Our Landscape Designers and Contractors

Chris Sothen, co-owner of Blend Outdoor Design + Construction, smiling in a black and white portrait, showcasing expertise in landscape design and construction.
co-owner

Meet the Blend Outdoor Team – Spokane & North Idaho Experts

After graduating from Washington State University in 2012 with a degree in Landscape Architecture, Chris worked locally for multiple well-respected companies, learning the industry and craft of a landscape contractor. Over the decade-plus in the industry, Chris has taken the lessons and skills gained over those years to help create a fresh take on landscaping in our region by starting Blend Outdoor Design + Construction with Collin. This landscape design firm business allows his creative juices to flow while ensuring he can help oversee all the small details that he believes Blend customers have come to expect from our projects. It’s important to sneak some off-time into the schedule so he and his wife, Lauren, like to sprinkle as much travel in as possible. See you in Montana!

Portrait of Christine Stierwalt, landscape designer at Blend Outdoor Design, with long hair and a friendly expression, set against a striped background, reflecting her artistic and creative role in landscape design.
Design Manager

Meet Chris Sothen: Expert Landscape Designer at Blend Outdoor Design

After graduating with a Horticulture degree from Okanagan College in 2010, Christine started her landscape design firm. She operated it until her move back to North Idaho in 2015.

A life-long artist and creative person, being a landscape designer is the perfect career, as she sees every design as a practical piece of art and loves seeing drawings become a beautiful livable space.  After running a design business independently, she enjoys being part of a fun and innovative landscape contractor team.

Christine grew up in eastern Washington but lived in Canada most of her adult life. An avid gardener, she is turning her backyard into an edible landscape. She loves learning about the edible and medicinal benefits of plants. You will find her gardening, hiking, spending time at the cabin, and visiting her kids in her spare time.