Congratulations to the 2025 PA-DE ASLA Professional Award Recipients!
Thank you to the Arizona ASLA Chapter for jurying the 2025 awards program.
Analysis & Planning
Navy Yard Plan
Field Operations
Client: PIDC and Ensemble / Mosaic
Project Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Project Statement:
With over 109 acres of new development, 4.5 million square feet of buildings, 1 million square feet of public space, and a $2.6 billion investment, the Navy Yard Plan envisions the transformation of a former industrial site into a vibrant urban neighborhood. Addressing some of the greatest challenges of this century—climate change, social and economic inequity—the Plan prioritizes an innovative public realm as a catalyst for transformation.
Additional Project Credit: Project Lead, Master Planning, Landscape Urbanism, Placemaking: Field Operations
Core Team
Economic & Workforce Development: Urbane Development
Architecture: DIGSAU
Transportation Planning: Toole Design
Equitable Development & Housing Affordability: Mdesigns
Engineering: Integrated Resilient
Systems Planning: Sherwood Design Engineers
Infrastructure Planning: Pennoni
Infrastructure (Utility) Planning: David Mason + Associates
Infrastructure (Civil) Planning: Rodriguez Consulting
Specialists:
Arts-based Community Engagement: Amber Art & Design LEED Neighborhood Planning: Re:Vision Architecture
Cost Estimating: Dharam Consulting
Laboratory Planning: HERA Laboratory Planners
Parking Planning: THA Consulting
Phoenixville Square – Planning for Community
Ground Reconsidered
Client: Borough of Phoenixville
Project Location: Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Project Statement:
Phoenixville, located at the junction of French Creek and the Schuylkill River northwest of Philadelphia and settled in the early 18th century, is rich in railroad and steel history. Aptly named, Phoenixville has risen successfully following renewals of industrial, economic, and developmental pressures. This analysis studies the conversion of a municipal parking lot, while leveraging community engagement and forward-thinking goal setting, to provide an aspirational design framework that will deliver a valuable community park.
Additional project credit: The Lighting Practice; Lighting design, Remington & Vernick Engineers; Code review & cost estimation Community of Phoenixville
Reimagine Middle Branch
Field Operations
Client: South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and the City of Baltimore
Project Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Project Statement:
Reimagine Middle Branch is a visionary and community-driven initiative to reconnect South Baltimore with a system of world-class parks, trails, programs, and economic development plans along 11 miles of the Middle Branch shoreline on the Patapsco River. The Plan envisions a physical, environmental, and economic transformation of the Middle Branch, aiming to foster equity and inclusion through innovative park and shoreline improvements alongside public programs, partnerships, policies, job opportunities, and economic development initiatives.
Additonal project credit: Design Lead, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Master Planning, Public Engagement: Field OperationsLocal Landscape Architect: Mahan Rykiel Associates Baltimore Cultural Landscape Specialist: Design Jones Civil, Coastal, Structural and Marine Engineering: Moffatt & Nichol Multimodal Transportation & Traffic Engineering: Toole Design Environmental Engineering & Ecology: Biohabitats Local Urban Design & Architecture: Waldon Studio Community Outreach & Facilitation: Assedo Consulting Youth & Virtual Engagement Specialist: The Urban StudioJustice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Design Specialist: Kofi Boone PR/Strategic Messaging Plan: KG&A Graphic Design, Digital Media & Messaging Implementation: Public Mechanics Governance, Revenue Generation, Real Estate & Equitable Development: Urbane Development Costing & Implementation Strategies: Dharam Consulting
The Ridgway Riverfront Master Site Plan
HRG Inc.
Client: The Borough of Ridgway
Project Location: Ridgway, Pennsylvania
Project Statement:
The Borough of Ridgway wished to develop a Master Site Plan for the 28 acres of property on the Clarion River banks. The design team’s goals included thoughtfully redeveloping this post-industrial site as an economic, recreational, environmental, and social asset for the community. These goals were achieved through community background studies, site analysis, in-depth public participation, iterative design, an understanding of ecological and environmental impacts, cost estimation, and funding analysis.
The Sustainable Landscape Implementation Plan
STIMSON
Client: The Pennsylvania State University
Project Location: Penn State University, University Park, PA
Project Statement:
To support Penn State’s goals to increase overall campus sustainability and to realize net zero carbon emissions by 2035, the Sustainable Landscape Implementation Plan (SLIP) examines how ecological landscape management strategies can be implemented to transition the prototypical tree and lawn campus landscape to an ecologically intense, lower input series of landscape strategies. The SLIP initiates a paradigm shift in our collective values with solutions that are manageable and supported by data to enact change.
