Meet Vance Hall, landscape architect extraordinaire at TSW Design, and our newest Member of the Month at The Root! Vance is on a mission to transform the world one walkable block at a time. He is a firm believer in New Urbanism, which basically means he wants you to enjoy life outside without getting hit by a car! When he’s not busy designing fabulous spaces, you can find him eating pizza at Bohemian or fueling up on caffeine at Double Shot. On his perfect day off, you might catch him building cool furniture, squeezing in a nap, or trying to read an actual book instead of listening to audiobooks while wrangling his toddler and five-year-old. And let’s be real, he’s a fan of The Root Coworking not just for the cool workspace, but also for the sparkling water machine—because hydration is key, right?
TSW Planners, Architects, Landscape Architects, with offices in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Lexington and Tulsa, is a full-service design firm comprised of talented professionals who work collaboratively to provide clients with extraordinary designs for communities, buildings, and green spaces. With approximately 45 full-time employees, their small size allows principals to be hands-on in every aspect of a project and enables more multidisciplinary collaboration.
What do you do? Tell us a little bit about your work.
I am a Landscape Architect and place maker with TSW Tulsa. We specialize in creating sustainable and liveable communities through a multidisciplinary approach that includes Architecture, Planning, Urban Design, and Landscape Architecture. We are committed to the principles of New Urbanism, which emphasizes walkability, connectivity, and a strong sense of place.
What are your two favorite spots in Tulsa?
Bohemian and Double Shot
What is the most valuable career advice you’ve been given?
Develop great mentors and always be in a state of improving and learning with purpose.
Do you have any work-from-home accessories that you love?
My KYY fold-up second monitor makes travel work spots a breeze.
What was your first car? Did you name it?
Jeep Wagoneer. “Dang Lorane” Thing drank gas like no other.
What does a perfect day off look like for you?
A cool Monday in the fall. That way I have already decompressed and the temps have me ready for whatever adventure.
When you started out, what did you think your job would be at this point in time?
Doing much of what I am doing now. Designing great spaces for people to enjoy. I didn’t know how my profession would impact communities like it does.
There are now 25 hours in a day—how do you spend your extra hour?
More of how I live now. Build cool furniture, sleep a little more and read actual books again. I have a toddler and a five-year-old so audiobooks are even a luxury.
What do you think is the best part about being a member of The Root Coworking?
The Root is a smart, cost-effective way to start a new business/office location and re-engage with other professionals, especially after a long break due to COVID-19. These spaces offer flexible, affordable options that reduce overhead costs while providing a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. I also really like the sparkling water machine.
