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2023 Professional + Student Chapter Awards
The Maryland Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects recently held its annual Awards Gala to celebrate the exceptional work and accomplishments of its members. This year’s event drew more than 140 members and supporters to The Winslow at the Parker Metal Building in Baltimore City. Emma Skalka, Hon. ASLA of Victor Stanley presented this year's Keynote Speaker, Emily O'Mahoney, FASLA, President of ASLA National. Our Keynote highlighted ASLA's newly developed Climate Action Plan which supports the organization's climate action commitment and provides best practice guidance, toolkits and resources for ASLA members.
This year's award categories included General Design, General Design (Unbuilt), Residential Design (Single and Multi-Family), Institutional, Infrastructural, Communications, Analysis & Planning, and Research. Distinctions included Merit Awards, Honor Awards, the Traveling Award of Innovative Excellence, and the Presidential Award of Excellence. See this year's winners, below.
Student Awards
University of Maryland, College Park
Hayley Welzant, Student ASLA
Honor Award
Maia Kessler,
Student ASLA
Merit Award
Erin Callahan,
Student ASLA
Honor Award
Zach Spence,
Student ASLA
Merit Award
McKenzie Fei,
Student ASLA
Merit Award
Matthew Reise,
Student ASLA
Merit Award
Morgan State University
Deepa Sapkota,
Student ASLA
Honor Award
Kaila Blevins,
Student ASLA
Merit Award
2022 Student Scholarship and Fellowship Winners
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Audrey Seiz,
Student ASLA
Fellowship
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Michaela Ada,
Student ASLA
Scholarship
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Javiera Diaz-Ortiz,
Student ASLA
Scholarship
Merit Awards
The Mills Building is an 11-story structure constructed in 1966 at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue. This high-profile property’s renovation is characterized by a sculptural feel, incorporating an undulating riverbed motif that creates a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.
The Mills Building is an 11-story structure constructed in 1966 at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue. This high-profile property’s renovation is characterized by a sculptural feel, incorporating an undulating riverbed motif that creates a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.
General Design
The Mills Building
Mahan Rykiel Associates
As the Lakefront developed, Rouse’s vision began to be realized. The design team was challenged to transform this underutilized space in Downtown Columbia into an amenity that seamlessly integrates with the Lakefront experience and invites people to gather, work, and play all within the same space.
As the Lakefront developed, Rouse’s vision began to be realized. The design team was challenged to transform this underutilized space in Downtown Columbia into an amenity that seamlessly integrates with the Lakefront experience and invites people to gather, work, and play all within the same space.
General Design
Vivian C. "Millie" Bailey Park
Design Collective, Inc.
Project Team: Sparks @ Play, The Lighting Practice, Gutschick Little & Weber, B&R Construction Services, North American Millwright
Originally built in 1705, Cloverfields is a rare example of the early architecture in Maryland, with garden styles like England and France. The endeavor required to adapt today’s natural, creative, and flowing gardening style to the formal, historic space. It also included the unexpected, even to the point of having to acquire rare and exquisite tulips from the Netherlands.
Originally built in 1705, Cloverfields is a rare example of the early architecture in Maryland, with garden styles like England and France. The endeavor required to adapt today’s natural, creative, and flowing gardening style to the formal, historic space. It also included the unexpected, even to the point of having to acquire rare and exquisite tulips from the Netherlands.
General Design
Cloverfields
Kimmel Studio Architects
Project Team: Lynbrook of Annapolis, McHale Landscape
One of the last remaining parcels providing public access to the iconic Baltimore Harbor shoreline, this park serves the residents of the Canton neighborhood while providing a city-wide resource and water access. "The master plan for Canton Waterfront Park represents an innovative vision for the future- moving beyond immediate needs, expanding the opportunities for programming and revenue generation to make this park a City-wide attraction." - Kate Brower BCRP Project Manager
One of the last remaining parcels providing public access to the iconic Baltimore Harbor shoreline, this park serves the residents of the Canton neighborhood while providing a city-wide resource and water access. "The master plan for Canton Waterfront Park represents an innovative vision for the future- moving beyond immediate needs, expanding the opportunities for programming and revenue generation to make this park a City-wide attraction." - Kate Brower BCRP Project Manager
General Design (Unbuilt)
Canton Waterfront Park Master Plan Report
Floura Teeter Landscape Architects
Project Team: Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, GWWO, WRA
The clients re-envisioned their property and cottage as a family gathering spot for his children and grandchildren, who are all spread across the country. We sought to connect the home with the land, manipulate the landscape minimally, work with a native palette of planting, keep all water on-site, establish a native meadow, and draw people out into nature.
