We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adrian Angi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I chose the name Uproot because it captured both a personal shift and a broader mission. When I started my business, I was intentionally uprooting my career and taking a new path. But beyond that, I wanted to challenge and “uproot” the common perception of what landscape design is. It’s not just about planting shrubs or picking out patio furniture—it’s a thoughtful, creative process that shapes how people live and connect with their outdoor spaces.

There’s also something poetic about roots themselves. They instinctively seek out what they need to grow. It doesn’t happen all at once, but in slow steady movements. Roots can run for miles twisting, turning, and adapting to find water, even in tough conditions. That resilience and drive for growth really resonates with how I approach design and business. Uproot is about change, adaptability, and creating something new from the ground up.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After earning my Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, I began my career with a small design/build contractor and found myself really enjoying the direct, day-to-day interactions with clients. I spent the next 10 years at several landscape architecture firms, contributing to high-profile projects like Andaz Scottsdale, Villas Fashion Island, Hotel del Coronado, and Rancho Valencia. It was an honor to work on such stunning spaces, and the experience taught me so much. But over time, I realized I missed the personal satisfaction of seeing my designs come to life for clients who would truly use and enjoy them without the professional apathy that can come with spending years on large projects. So, I started my own company—blending the personal, hands-on approach of a small business with the refined quality of high-end design.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I had my first daughter, adjusting to life as a working mom was a real challenge. There’s so much to juggle—you’re constantly trying to perform at a high level professionally while still being fully present for your family. When my second daughter was born during the pandemic, it pushed me to a breaking point. I wanted to do it all, but the truth is, you can’t—not without a village. The architecture industry, like many others, isn’t built to support women in that balancing act. I knew something had to change.
So, I made the difficult decision to step away and carve my own path. Starting my own business was a leap, but it gave me the chance to reimagine what success could look like. It’s no longer defined by raises or promotions, but by my own values. It’s not always easy; there’s no one handing out gold stars. But now, I measure success by whether I’m proud of my work and proud of the mother I am. And by that standard, I’ve already won.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

When people hear “landscape,” they often think of gardeners or nursery centers—but landscape design is most closely related to interior design and architecture. We do more than just pick out plants: We understand layout, flow, materials, and how to tailor a space to your lifestyle to ensure your entire property feels cohesive and intentional. In San Diego, where the climate allows for year-round outdoor living, it’s especially important to treat your yard as an extension of your home. I promise that if you have a good designer reimagine your backyard, you will spend more time outdoors. There’s also real value in it—planting a tree is actually one of the best returns on investment for any home project.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.uproot-design.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uprootdesign_sd