Beginning 20 years ago as a collaboration with Randy Jones, Campus Architect, Susan Van Atta and Carl Johnson of JJR, Landscape Architects, VAI/Van Atta Associates helped prepare an overall campus landscape plan. Since that time the improved landscape includes restoring the historic gardens below the original estate house, removing invasive vegetation, bringing overgrown plantings back to an appropriate scale, adding water features, and conserving venerable oak trees.

The guiding aim has been to create outdoor spaces that foster a sense of campus community. Many projects have been completed throughout the campus, with the work continuing today with the construction of the Westmont Institute for Global Learning and Leadership.