The clients re-envisioned their property and cottage as a family gathering spot for his children and grandchildren, who are all spread across the country. We sought to connect the home with the land, manipulate the landscape minimally, work with a native palette of planting, keep all water on-site, establish a native meadow, and draw people out into nature.
Residential Design (Single-Family)
North Point
LOCH Collective
Project Team: LOCH Collective, Martins Grehl Architects
Stone Ridge School is a Catholic girl’s school located in Bethesda, Maryland. The landscape architects prepared a site and landscape masterplan with the goals of creating a pedestrian centric environment, siting a new Student Center, a new play area forthe pre-school and lower school and connections to adjacent open spaces and athletic facilities.
Stone Ridge School is a Catholic girl’s school located in Bethesda, Maryland. The landscape architects prepared a site and landscape masterplan with the goals of creating a pedestrian centric environment, siting a new Student Center, a new play area forthe pre-school and lower school and connections to adjacent open spaces and athletic facilities.
Institutional Design
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Hord Coplan Macht
Project Team: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, HCM Architects, Gilbane
The final plan for the northern portion of this 500-acre park provides unique settings for users of all age groups to explore, engage, and educate themselves with the park’s resources through consciously designed, equity and inclusivity focused, park programs, amenities, and passive and active recreational facilities. The plan specifically sheds light on agriculture in Prince George’s County and its relationship with expanding African American entrepreneurship and cultural institutions.
The final plan for the northern portion of this 500-acre park provides unique settings for users of all age groups to explore, engage, and educate themselves with the park’s resources through consciously designed, equity and inclusivity focused, park programs, amenities, and passive and active recreational facilities. The plan specifically sheds light on agriculture in Prince George’s County and its relationship with expanding African American entrepreneurship and cultural institutions.
Analysis & Planning
Walker Mill Regional Park North
LSG Landscape Architecture
Project Team: M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, BerryDunn/GreenPlay LLC, RK&K, The Ottery Group, K Dixon Architecture PLLC
This 8-acre residential site is located on the South River near Annapolis. The design team worked closely to blend the outdoor areas seamlessly with the architecture for a harmonious indoor/outdoor living space. The new residence and landscape program were sited to maximize river views. A boat house, bunk house, rain garden, and shoreline plantings rest at the toe of the property.
This 8-acre residential site is located on the South River near Annapolis. The design team worked closely to blend the outdoor areas seamlessly with the architecture for a harmonious indoor/outdoor living space. The new residence and landscape program were sited to maximize river views. A boat house, bunk house, rain garden, and shoreline plantings rest at the toe of the property.
Residential Design
(Single-Family)
Childs Points
Campion Hruby Landscape Architects
Project Team: Alt Breeding Schwarz, Pyramid Builders, Walnut Hill Landscaping Company, Terra Nova Design
Located in East Baltimore within the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, the School of Nursing needed a major expansion and renovation. Project goals included creating a welcoming building entrance with an active plaza with seating, improved lighting, streetscape, and security. The courtyard reflects the contemporary architecture of the building addition, considers views from the interior common space, provides space for tenting for special events and created comfortable and beautiful seating areas.
Located in East Baltimore within the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, the School of Nursing needed a major expansion and renovation. Project goals included creating a welcoming building entrance with an active plaza with seating, improved lighting, streetscape, and security. The courtyard reflects the contemporary architecture of the building addition, considers views from the interior common space, provides space for tenting for special events and created comfortable and beautiful seating areas.
Institutional Design
JHU School of Nursing
Hord Coplan Macht
Project Team: HCM Architects, William Rawn Associates, JHU School of Nursing, RK&K
The Blue Line project goal is to re-envision the area by creating a place-based economic development model to achieve county-wide goals at a neighborhood scale. The Vision and Implementation of Central Avenue will be transformed with on-street parking, bike lanes, more frequent intersections, and streetscape improved pedestrian safety and place-making. Station area redevelopment will include walkable streets and blocks, new greens and squares, civic buildings, and mixed-use development.
