About
Beyond his landscape architecture, Otten was notable for constructing Alderwood under the supervision of renowned architect Vernon Macan and later built all of Macan’s Portland-area creations, making him a key collaborator in shaping Pacific Northwest golfing heritage.
George Herman Otten (1889–1978) was a distinguished American landscape architect renowned for his impactful work in Oregon, where he was especially influential in golf course architecture. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Otten graduated from the University of Oregon in 1911 and later earned a master's degree from Columbia University. He apprenticed in New York before returning home and dedicating his career to shaping much of Oregon’s landscape architecture. Otten's golf-related achievements include designing or contributing to several prominent golf course landscapes in the Portland area, notably Rose City Golf Course, Alderwood Country Club, Meadowbrook Golf Course, and Lloyd Golf Course. He was recognized for skillfully integrating golf courses with natural landscapes, helping define the regional character of public and private courses alike. His landscape vision extended beyond fairways to influential projects such as the Oregon State Capitol mall, Swan Island Airport, Timberline Lodge site, and many significant gardens and civic spaces. Otten’s legacy is embedded in Portland's golf culture and its larger green infrastructure.
