What excites you about your career here at CLR?

Designing spaces for people and animals is unique because it goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about creating immersive habitats that support animal welfare while also educating and enthusing future zoological architects. I believe that nature has the power to inspire people in all aspects of life, and the opportunity to create experiences that spark that connection is incredibly motivating.

What do you like about exhibit design?

I really enjoy the challenge of creating spaces that animals can thrive in—but also making visitors feel like they’ve just stepped into a completely different environment. If people forget they’re standing five feet from a pathway and instead feel like they’re in a rainforest or savanna, that’s kind of the win.

What do you enjoy doing on the weekend?

Seeing how high my step count can get chasing my kids around.

Tell us something fun or funny about yourself that most people don’t know.

I was born in Australia—great place, amazing nature, just slightly higher odds of every creature being more confident than you.

James Sasser
Landscape Architect, PLA, AICP