Additional project credit: Steering Committee: Erica Smithwick, Eric Burkhart, Mike Toolan, Grace Wills, Carlin Blash, Ken Tamminga, Casey Sclar, Marek Pundzak, Krista Bailey, Tracey Olexa, Todd Zook, Neil Sullivan, Tom Flynn, Laurie Henry, Derek Kalp, Kurt Coduti
OPP Executive Committee: Bill Sitzabee, Steven Watson, Phillip Melnick, Bruce Smith, Mark Selivan, Neil Sullivan
Other Contributors: Matt Wolf, Norm Parks, Theresa Barger, Nate Cromley, Dan Frechen, Adam Craw, Kate Hallin, Ted Zeljak, Kim Fanucci, Rychele Stipcak, Jason Doksa, Abby Kouneski, John Richendrfer
Cleveland Parks and Recreation Plan
OLIN
Client: City of Cleveland
Project Location: Cleveland, OH
Project Statement:
The Cleveland Parks and Recreation Plan, the city’s first in over 40 years, provides a comprehensive, community-driven roadmap for the future of parks and recreation. Developed through extensive public input, it addresses key issues such as equitable access, sustainability and maintenance, and funding. The plan uses an equity-based prioritization framework to target investments in areas where they are needed most, ensuring current and future generations of Clevelanders benefit from parks and recreation facilities.
Additional project credit: OLIN, Landscape Architecture and Planning PROS Consulting, Recreation, Management, Operations, Funding ThirdSpace Action Lab, Racial Equity and Inclusion OHM Advisors, Local Planning and Design Liaisons DesignExlporr, Youth Engagement Neighborhood Connection, Neighborhood-Based Outreach Rhonda Crowder & Associates, Public Relations, Event Logistics IG Global Solutions, Translation and Interpretation ETC Institute, Statistically Valid Survey
Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens Master Plan 2025
RAS Landscape Architects, Inc.
Client: Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Project Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Project Statement:
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Master Plan 2025 outlines a comprehensive vision for the next quarter century, emphasizing sustainable practices, innovative design, and immersive visitor experiences. The plan solidifies the garden’s role as a premier destination for horticultural excellence within Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Plateau region. It addresses operational challenges derived from the dramatic terrain and highlights ecologically rich areas. New gardens showcase thoughtfully curated botanical collections, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and educational opportunities.
Additional project credit: Keith S. Kaiser Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Executive Director; Mike Hatcher Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Board of Directors Chair; Board of Directors Master Plan Subcommittee Dedicated PBG staff Richard King Mellon Foundation
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian
OLIN
Client: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Project Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Project Statement:
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian, the largest hospital in Pittsburgh’s history, is poised to significantly enhance the Oakland neighborhood. The project introduces a variety of new urban public spaces—benefiting patients, staff, the university, and the surrounding community. This ambitious expansion, which includes a New Patient Tower and campus landscape, is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort with landscape architecture thoughtfully incorporated from the earliest planning phases. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
Additional project credit: OLIN, Landscape Architecture and Planning HGA, Architect, Landscape Lighting and Structural EngineeriKM, Architect, Local Partner Langan, Civil Engineer Whiting-Turner, Construction Management PJ Dick, Construction Management Stacy Levy, Environmental Artist Renee Piechocki, Art Consultant CJL Engineering, MEP Exit Design, Wayfinding Lynch & Associates, Irrigation Trans Associates, Traffic
General Design
ResilienCity Park: Common Ground for Social and Climate Resilience
OLIN
Client: City of Hoboken
Location: Hoboken, NJ
Project Statement:
ResilienCity Park transforms a former industrial site into Hoboken’s largest public park, seamlessly integrating social spaces with innovative resilience strategies to adapt for the future. By combining green infrastructure and nature-based solutions to mitigate 1.75 million gallons from rainfall events, the park fosters both environmental sustainability and community well-being. It serves as a fundamental part of Hoboken’s strategy for flood adaptation while providing inclusive opportunities and vital public spaces for all to enjoy.
