News Archive
The City of Philadelphia selects Design Workshop to reimagine Benjamin Franklin Parkway
After an eight-month selection process and an international ideas workshop, we are thrilled to announce that we have been selected to reimagine Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway Public Realm, creating a 21st century pedestrian-oriented civic space and continuing a legacy envisioned more than 100 years ago.
Thoughtful conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion issues that impact our communities.
A warm thank you to our incredible group of presenters featured at our Chicago event this week. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and issues around DEI and have meaningful conversations with our clients and colleagues. A breadth of projects were presented including Tonika Johnson's Folded Map project, a series of art installations down the entire lakeshore, the Red Line Extension and the Terra Firma initiative in South Side of Chicago.
Design Workshop honored with six ASLA National Awards
“A firm receiving six national ASLA awards is an unprecedented achievement and we are honored by this recognition,” said Becky Zimmermann, CEO of Design Workshop. “It’s a testament to the talent of our team, the trust of our clients and the collaboration that occurs to create spaces that stand the test of time.”
Interview with Jessica Garrow
In our recent interview with Principal Jessica Garrow, she explains how the most challenging year has also created opportunities to rethink the way things have always been done as well as increasing focus on transparency and access.
Interview with Ryan Stone
Today, we would like you to meet one of our amazing clients – Ryan Stone, Managing Partner – Steamboat Springs, Colo. at East West Partners. We are working with Ryan and the East West Partners team along with the Steamboat Ski Resort Corporation and Alterra Mountain Company on the Gondola Plaza redesign project.
Interview with Jason Ficht
We recently asked Jason Ficht, a Planning Principal in our Los Angeles studio, what the greatest challenge facing the landscape architecture and planning industry today. He emphatically replied, "climate change, and the impacts of a carbon-based economy." Learn more about Jason's perspective on how regional scale design and policy changes like urban greening and urban forestry can help combat these global challenges.
Our proposal for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Ideas Workshop is live
Along with our incredibly talented team, we are so honored to participate in this workshop and we’re excited for the City of Philadelphia. We believe that through a collaborative implementation of the ideas presented here, it would be possible, over time, to eliminate cars on the Parkway thereby transforming the Parkway into a Park – Philadelphia’s Garden.
Chicago's long-discussed AIDS garden breaks ground in East Lakeview
This week, city officials marked the start of pride month by formally breaking ground on the long-discussed AIDS Garden Chicago along the lakefront. In the planning phase for more than a decade, the project will be the city’s first public monument dedicated to individuals lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and those who continue who live with the disease.
Phytoremediation: New Perspectives and Methods
Many thanks to Paul Thomas, President and Co-Founder of Applied Natural Sciences, for an informative talk on phytotechnologies as part of Design Workshop’s guest expert speaker series.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway Public Realm Plan
We are honored that the Design Workshop team was selected to participate in the Ideas Workshop for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Public Realm Plan, a grand 21st century pedestrian-oriented civic space that continues the legacy imagined over 100 years ago.
Meg Plumb joins The Cultural Landscape Foundation
We’re excited to announce that our very own Meg Plumb has joined the Board of Directors for @The Cultural Landscape Foundation! A non-profit established in 1998, the foundation aims to connect people to places by educating and engaging the public to make our shared landscape heritage more visible, identify its value, and empower its stewards.
Design Workshop Announces 2021 Principal & Associate Promotions
We are proud to announce the promotion of these nine team members who are being recognized for their leadership, commitment to professional growth, contributions to their communities, and their efforts towards the growth and success of others.
ESOP 1-Year Anniversary
This week we are recognizing our one year anniversary of becoming 100% Employee-Owned! As we look to this past year, it is our unified team that has carried us through some unpredictable times. Our adaptability, tenacity and eye towards innovation is the reason we have thrived for over 50 years. Each and every one of the over 150 employee owners is incredibly humbled by this opportunity to share in the success of the firm. We look forward to a bright future.
Houston’s Energy Corridor Accelerates Major Planning Projects
The Energy Corridor District recently kicked off two major strategic planning projects that will impact the future of the Energy Corridor for years to come. “The Strategic Action Plan and the Design Standards and Streetscape Guidelines projects will guide the Energy Corridor’s future opportunity for growth, development, and redevelopment,” said the Energy Corridor District’s Executive Director, Elijah J. Williams. “These two strategic planning projects emphasize a strong sense of place and identity, sound infrastructure, and visionary – yet practical – planning, which positions us for an exciting and successful future.”
