One of George’s most rewarding projects at Carducci Associates is Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary School, a project he co-led with Karly Behncke. Distinct from anything else in our portfolio, the project came with no predefined program, giving George and Karly the rare opportunity to shape its goals from the ground up. The result is a site that feels inherently connected to its surroundings, seamlessly integrated in both scale and layout. The design prioritizes nature-based spaces that foster well-being, support learning, and strengthen students’ connection to the environment.

Looking ahead, George dreams of working on more public space at the urban scale - plazas, civic commons, and places that shape how people experience their cities.  He’s especially passionate about reimagining forgotten or underused places, like the time he helped develop a vision to turn a failing mall into a vibrant, walkable urban hub.

George, we’re lucky to have your talent, tenacity, and passion on our team. Here’s to the last three years and many more to come! 

This sense of connection and purpose isn’t new for Karly - it builds on a foundation laid early in her career. Her experience in Healdsburg brought her back to formative projects like the San Rafael High School Stadium, and the John Hinkel Park and Sunset Futsal Courts community engagement processes. These were the moments that grounded her in design and gave her purpose: “Why are we doing this job? It’s for the people.”

Another standout moment in her career was Don Biddle Community Park - a complex, interdisciplinary project close to her home. As both a designer and construction administration project manager, Karly navigated layers of coordination between geotechnical consultants, artists, city agencies, contractors, and even a sign designer.

“This project challenged me and helped me grow,” Karly shares. “The complexity pushed me to ask better questions, think more broadly, and manage relationships with greater empathy and insight.”

Karly’s spirit of community engagement and working with a broad spectrum of stakeholders is what makes her work so special. Whether she’s leading a design charrette, gathering community input, or helping clients find the best value for their budget, Karly brings a rare ability to truly understand people and weave their voices into the spaces she helps create.

At Carducci Associates, we pride ourselves on being deeply embedded in our local projects, from visioning to implementation. Karly exemplifies that ethos. Her work reminds us that good design isn’t just about aesthetics or function - it’s about belonging.

We are beyond proud to celebrate Karly’s 10 years with us. Her commitment to thoughtful, inclusive design and her belief in the power of community continue to inspire us all. Here’s to the next decade of dream-making, meaningful connections, and creating places that truly reflect the people she serves.

Currently, Peter is working on a diverse array of projects, including community parks, outdoor sports facilities, residential subdivisions, and K-12 public schools. This breadth of experience continues to shape his expertise and expand his knowledge in the landscape architecture field. His straightforward, easygoing nature—paired with his sharp sense of humor—makes him a true asset to the team, and a joy to work with.

Congratulations, Peter! We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions you will make as you continue to grow in your new role.

Karly understands that a strong sense of community is essential for our team's growth and our ability to serve our clients effectively as well. She embodies this ethos through her active participation in conferences, public discussions, and her relentless advocacy for others' well-being. Indeed, Karly's recent participation at the CPRS JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Academy in Oakland underscores her fervent commitment to inclusion and her tireless advocacy for equity for all individuals.

As Karly steps into her new role, we eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will continue to make on our office and beyond. Cheers to Karly and to the bright future ahead for our team under her leadership!