Additional Project Credit: OLIN, Landscape Architecture and Planning Richard Roark, Partner-in-Charge Marni Burns, Senior Project Manager, Partner Rebecca Jee Klein, Project Coordinator Nate Wooten, Project Landscape Architect Dimitra Grigoriou, Landscape Architect Sarah Swanseen, Landscape Architect Kate Lawler, Graphic Designer and Signage Specialist AKRF, Prime Consultant and Civil Engineer Architects, Architect Silman, Structural Engineer OLA, MEP Engineer TEND, Landscape Management Consultant Studio Ludo, Play Consultant Delta, Fountain Designers Lynch and Associates, Irrigation Design Tillett Lighting Design Associates, Lighting Design VJ Associates, Cost Consultants
Ewell Plaza
Mahan Rykiel Associates
Client: The City of Lancaster
Location: Lancaster, PA
Project Statement:
Ewell Plaza’s redesign transforms a vacant, failed 1960’s redevelopment lot into a vibrant public gathering space, supporting mixed-use redevelopment and Lancaster’s broader revitalization. The project prioritizes inclusivity through extensive community engagement, honoring the city’s heritage while addressing diverse needs. By fostering connections between investments and destinations, the Plaza enhances economic vitality and livability. The design integrates flexible programming, green infrastructure, and safer connections, ensuring a sustainable and welcoming space for all the citizens of Lancaster.
Additional Project Credit: Landscape Architect: Mahan Rykiel Associates
Civil Engineer: C.S. Davidson Inc.
Lighting: The Lighting Practice, Inc
MEP: Wick Fisher White
Irrigation: Irrigation Consultant Services
General Contractor: Flyway Excavating Inc.
Architect: R&R Studios
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Master Plan and Phase 1: Conserving a global future through local action
OLIN
Client: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Location: Sarasota, FL
Project Statement:
The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Phase 1 realizes the beginning of a visionary Master Plan combining global conservation, botanical research, and environmental education with sustainable design. This phase introduced a new arrival complex and research center, and made Selby Gardens the world’s first net-positive botanical garden. With stormwater purification, solar energy, and a connective community vision, it sets a global benchmark for resilient planning and adaptation within a cherished Sarasota institution
Additional Project Credit: OLIN, Landscape Architecture and Planning, Master Plan Prime Consultant Richard Roark, Partner-in-Charge Marni Burns, Senior Project Manager, Partner Sarah Leaskey, Associate Dimitra Grigoriou, Senior Landscape Architect
Overland Partners, Architect Kimley Horn, Civil/Site Structural Engineer David Sacks Landscape Architecture, Botanical Garden Advisor
Creative Preservation, Historical Resources Consultant Ron Determann, Greenhouse and Tropical Plant Advisor
ARUP – Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, AV/IT & Acoustic Engineer LAM Lighting & Design, Lighting Designer Martin Aquatic, Fountain
Russell Byers Charter School Play Deck
Ground Reconsidered
Client: Byerschool Foundation
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Project Statement:
The new Russell Byers Charter School play deck, designed for a wide variety of play, learning and social activities, successfully meets the needs of PreK through 8th grade students, fostering engagement and connection, on a 5000 square foot roof. Designed with student input within the constraints of an ambitious schedule and challenging budget, opportunities for exploration, sliding, climbing as well as repose in the shade are accommodated in the new space.
Additional Project Credit: Russell Byers Charter School Bittenbinder Construction – Project and Construction Manager IMEG – MEP Engineer Thornton Tomasetti – Structural Engineer
Temple University Founder’s Garden Renovation
Sikora Wells Appel
Client: Temple University
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Project Statement:
The renovation of Temple University’s historic, 1960s-era Modernist sunken garden and adjacent connections honored the original design intent of the garden. Many updates and additions were made including a setting for the new Temple Owl, a sculptural water feature, lighting, seating, lush native planting and hardscape including permeable paving. Founder’s Garden has always been an important commemorative campus place that was transformed into a well-used integral and multifunctional gathering space for Temple’s evolving campus.
UPMC Mercy Pavilion
HOK
Client: UPMC Mercy
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Project Statement:
UPMC Mercy Pavilion serves patients with diseases of the eye or vision impairment. To achieve a welcoming, inclusive design at every level—from streetscape to care areas—the landscape utilizes universal design strategies that promote multi-sensory interaction and positive mental health outcomes. The design includes a Rehabilitation and Healing Garden— a powerful demonstration of the healing power of landscape architecture that utilizes non-visual stimuli, including touch and sound, to promote learning and connection with others.
