Meet Us
Gavin Switzer, MLA, ALSA
Owner | Lead Designer
As a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, Gavin Switzer founded Next Nature to address pressing environmental challenges in the region using nature-based solutions. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Kent State University, completing his graduate studies at their downtown Cleveland Campus. Drawing on years of experience in the environmental field, he established his firm in 2022 to focus on projects that align with his passion for ecological restoration. His work prioritizes combating habitat loss through innovative conservation plans, including prairie restoration, reforestation, and stream and wetland restoration, all designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape. He designed the native landscape for The Boston Mill Visitor Center which was selected for the Outstanding Restoration of Historic Structures Award from the Cleveland Restoration Society and AIA Cleveland.
Heidi O’Neill, RLA, ASLA
Senior Landscape Architect
Heidi worked at Ohio State University in Columbus for over 10 years as principal landscape architect designing roadways, sidewalks, bike paths, city parks, play grounds, and arboretums while also responsible for design maintenance of a manicured campus of over 700 acres with a population of 55,000. Heidi also worked for the Pattie Group as a designer for 4 years.
Heidi’s innovative designs have resulted in obtaining grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Ohio Arts Council, The Ronald McDonald Foundation, and Ohio Department of Transportation ISTEA program.
Most recently Heidi has been involved in site development construction and the renovation of the interior and exterior of properties. Her landscape and real estate experiences prove the added value a well designed landscape brings to a property.
Amber Murzda
Environmental Scientist
Amber Murzda is a highly passionate and deeply motivated environmental scientist who possesses extensive and varied professional experience in her diverse field of study. She specializes in various important aspects of forestry, precise plant identification, and the broader and more complex realm of earth science, making her a truly valuable asset within her profession. With a wealth of hands-on experience gained through rigorous laboratory work and field studies, she effectively applies her extensive knowledge to tackle pressing environmental challenges that our planet faces today. Additionally, she is an active and dedicated member of the Environmental Science Design & Research Institute, where she collaborates closely with her peers on vital projects that aim to promote sustainability and the ecological balance essential for future generations. Currently, she is engaged in crucial Beech tree leaf disease research, as well as advancing Mycelium research at Kent State University, contributing to the understanding of these significant ecological issues.