International Women's Day 2021
Today, on International Women’s Day, we raise our hands in solidarity with people worldwide – committing to challenge gender bias and inequality to create a more inclusive future for all.
Internship design project kicks-off
We are excited to be rolling out a distinctly collaborative project to create a master plan for the Lowell Ponds recreation area in Adams County, Colorado. Learn more about what’s distinctive about this particular project.
Summer Internship 2021
Are you looking for a collaborative internship with an award-winning design firm this summer? Design Workshop offers a dynamic program for students pursuing degrees in landscape architecture, urban planning and design.
Interview with Nicole Rebeck-Stout
We recently caught up with Nicole Rebeck-Stout after her promotion to Associate in our Aspen studio. In her interview Nicole reflects on what she believes is the most important design element that makes for a successful space, the “selfie spot.” Find out more about how technology influences landscape architectural design by checking out her interview.
Dr. Charles Fountain Internship
Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our Dr. Charles Fountain internship recipients, an internship program established by Design Workshop in honor of Dr. Fountain, founder of the Landscape Architecture Program at North Carolina A and T State University in appreciation of his pioneering efforts.
Interview with Manisha Kaul
Growing up in India Manisha Kaul, [pictured in the front row], brings a global perspective to DW and the practice of landscape architecture. We recently sat down with Manisha following her recent promotion to Principal in our Chicago studio, to discuss the issues and trends that our industry will face in the next upcoming years. Access to public spaces, equity, access to clean water, and extreme climates are some of the many issues Manisha highlighted. She believes that it is our obligation to impress upon future generations to create environments that heal the human spirit.
Interview with Jamie Fogle
We recently asked Jamie Fogle, a technical principal in our Denver studio, what trends are on the horizon for our industry, as well as, the greatest challenge landscape architects are facing today. For Jamie, the biggest challenge is how to innovate public spaces for increased usage while enduring the test of time. With Jamie’s distinct technical background and perspective, it is definitely an interview worth checking out.
Interview with Marianne Stuck
We recently asked Marianne Stuck, a planner in our Aspen studio, how the impact of the pandemic has differed in her native country of Chile. She responded that for some cultures, streets are natural extensions of the living room with much of day-to-day life occurring there on a regular basis. She said this is especially true for high-density, low-income neighborhoods with little access to green spaces – and she sees it as a professional imperative to resolve this inequity. This was just one of the topics we discussed with Marianne following her recent promotion to Associate.
Interview with Chris Geddes
There are few people who commit as many volunteer hours as Chris Geddes to improve the public realm in downtown Denver. A member of the Downtown Denver Partnership Public Realm Council and Tree Task Force, Chris is passionate about improving livability in urban cores. We recently talked with Chris after his promotion to Principal – we knew he would have a lot to say about outdoor spaces, but we were excited to learn that one of his favorite urban havens is Greenacre Park in New York City.
Interview with Alex Hill
Do you think the field of landscape architecture and planning needs to embrace a paradigm shift? We recently sat down with Alex Hill after his promotion to Associate this year, and he thinks we are on the cusp of significant changes in our practice. He is quick to say that he doesn’t have all the answers, but he certainly poses some provocative questions. Check out his interview to learn more.
Interview with Jessica Garrow
Jessica Garrow brings a valuable perspective to DW – expertise as a senior level planning professional complemented by 13 years of experience as a land use and community planner for the City of Aspen. We recently sat down with Jessica following her promotion to Associate this year. She shared her thoughts on emerging trends for communities and how our profession can adapt to meet those needs. Interestingly, Jessica began the conversation from a more personal perspective – that of a small town resident.
Interview with Aimee Duffy
Aimee Duffy, our Director of Human Resources, was faced this year with what she hopes is a once-in-a-career experience – responding to the growing pandemic by helping the people in our eight studios remain safe and healthy as they continued to provide our clients with exceptional service. In our recent interview with Aimee, who was promoted to Principal this year, she discusses the lasting impacts on the workplace environment.
Interview with Conners Ladner
This month we interviewed Conners Ladner, a landscape architect and newly promoted Principal in our Austin studio. Conners shares his passion for growing the profession and the role education plays as a key component toward creating stewardship.