The Blue Line project goal is to re-envision the area by creating a place-based economic development model to achieve county-wide goals at a neighborhood scale. The Vision and Implementation of Central Avenue will be transformed with on-street parking, bike lanes, more frequent intersections, and streetscape improved pedestrian safety and place-making. Station area redevelopment will include walkable streets and blocks, new greens and squares, civic buildings, and mixed-use development.
Analysis & Planning
Blue Line Corridor
Design Collective, Inc.
Project Team: HR&A Advisors, Toole Design Group
Honor Awards
For Turner Station, established in 1888, a historic African American community located on a heavily industrialized peninsula in southeast Baltimore County, the Witness Trees project seeks to build community trust, enhance capacity, and grow power, with the goal of equitable access to nature and its protective and restorative benefits, and sharing community narratives of place and belonging.
For Turner Station, established in 1888, a historic African American community located on a heavily industrialized peninsula in southeast Baltimore County, the Witness Trees project seeks to build community trust, enhance capacity, and grow power, with the goal of equitable access to nature and its protective and restorative benefits, and sharing community narratives of place and belonging.
General Design
Turner Station Witness Trees
EnviroCollab
Project Team: The Nature Conservancy, Turner Station Conservation Teams, Greater Baltimore Wilderness Coalition, WGF Studio, Kilby Imaging
The site design embraces an environmental ethic. Roof run-off is captured in an underground cistern and supports irrigation. A large percentage of the surface run-off from walks and other paved areas is directed into plant beds to stimulate plant growth, promote infiltration, and reduce the need for irrigation. In total, the project added more than 50 trees, 440 shrubs, 670 perennials and ornamental grasses, and 3,500 groundcovers to the Evergreen Campus.
The site design embraces an environmental ethic. Roof run-off is captured in an underground cistern and supports irrigation. A large percentage of the surface run-off from walks and other paved areas is directed into plant beds to stimulate plant growth, promote infiltration, and reduce the need for irrigation. In total, the project added more than 50 trees, 440 shrubs, 670 perennials and ornamental grasses, and 3,500 groundcovers to the Evergreen Campus.
Institutional Design
Loyola University Fernandez Center
Hord Coplan Macht
Project Team: Loyola University Maryland, Shepley Bulfinch Architects, WBCM, Whiting Turner, Ruppert Nurseries, Henry J Knott Masonry Inc.
The design of Brightview Grosvenor encourages both active and passive outdoor experiences, connecting the Trolley Trail and beautiful gardens. Outdoor terraces, located in both the front and back of the building, provide a variety of choice and amenity space for residents including outdoor dining, gardening, a firepit and contemplative fountain. In every location, there is an opportunity to connect with nature in a relaxing and peaceful setting.
The design of Brightview Grosvenor encourages both active and passive outdoor experiences, connecting the Trolley Trail and beautiful gardens. Outdoor terraces, located in both the front and back of the building, provide a variety of choice and amenity space for residents including outdoor dining, gardening, a firepit and contemplative fountain. In every location, there is an opportunity to connect with nature in a relaxing and peaceful setting.
Residential Design
(Multi-Family)
Brightview Grosvenor
Floura Teeter Landscape Architects
Project Team: Hord Coplan Macht, JBA Engineers, Morabito, Harkins, Ashton Manor, Brightview Senior Living
Pike & Rose rises above typical mixed-use development. Building urban living and shopping experiences that feel more like outdoor living than retail rush was the realized dream for the Pike & Rose team. This project includes sustainability and horticultural transformation, in what was once vast parking, and now feels like a botanic garden, with multiple parks; cozy courtyards; lavish, coherent plantings.
Pike & Rose rises above typical mixed-use development. Building urban living and shopping experiences that feel more like outdoor living than retail rush was the realized dream for the Pike & Rose team. This project includes sustainability and horticultural transformation, in what was once vast parking, and now feels like a botanic garden, with multiple parks; cozy courtyards; lavish, coherent plantings.
General Design
Pike and Rose
CLINTON+REIS Landscape Architects
Project Team: Federal Realty Investment Trust, CLINTON+RIES Designers: Sandra Clinton, Kate Ries, Dan Cook, Xing Chen
As part of the design team, the landscape architect was responsible for helping nestle the 131,000 SF research and teaching building into one of the most active corridors on campus. The project vision resulted in the “The Grove Plaza”, an integral part of the ILSB project. The plaza is punctuated by micro-bioretention gardens, showcasing the best qualities of Maryland native plants and the benefits of green infrastructure.
