Our People: Sarah Bisaha
Sarah Rebar Bisaha, LLA, PP
Senior Landscape Architect | Landscape Architecture
Over 28 years of experience
Knowledgeable of site design regulations for local & state levels
Co-author of the “NJ Model Site Plan Ordinance”
Provided expert testimony in NJ & NY
BS, Landscape Architecture, Rutgers University
Master Level Coursework Urban Planning, Rutgers University
American Society of Landscape Architects
New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association
Q&A
Sarah Rebar Bisaha works as FPA’s Senior Landscape Architect at Wall HQ. She is a Licensed Landscape Architect and Professional Planner and has over 28 years of experience in recreational, educational, urban, transportation, residential, and commercial design for both public and private entities. She also provides regulatory permitting and expert testimony services for a wide range of projects. Ms. Rebar Bisaha was a co-author of the “New Jersey Model Site Plan Ordinance,” which was written in conjunction with the Rutgers University Center for Urban Policy Research. This publication served as a template in the development of the New Jersey “Residential Site Improvement Standards” NJAC 5:21 that governs residential project design. She also served as Adjunct Professor for many years at the Rutgers University Landscape Architecture Department teaching Senior Level Design and Construction classes.
Can you share your journey and what motivated you to become a landscape architect?
I’ve always been creative, but it was my dad (a mechanical engineer!) who got me interested in plants. He always had my siblings and I doing something in the yard, which I didn’t like at first, but obviously grew to love. So, ultimately, I put those two ideas together and here I am. It’s a good combination!
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at FPA?
My first two jobs were with firms that had very fast paced schedules with complex projects, so I was tasked with a lot of things to do and learn very quickly. It really was sink or swim and very overwhelming. I call those two firms my bootcamp jobs and while the pace was often stressful, I was very fortunate to work on some great projects with great professionals and really learn my trade.
I came to FPA when a colleague invited me to be the company’s first Landscape Architect. That was a unique, somewhat scary opportunity but one I am very glad I took because it was gratifying to see this service line develop from nothing to something. Mike Piga took over when I decided to take some time off to raise my sons and he has done absolute wonders with advancing the department’s growth and visibility. I came back to FPA in 2016 and since then, our department has continued to grow and expand even more.
Have you had any influential mentors or role models in your journey as a landscape architect? If so, how have they impacted your career?
I can think of three that come to mind, two are engineers and one is a landscape architect. Each gave me a lot of constructive criticism early on that while I felt challenged, made me try harder which ultimately made me a better professional.
What has been your best experience working as a landscape architect so far?
Hands down being able to work with professionals in so many different disciplines, and seeing a project go from concept to construction.
What are some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on?
Any park design is memorable. Throw into that mix any project that needs a NJDEP for permit – that’s always a challenge and always memorable.
Have you seen the landscape change for women in STEM throughout your career?
The answer is a resounding Yes. There are definitely more opportunities.
What do you find most fulfilling about this industry?
Seeing a project that you designed get constructed is the absolute best. Once, when my kids were little and being particularly bad, I put them in the car and tortured them for a few hours by driving to projects that I designed. They still remember that!
What do you enjoy most about working at FPA?
Definitely the people, so many of my co-workers are also life-long friends that I truly enjoy seeing every day. Also equally important is the work/private life balance – I’m a good example of that because FPA has allowed me to adjust my professional life as my personal life changed from marriage to motherhood and beyond.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of FPA?
The growth and expansion of the company in size, discipline services, and territories is very exciting to see.
What advice would you give to young landscape architects or designers who are just starting their careers in the industry?
Don’t be afraid to work hard and accept challenges or constructive criticism (as long as it’s from a good source).
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know?
I got to meet Jon Bon Jovi a few times when FPA was the project engineer for his residence in Middletown. It was pretty tough to act like a professional as opposed to a crazy fan when he was sitting just a few feet away!
