Principal

Ms. Josephine Bellalta Founded Altamanu Inc. in 2000 and is recognized locally and nationally for her work on the planning and design of schools, parks, streets and community environments. Josephine has worked on multiple school projects for The Chicago Board of Education/CPS, the Public Building Commission and various school districts.  Josephine has received ASLA awards for the design of parks and innovative streetscape and public space design. Her latest projects have included innovative storm water solutions, the use of storm water tanks, Silva Cells, demonstration swales, rain gardens and green roofs.

Principal

Mr. John Mac Manus has worked on the planning and design of parks, schools, public spaces and associated projects for the past 25 years. He is at home working on large or small-scale projects and has received local, regional and national recognition for his work.  While at the Chicago Park District John led the physical design teams for the Lincoln Park Framework plan and many local parks in the Chicago system.  John led the planning and urban design teams for the relocation of Lake Shore Drive, the Museum Forecourt; the Plan for Northerly Island;  and the reconstruction of Lake Shore Drive in Jackson Park. John assisted in the development of the planning processes for regional urban parks in St. Louis Missouri, Denver Colorado, and Norfolk Virginia.

Associate Principal

Mr. Hutchinson has 15 years of professional experience working on local and national projects in Landscape Architecture, Planning and Environmental Design. Having guided projects successfully through all stages of design, development, permitting and construction, he is comfortable working on large-scale master planning efforts as well as local parks, plazas and playgrounds. Phil is an experienced project manager who has worked on multiple schools, parks, streetscapes and building projects both locally and nationally.

Landscape Architect

Ms. Jane Chen has 18 years of experience working on the planning, design and construction observation for public open space projects including schools, educational facilities, parks, plazas and streets.  Jane led the design and implementation team for 20 unique playgrounds in the City of Chicago and new playgrounds for District 97 in Oak Park. She is also experienced in ADA transition plans and audits, and development projects from inception to grand opening.

Landscape Designer

Mr. Jeffries has the unusual distinction of having graduated with both Architectural and Landscape Architectural degrees, giving him a unique view of urban projects. His experience includes  design and project management of architectural projects as well as a design role with the Chicago Park District.  Orenthal’s design experience extends to parks, bridges, streetscapes and community identity.