FIRM
J A L A accepts a select number of commissions
to ensure the level of quality is achieved for every project.
LEADERSHIP
Jeff Allen
Founding Partner
Jeff Allen, principal of J A L A, LLC, graduated from the University of Georgia’s School of Environmental Design and began his career working with firms in Atlanta and New York. He founded his practice in September 2000, drawing inspiration from the gardens of historic residences and parks. Over time, Jeff developed a design approach rooted in classical residential garden design, informed by tradition, proportion, and craft.
Committed to lifelong learning, Jeff continues to study landscape history and design through books, lectures, and travel. He is actively involved with the Library of American Landscape History, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art—where he serves as President—the Southern Garden History Society, and The Cultural Landscape Foundation. Jeff frequently shares his knowledge with garden clubs and professional audiences and currently serves as Vice President of the board of NCIAA.
Jeff is a registered landscape architect in both Georgia and North Carolina
Chris Stidham
Managing Partner
Chris was raised in Maryland, where an early love of nature sparked a lifelong connection to the outdoors. That curiosity led him west to explore the mountains of Oregon, deepening his interest in plants, landscape, and place. He later returned to academia, graduating with honors from the University of Florida with a degree in landscape architecture.
Following graduation, Chris relocated to North Carolina to begin his professional career, gaining experience at large firms in Charlotte and Winston-Salem. He joined JALA Associates in 2016 and was named a Partner in 2025.
Chris now focuses on design-driven work that responds to the character of place and reflects the individuality of each client. Through thoughtful landscape architecture, he seeks to reconnect people with nature, beauty, and meaning—creating spaces that inspire, restore, and endure.