of regulatory agencies, protect the environment where they are built, and exceed the goals and expectations of his clients.
Over the course of his career, Mike has become known in the Baltimore and Washington Metropolitan areas for his unique passion for environmental planning, his extensive knowledge of regulatory issues, and his willingness to go above and beyond for each of his clients.
Mike is a Licensed Landscape Architect in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, an ISA Certified Arborist, and a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. He oversees all projects that come through the Norton Land Design doors, typically working as each client’s primary point of contact.
In addition to his work here at Norton Land Design, he also works on environmental causes in a pro bono capacity. Over the course of his career, he has supported the DCBIA, CCA, and Trout Unlimited.
Mike loves his work at Norton Land Design because it puts him in contact with other professionals whose passion for the environment fuels excellence.
Jane Hockersmith
Senior Designer
A graduate of Virginia Tech with her BS in Civil Engineering, Jane provides a wealth of talent and experience to our land development department. Prior to joining Norton Land Design, she worked on residential and commercial land development projects in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
She enjoys the challenge of helping clients achieve their goals while also balancing regulatory requirements. When she isn’t in the office, she loves to travel with her family, hike in National Parks, and attend her sons' lacrosse games.
Hayley Welzant
Landscape Designer
Hayley Welzant holds her BS in Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland. Since graduating from college, she has been working as a Landscape Designer at Norton Land Design under the direction and guidance of Michael Norton.
Throughout her academic career, Hayley was involved in multiple environmental projects and clubs, including working as a Research Assistant alongside Dr. David Myers at the University of Maryland.
She earned her Erosion and Sediment Control Certification from the Maryland Department of the Environment in 2021 and is skilled in the fields of stormwater management and field soil morphology. Hayley also serves as a Junior Professional Representative at the American Society of Landscape Architects.
River Norton
Junior Landscape Barkitect
After many years as our office apprentice, River has been invited to join the team in an official capacity. He hasn’t passed his certification tests and he still thinks highlighters are for fetch, but his enthusiasm on site visits is unparalleled.
Our team has a passion for protecting and preserving our natural environment through developmental designs that not only support communities but also protect the land they thrive on.
Through our years of experience, we have built working relationships with various construction, governmental, and environmental community members in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. Our solid regulatory knowledge, extensive environmental planning experience, and unique reputation can make even the most complex land projects feel simple for our clients.