Additional Project Credit: Chris Downey, AIA
The Delaware River Trail
NV5
Client: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Project Statement:
The Delaware River Trail (DRT) connects many civic spaces and communities along the eastern Philadelphia riverfront. The trail runs for 3.5 miles from South Philadelphia to Fishtown, and changes in character all along its length. At points, it runs along the river’s edge, and at other points meanders between planting areas or through civic spaces. The DRT has transformed the eastern edge of the city, inviting riverfront recreation, civic interaction, and sustainable modes of travel.
Additional Project Credit: Delaware River Waterfront Corporation – Client NV5 – Landscape Architects and Civil Engineers Ball Nogues Studio – Public Art JMT – Waterfront Inspection, Streetlight and Traffic Signal Design Rocco Avallone – Videographer
FDR Park – Anna C. Verna Playground
WRT
Client: Fairmount Park Conservancy / City of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Project Statement:
The Anna C. Verna Playground at FDR Park is the iconic, signature playground where nature and play are on full display for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Innovative play surfacing, custom natural structures, and North America’s largest swing set bring sustainability and accessibility together into Philadelphia’s premiere nature play experience. This is the first actualized project of the FDR Park Plan – a pioneering blueprint for revitalization and protection from climate change.
Additional Project Credit: Project Design Team: WRT (Landscape Architecture & Planning), Studio Ludo (Lead Playground Designer – Meghan Talarowski, Emily Galfond), KS Engineers (Civil Engineer), Meliora Design (Stormwater Management), dbHMS (MEP), CVM (Structural Engineering), GD Loft (Environmental Graphics), Envision Consultants (Cost Estimating), Biohabitats (Wetland Delineation), SPEC (Playground Equipment Designer / Distributor), Daniel J. Keating (Contractor), Albert Lee and Sahar Coston-Hardy (Photography).
The Folger Shakespeare Library
OLIN
Client: The Folger Shakespeare Library
Location: Washington, DC
Project Statement:
The Grounds of the Folger Shakespeare Library reflect its renewed civic mission creating a more inclusive, experiential, and welcoming place on Capitol Hill. The multifunctional design provides physical access, expands educational offerings, and strengthens connections to the adjacent neighborhood. Three community “rooms” provide opportunities to celebrate Shakespeare’s love of nature through seasonal plantings and inscriptions from his writings as well as a new work of art, a poem by US Poet Laureate Rita Dove.
Additonal Project Credit: OLIN, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning: Hallie Boyce, Partner Sarah Mille, Associate Judy Venonsky, Associate & Living Systems Specialist: Anneliza Kaufer, Associate Ryan Buckley, Landscape Architect: Kieran Timberlake, Architecture: Altieri Sebor Wieber, MEPF Engineering: Silman, Structural Engineering: Sorba Engineering, Civil Engineering: Pitchford Associates, Arboriculture: Arborist Consulting & Tree Preservation, LLC, Arboriculture: Lynch & Associates, Irrigation Design: Tillotson Design Associates, Lighting Design: Pentagram, Signage Graphics: MTFA Design + Preservation, Historic Preservation: JMA Preservation, Historic Preservation: CMS Collaborative, Water Feature Design: Environmental Design, Inc. & Davey Tree, Tree Relocation: Gilbane Building Company, Construction Manager Ruppert Landscape, Landscape Contractor: Lorton Stone, LLC, Stone Contractor & Masonry Restoration: Becker & Frondorf, Owner’s Representation
Residential Design
The Architect’s Oasis
Refugia Design
Client: Andrew Maass & Family
Location: Merion Station, PA
Project Statement:
The Architect’s Oasis offers vital and restorative outdoor living space for plants, wildlife and people alongside managing extensive stormwater runoff. Our design-build team capitalized on grading to reimagine a loosely tiered delineation of space while channeling stormwater to a rain garden in the front. Cohesive build materials help elevate multi-use for this architect’s young family within biodiverse immersive native habitat that now provides essential forage and shelter for all its inhabitants.
Additional Project Credit: Matt Nichols Masonry.
Communications
Constructing the American Public Realm
PORT
Client: Ian L McHarg Center (Collaborator)
Project Statement:
Do you know how your park gets made? Constructing the American Public Realm (CAPR) investigates how public spaces are conceived, funded, and maintained. Through 27 case studies and a 64-card Public Space Funding Primer, CAPR empowers advocates, policymakers, and designers to navigate complex governance and financing systems. This collaborative research initiative fosters equity, resilience, and systemic advocacy, reframing parks and public spaces as essential civic infrastructure deserving sustained investment.
Additional Project Credit: Christopher Marcinkoski, Nicholas Jabs, Anna Darling, Olivia Loughrey, Lillia Schmidt.