Allyson Mendenhall Honored with Denver Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business Award
Allyson’s focus at Design Workshop has evolved to impact all projects at the firm through its Legacy Design initiative, which emphasizes practice-based research and comprehensive sustainable agendas for design projects.
Downtown Ogden Master Plan draft is out for final public comment
Over the last year and a half our Denver studio has been working on creating a 25-year vision for downtown Ogden that addresses the economic and ecological future of this growing city.
Design Workshop Becomes Employee-Owned Company
Design Workshop is pleased to announce that it is now 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) owned. "With the move to a 100% employee-owned company, Design Workshop now has a framework for ownership transition that provides a substantial long-term benefit for employees and positions the firm for continued success in our next 50 years,” said Kurt Culbertson
Design Workshop Announces 2020 Principal & Associate Promotions
“While COVID-19 has us all working from home, we remain committed to recognizing our employees for their hard work and efforts. We are delighted to announce the promotion of these 11 team members who are being recognized for their leadership, commitment to professional growth, contributions to their communities, and their efforts towards the growth and success of others.” — Becky Zimmermann
Women's History Month 2020
In honor of National Women’s History Month, we are excited to launch a month-long series sharing the stories about what the women at Design Workshop are doing to help or have done to positively impact the lives of other women or girls in their local communities.
Patrick Mooney book features four DW projects
Patrick Mooney launched his new book, Planting Design: Connecting People to Place in Vancouver.
Design Workshop Returns to its Roots Opening a New Office in Raleigh
The move places the Design Workshop studio in a central location in the mid-atlantic and southeast regions allowing it to better serve the burgeoning urban population in the southeast.
American Society of Landscape Architects Elevates Allyson Mendenhall of Design Workshop to the Council of Fellows
Elevation to the ASLA Council of Fellows is among the highest honors that the ASLA bestows upon its members and recognizes their contributions to the profession and is based on their work, leadership and management, knowledge and service to society at large.
Lafitte Greenway project selected to participate in the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s (LAF) Landscape Performance Series case study 2020 program
The project‘s environmental, social and economic benefits will be evaluated by an academic research team led by Professor Lake Douglas of Louisiana State University’s Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture.
Becky Zimmermann receives Denver Business Journal Lifetime Achievement Award
Thirty-six finalists and one Lifetime Achievement Award winner have been named in Denver Business Journal's 21st Outstanding Women in Business awards program.
INSIGHT: Three Trends to Know in Community Park Landscape Design & Planning
A look at the relevant trends that Design Workshop incorporated into the planning and design of the new Branch Park in a mixed-income, mixed-use urban village in Austin, Texas.
Claire Hempel appointed to City of Austin Planning Commission
Claire's two-year term begins on July 1. She will work with fellow commissioners to guide the growth and direction of land development in Austin.
Paul Squadrito promoted to Technical Principal
In this role, he will provide firmwide leadership and professional development in the areas of quality control, project management, and technical execution.
2019 Austin Green Awards
The 2019 Austin Green Awards Celebration recognizes four outstanding projects.
Equity-focused Parks
Vancouver approves an equity-focused parks strategy for the future.
Internationally Recognized Lighting Designer Patrick Quigley Joins Design Workshop
Design Workshop is pleased to announce that Patrick B. Quigley, IALD, will join the firm as principal of lighting design. Based in the Los Angeles office, he will help guide lighting concepts and programming, develop sustainability strategies, and manage other lighting-related services for the firm’s clients around the world.
Jessica Garrow Joins Design Workshop
Community Development Director Jessica Garrow, AICP, will join the firm as a senior level planner. In this role, she will be responsible for guiding the planning efforts of Design Workshop’s international roster of clients.
Design Workshop on 50 Years
ColoradoBiz features Design Workshop's 50 Years in Business and Colorado
Design Workshop turns 50
Design Workshop Celebrates 50 Years of Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning
Design Workshop 2019 promotions
Design Workshop announces 11 promotions recognizing exceptional leadership and commitment to professional growth.
Los Alamos Tourism Plan Receives National Planning Award
APA Announces 2019 National Planning Award Recipients
Hotel Jerome featured in Forbes
Inside Aspen's Hottest New Nightlife Venue At Hotel Jerome
Vanke Lake Songhua Resort Wins Title of China's Best Ski Resort
Design Workshop is pleased to announce for the second year running, Vanke Lake Songhua Resort has won the award for China’s Best Ski Resort from the 2018 World Ski Awards.
