Arica Duhrkoop-Galas focused on childhood development and learning theory for her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Portland State University, where she graduated with honors.

She then went on to teach English as a Second Language to adults with a teaching certificate from a Cambridge University program.

She rediscovered the joy of gardening while living on two acres in Portland where she was given the freedom of designing the garden and growing vegetables, when her husband introduced her to the idea of studying Landscape Architecture.  Building on her art background and architectural drafting courses, a love for the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and a desire to make a difference for the environment; she moved to Eugene to obtain a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon.

After 15 years of practice in small landscape architecture and design firms, Arica has launched her own business - Artemisia Landscape Architecture.  Through this firm, she hopes to bring a focus on climate resilience to the design field while practicing the knowledge she brings to teaching at the University of Oregon.