As San Diego grew and expanded over the next 50 years, Wimmer Yamada became synonymous with the city's most iconic landscapes. Their portfolio grew to include landmark projects such as SeaWorld, Seaport Village, and Embarcadero Marina Park, as well as prestigious private gardens in La Jolla. The firm's reputation was further enhanced by Yamada's 20-year tenure handling campus planning at UC San Diego, demonstrating their ability to work on complex, long-term institutional projects.

The firm's influence extended beyond individual projects. Wimmer played a pivotal role in establishing landscape architecture as a respected profession in San Diego, helping to found the local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). This commitment to professional development was recognized when both Wimmer and Yamada were named ASLA Fellows, the highest honor in the profession, in 1976 and 1979 respectively.

The firm's legacy as a training ground for future leaders in the field became another distinguishing feature. Many of San Diego's most successful landscape architects, including Frank Kawasaki and Mike Thilaker (KTU+A), Dennis Otsuji and Jack Nakawase (ONA), Ron Teshima (Teshima Design Group), Rick and Gail Garbini (Garbini & Garbini Landscape Architects), and Marian Marum (Marum & Associates), all began their careers under Wimmer and Yamada's mentorship.

This tradition of nurturing talent continued with Pat Caughey, who joined the firm in 1984 after being inspired by Yamada during a high school career-day presentation.

Caughey's journey with the firm exemplifies its evolution. Starting with part-time work in the Phoenix market, he quickly rose to run the Phoenix office, became a Principal in 1990, and eventually became Yamada’s business partner in 1995. Pat & Jenny Caughey purchased the firm in 1995. Under Caughey's leadership, the firm maintained its reputation for excellence while expanding its reach and influence. Caughey himself became an ASLA Fellow in 2004 and served as National ASLA President in 2006-07, further cementing the firm's standing in the profession.

The firm's success was recognized through numerous awards, including Collaborative Arts Awards from the American Institute of Architects, multiple ASLA Merit and Honor awards an ASLA National Landmark Award in 2011, and several local Orchid Awards. Their work became an integral part of San Diego's urban fabric, visible in landmarks from around San Diego Bayfront, Seaport Village, and beyond the San Diego region.

Today, as Wimmer, Yamada and Caughey, the firm continues to be regarded as one of San Diego's most prestigious landscape architecture practices, with a legacy that spans generations and a portfolio that has helped shape the city's identity. The firm's ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining its commitment to excellence has ensured its enduring influence on San Diego's landscape architecture scene.

While not taking on any new projects, Pat and Jenny Caughey continue to work in our local community on non-profit projects and other important volunteer efforts.

This article was written by Delle Willett and originally ran in SD Downtown News. March 2016. It was updated with the help of Pat Caughey for The Daily Transcript. Photos from WYAC and Delle Willett.

Delle Willett has been a marketing and public relations professional for over 30 years, with an emphasis on conservation of the environment. She can be reached at dellewillett@gmail.com.