Design Workshop Wins Three National ASLA Awards
Design Workshop has been awarded with three National ASLA Professional Awards this year, which are the highest honors presented by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Selects Design Workshop Team To Develop Gateway Plan
The plan will envision a new physical framework to help the Center serve more people.
Design Workshop Redesigns Winter Park Plaza
The project is anticipated to be completed in November 2018 in time for the Winter Park ski resort to open for the winter season.
City of Aspen Preparing for Upheaval of Pedestrian Malls
The city is preparing to rip up 130,000 square feet on Hyman, Mill, Cooper and Galena streets that comprise Aspen’s pedestrian malls.
APA Features New Book "Creating Planning Documents" by Design Workshop
Written by planning practitioners and based on hard-earned experience, this PAS Report standardizes guidance for planning documentation.
Community Members Learn About New Concepts for Improving Forest Park
Forest Park Great Streets Study has identified a range of potential improvements to how visitors — particularly those on foot and bike — experience the Park
Greenroads Certifies First Project in Texas
The Greenroads Foundation announced that the Bagby Street Reconstruction Project in Houston, Texas has become the first project to achieve Greenroads Certification in the State of Texas, receiving a Silver Rating for its design and construction sustainability efforts.
Xiaojian Fan Q&A
We recently interviewed Xiaojian Fan, a landscape designer in our Los Angeles studio, who was promoted to Associate this year. She shares what drives her in this profession and the influence designers have toward improving public health.
Client Q&A with Lee Farris
"Every day I run into City employees who live in Cadence who tell me the community has exceeded their expectations in terms of quality of life. And now we are in the Top 10 best-selling communities in the U.S.! Check out the entire interview with Lee Farris, Manager of Land Development for The Landwell Company, collaborating with us on the Cadence project for the last 16 years.
Client Q&A with Dan Van Leeuwen
"This project has made me realize what it means to put together a good Master Plan where the long-term strategy is tested against our business goals and priorities. The Design Workshop team helped me see how the project should evolve over time, ‘future-proofing’ it for the long term." Check out the full interview with Dan Van Leeuwen, Managing Director of Development for Canderel MDC Development, who has been collaborating with us on the TAZA project for the last 3 years.
Client Q&A with Paul Hayes
“We were in the early stages of planning for a land development project – formerly referred to as the Market District – in Des Moines, Iowa. This hip, new area will be an entirely new development on an eight-acre park next to the river…” Check out the full interview with Paul Hayes, President of East Village Green, LLC.
Client Q&A with Brandon Cooper
"As the City of Ogden continues to grow, it’s time to rethink our existing design and planning standards for downtown Ogden to ensure we have a Master Plan that serves the needs of our community for the next 15 to 20 years. Thus, the Make Ogden initiative was born." Check out the full interview with Brandon Cooper, Deputy Director of the Community and Economic Development for the City of Ogden in Utah and client for the last thirteen years.
Creating Planning Documents
This guide to creating high-quality planning documents was developed by Design Workshop as part of the American Planning Association Planning Advisory Services (PAS) Report series, which publishes quarterly on current issues and innovative practices. The recommendations, which began as an internal handbook for the staff, will be of value to anyone engaged in a planning effort and responsible for providing content for a planning document.
Download from the APA website »
Landscape Architecture Documentation Standards: Principles, Guidelines, and Best Practices
A project will only be built as well as it is documented. This publication focuses on the key documentation needs of the landscape architectural design and construction documentation process. That includes both "design documentation" and "construction documentation" as well as all that which occurs in the transition from one phase to the other.
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Landscapes of Enduring Quality
Landscapes of Enduring Quality showcases 55 projects from across the United States and selected international locations. This bilingual publication contains both English and Chinese language narratives that provide a glimpse into the philosophy and approach behind each design solution.
Garden Legacy
Garden Legacy explores the residential landscape architecture of Design Workshop. The gardens contained within these pages are found in some of the most beautiful natural environments in the world.
Toward Legacy
Toward Legacy is a visual and literary walk through 35 years of evolution of the landscape architecture firm Design Workshop. These extraordinary landscapes are the result of DW Legacy Design®. This book expresses through essays, project descriptions and case studies how Design Workshop seeks to move projects Toward Legacy.