As part of the design team, the landscape architect was responsible for helping nestle the 131,000 SF research and teaching building into one of the most active corridors on campus. The project vision resulted in the “The Grove Plaza”, an integral part of the ILSB project. The plaza is punctuated by micro-bioretention gardens, showcasing the best qualities of Maryland native plants and the benefits of green infrastructure.
Institutional Design
UMBC Grove Plaza & ILS Building
Mahan Rykiel Associates
Project Team: UMBC Design and Construction Services, Ballinger , Site Resources Inc.
The Saint George’s Road property was once on a much larger tract of land occupied by a 20th Century Manor Home and stone walled garden. In the late 60s, this land was curiously subdivided, detaching the historic walled garden from the main house onto its own piece property, on which a new prairie style house was built in the early 1970s. The project came together into an evolving landscape of texture, light and space that change with the seasons.
The Saint George’s Road property was once on a much larger tract of land occupied by a 20th Century Manor Home and stone walled garden. In the late 60s, this land was curiously subdivided, detaching the historic walled garden from the main house onto its own piece property, on which a new prairie style house was built in the early 1970s. The project came together into an evolving landscape of texture, light and space that change with the seasons.
Residential Design
(Single-Family)
St. George's Road
FORM Garden Design
Project Team: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Ziger Snead Architects, Molior Construction, Broadleaf Nurseries
Located in Southern Maryland—in a region experiencing significant suburban growth— Leonardtown is the only community in St. Mary’s County with a hub of independent businesses and restaurants within a walkable downtown and designated arts district. The Strategic Plan provided the tools to implement immediate, highly visible, and realistic enhancements while also planning for long-term growth and improved connectivity within the community and between neighborhoods and downtown.
Located in Southern Maryland—in a region experiencing significant suburban growth— Leonardtown is the only community in St. Mary’s County with a hub of independent businesses and restaurants within a walkable downtown and designated arts district. The Strategic Plan provided the tools to implement immediate, highly visible, and realistic enhancements while also planning for long-term growth and improved connectivity within the community and between neighborhoods and downtown.
Analysis & Planning
Leonardtown Strategic Planning Project
Mahan Rykiel Associates
Project Team:
Arnett Muldrow Associates, Greenville, SC,
Community Design Solutions, Columbia, SC
Traveling Award of Innovative Excellence
Design (Unbuilt)
Rash Field Park Phase II
Mahan Rykiel Associates
Project Team: Mahan Rykiel Associates, Waterfront Partnership, Baltimore City Parks and Recreation, Assedo, Marco Greenberg Mills, Gensler, Akridge, Rathgeber/Gross Associates, Wiles Mensh MCLA
Baltimore’s Waterfront Partnership fulfilled a key project of the Baltimore Inner Harbor 2.0 Master Plan by selecting a local design team to re-imagine Rash Field as a diverse park and destination. During the Phase I engagement program, the local community expressed that the existing park did not meet the basic needs of families, young
professionals, and visitors. Phase 2 is designed to double daily visitor-ship to the site which has already increased by over 8000% by integrating the diverse set of new uses, activities and site features in Phase I.
The design process for Phase II of Rash Field Park, spanning 4.5 acres, began with a comprehensive community engagement campaign. This multi-faceted community campaign employed various methods to encourage and collect input from the community, ensuring that the design of the park reflects the needs and preferences of city
residents. Overall, the park’s grand vision centers around promoting nature, inclusivity, and wellness, with a design that encourages a deep connection with the natural environment while promoting physical activity and mental well-being. The feedback indicated a desire for more spaces for socializing, sports, events, and improved connections to the harbor, with shaded areas, seating, greenery, art installations, and dedicated flexible spaces for both sand and lawn activities, which were among the most sought-after amenities. Additionally, the park will feature designated relaxation areas, catering to the diverse needs and interests of all visitors.
The new Rash Filed II framework includes a network of paths that better connect the surrounding communities and adjacent attractions, as well as activating the park’s edges. The path network is defined by a fitness trail, a leisure walk, nature walk, an overlook path, and future water access areas. This path network provides structure for Phase II’s six main program areas: The Lawn, The Plaza, The Gardens, The Terrace, The Beach, and The Pride Memorial.
Rash Field Park II is envisioned as an accessible and welcoming space that embodies the values of diversity and inclusivity, making it a community asset for all of Baltimore to enjoy.
