About Us
Our Mission at Tunnell & Tunnell is to ground your vision in reality.
Tunnell & Tunnell
Landscape Architecture
In 1978 upon graduation from UVA Spencer Tunnell returned to Atlanta and joined a leading landscape architecture firm. He enjoyed the people, the projects, and thrived in his work.
In 1988 Spencer chose to establish his own firm, Spencer Tunnell Landscape Architect. In 1997 he partnered with his late wife Lisa Martin Tunnell and changed the firm name to Tunnell & Tunnell Landscape Architecture.
Spencer is a fourth generation Atlantan. He knows the city’s culture, topography, soil and climate – as well as those of its neighborhoods. He has designed major landscapes and smaller scale projects, public and private, from the heart of the city to outlying towns and communities.
Our team believes that history and architecture impact our designs as much as the climate. We consider how each project relates to and enhances the fabric of our larger community.
We intuitively see the possibilities in every property we encounter, but we do not allow our vision to interfere with yours. We want to make certain that your will is done – and done well.
Today, we employ a staff of four, including three University of Georgia trained landscape architects & designers and one archivist. We serve institutional, commercial, and residential clients.
Spencer Tunnell, II
Founder & Owner
University of Virginia, Master of Landscape Architecture
University of Virginia, Master of Architectural History
University of Virginia, BS, Landscape Architecture
Spencer began gardening at age 9 and never stopped. Growing up in Atlanta, Spencer was fueled by his family’s love of nature. When it came time to choose a college he decided to go north to school, all the way to the University of Virginia.
At Virginia, Spencer found an environment rich in architectural and horticultural traditions fostered by Thomas Jefferson’s inspiring presence “on grounds” and in Spencer’s life.
Matt Sussman
Senior Designer
University of Georgia, Master of Landscape Architecture, 2003
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts, 1996
A native of Atlanta, Matt thought he wanted to pursue architecture after a study abroad in Italy, but something was missing—the land; a respect and love he developed gardening at home and exploring national parks growing up. Naturally, he shifted his focus to Landscape Architecture.
Matt has designed and managed various projects, often with important historic components, ranging from urban streetscapes to residential and commercial properties to parks. He is a board member of the Lindridge Martin Manor Neighborhood Association and has designed and developed two greenspaces in the neighborhood with the City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management for public use.
Erik Belgum
Landscape Designer
University of Georgia, BS, Landscape Architecture, 2012
Erik Belgum grew up in midtown Atlanta and attended Henry W. Grady High School near Piedmont Park.
Erik received an internship Tunnell & Tunnell in summer 2011 and began work full-time in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Georgia. He has managed a variety of residential projects that range from smaller urban gardens to master plans for estate properties. Erik enjoys working with homeowners and contractors to create a vision for their property. The work is not complete after the hardscapes are constructed and plant material is installed. Erik works with homeowners and landscape maintenance companies to develop landscape management protocols and strategies to establish and maintain beautiful, enduring landscapes.
Outside of the office, Erik spends his time playing, practicing, watching, and thinking about golf.
Jessica Busby
Manager & Archivist
Clayton State University, Master of Archival Studies
Armstrong Atlantic State University, BA, History
Jessica’s interest in preservation is grounded in history. Her work in the development and management of our archives and records programs allows her the ability to dive into the past so we can continue to make better choices for our future. She actively participates in historical research and data gathering on client projects as well as presentations, lectures, and papers. You’ll find Jessica working behind the scenes on every project from first contact to the last invoice.
What's Your Vision?
Call today at 404-874-8430 to schedule your initial consultation as your first step toward developing a vision for your future.
Tunnell & Tunnell
Landscape Architecture