Presidential Award
General Design (Unbuilt)
Druid Lake Vision Plan
Unknown Studio
Project Team: Unknown Studio, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Assedo Consulting, Biohabitats, Toole Design, MK Consulting Engineers
Constructed in 1860, 745-acre Druid Hill Park is one of the first large-scale public parks in the United States and Baltimore’s first large municipal park. Prior to the 18th century, the land was inhabited by the Susquehannock tribe. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was a plantation with enslaved labor. In the late 19th century, the site was redesigned by Howard Daniels as a beloved urban park, which today hosts a wide array of cultural events, the Rawlings Conservatory, the Maryland Zoo, historic pavilions, recreational sports, aquatics, running, walking, and biking.
Druid Lake, originally designed as a potable water reservoir. Recent safety protocols necessitated relocating the billion-gallon potable water supply to subterranean tanks, filling the west end of the Lake, and opening the opportunity for its transformation from a chlorinated drinking water reservoir to an invigorated aquatic ecosystem.
With the Vision Plan, landscapes around the Lake are transformed with new ecological and recreational opportunities, reconnecting stormwater and springs to the basin, and linking trails and paths into a welcoming and multifaceted experience for users. New amenities activate the shoreline including a boathouse, a protected cove for swimming, food and beverage programs, an outdoor education center, fishing pier, and an amphitheater. Rocky shoreline and beach edges invite access to the water’s edge where it was previously restricted. The Vision Plan seeks to serve future generations with new programming.
Spencer Ellis Award
Michael E. Busch
Former Speaker of the
Maryland House of Delegates
Michael Erin Busch was the longest serving speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. In 1987, he joined the House of Delegates representing District 30 and was elected speaker in 2003, a position he maintained until his death one week before the adjournment of 2019 Maryland General Assembly. He previously served as chairman of the House Economic Matters Committee from 1994-2003.
Attributed to his leadership style and warmth, members of the House of Delegates referred to him as “Coach” for his ability to bring legislators together for the common good of all Marylanders. Throughout his legislative career as committee chairman and then speaker, Mike Busch was a strong supporter of the landscape architectural profession, and for countless measures benefiting the environment and sustainable communities.
Mike Busch dedicated his life to public service and bettering the State of Maryland for generations in many areas that included the environment, education, health care access for all including the most vulnerable, and championing equity and equal rights. It is for these reasons today the Maryland Chapter posthumously recognize and bestow on Michael Erin Busch and the legacy he leaves, the Maryland Chapter’s Spencer Ellis Award.
The Maryland Chapter leadership will be presenting the Spencer Ellis award to the Busch Family in Annapolis at the Maryland State House at a future time.
Presidential Citation
Patrick Whealton, ASLA (left)
ASLA Maryland Board,
Member-at-Large
Hord Coplan Macht
Kevin Gaughan, ASLA (right)
ASLA Maryland Board,
Treasurer
FORM Garden Design
To recognize and celebrate an individual who goes above and beyond the call for action for the betterment of the profession of Landscape Architecture and/or the Maryland Chapter of ASLA. This award can be given to anyone by the Maryland Chapter of ASLA President.
Emerging Professional Award
Lauren Gray, Associate ASLA
Landscape Designer, AMT Engineering
To recognize and celebrate an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary passion and commitment to the profession of landscape architecture, the community, and/or a firm in the State of Maryland; in the early stage of their professional life.
Mid-Career Professional Award
Brian Reetz, ASLA
Principal, Design Collective, Inc.
To recognize and celebrate an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary passion and commitment to the profession of landscape architecture, the community, and/or a firm in the State of Maryland; in the middle stage of their professional life.
Award of Excellence
Vernon Hustead, ASLA
Owner, HUSTEAD Landscape Architecture
Past-President ASLA Maryland
To recognize and celebrate an individual who has made a significant impact on the profession of Landscape Architecture, the community, and/or a firm in the State of Maryland.
Lifetime Achievement Award
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Sandy Clinton, FASLA
Founder, Retired
CLINTON+REIS Landscape Architects
This award was created to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of landscape architecture by our members. They can be for lifetime achievement, service, knowledge, research or any other related subject the MDASLA executive committee chooses to honor.
PLATINUM
Thank You to our Generous Sponsors
GOLD
SILVER
Pinehurst Landscape Company
Site Resources
BRONZE
Columbia Green Technologies
Ernst Seed
Forms & Surfaces