2026 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 took place at The Baltimore Museum of Industry in Baltimore City, MD.
This year's award categories included General Design, General Design (Unbuilt), Residential Design (Single and Multi-Family), Communications, Analysis & Planning and Institutional. 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
Nicolaas Adler Drummond
Student ASLA
BLA Candidate
Spencer Craig
Student ASLA
BLA Candidate
Caitlin Garlow
Student ASLA
BLA Candidate
Joseph Eugene Lee Student ASLA
BLA Candidate
Honor Award
Honor Award
Merit Award
Merit Award
Vinita Yoo
Student ASLA
BLA Candidate
Merit Award
Morgan State University
Laura Crocker
Student ASLA
MLA Candidate
Miles Loring-Thomas
Student ASLA
MLA Candidate
Matthew Bell
Student ASLA
MLA Candidate
Merit Award
Honor Award
Merit Award
2023 Student Scholarship Winners
Ellie Dugan, SASLA
2026 BLA Candidate
University of Maryland
Scholarship
Eashana Subamanian, SASLA
2025 BLA Candidate
University of Maryland
Scholarship
Mahan Rykiel Diversity in Landscape Architecture Scholarship
.jpg)
Artemis Maziarski
University of Maryland
Scholarship
Merit Awards
The Gateway Master Plan defines a bold, 30-year plan to transform a low density, auto-oriented business park into a vibrant innovation district and regional economic hub for the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
The Gateway Master Plan defines a bold, 30-year plan to transform a low density, auto-oriented business park into a vibrant innovation district and regional economic hub for the Baltimore-Washington corridor.
Analysis & Planning
Gateway Master Plan
Columbia, MD
HOK
Project Team:
Abrams Development Group?
Caroline Freeland Urban Park is a cherished one-acre green space at the edge of downtown Bethesda, Maryland. Acquired in 1983 and later renamed from Edgemoor Urban Park to honor Caroline Freeland, the first woman to chair the M-NCPPC, the park was originally conceived as a buffer between the quiet Edgemoor neighborhood and the rapidly growing Central Business District. Over time, it evolved into a beloved urban retreat for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Caroline Freeland Urban Park is a cherished one-acre green space at the edge of downtown Bethesda, Maryland. Acquired in 1983 and later renamed from Edgemoor Urban Park to honor Caroline Freeland, the first woman to chair the M-NCPPC, the park was originally conceived as a buffer between the quiet Edgemoor neighborhood and the rapidly growing Central Business District. Over time, it evolved into a beloved urban retreat for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
General Design
Caroline Freeland Urban Park
Bethesda, MD
HCM
Project Team: ?
Located in the heart of downtown Salisbury, UNITY Square was envisioned as more than a public plaza. It was designed to be the city's living room - a civic heart where everyday life and community intersect. At a time when many downtowns struggle to define their identity, UNITY Square re-centers Salisbury around its people and values, transforming a prominent but underused site into a welcoming space to gather, connect, and belong.
Located in the heart of downtown Salisbury, UNITY Square was envisioned as more than a public plaza. It was designed to be the city's living room - a civic heart where everyday life and community intersect. At a time when many downtowns struggle to define their identity, UNITY Square re-centers Salisbury around its people and values, transforming a prominent but underused site into a welcoming space to gather, connect, and belong.
General Design
Unity Square
Salisbury, Maryland
Design Collective
Project Team: ?
Black Hill Germantown demonstrates how landscape architects can lead large-scale mixed-use development projects. By structuring the community around open space and integrating distributed stormwater infrastructure as visible landscape amenities, the project elevates the everyday residential experience. The project exemplifies the transformative power of landscape architecture to shape growth responsibly, equitably, and beautifully.
Black Hill Germantown demonstrates how landscape architects can lead large-scale mixed-use development projects. By structuring the community around open space and integrating distributed stormwater infrastructure as visible landscape amenities, the project elevates the everyday residential experience. The project exemplifies the transformative power of landscape architecture to shape growth responsibly, equitably, and beautifully.
Residential Design (Multi-Family)
Black Hill Germantown, Phase 1
Germantown, MD
HCM
Project Team: ?
This modern retreat is focused on ecological resilience. Surrounded by waters of Eastern Bay and Matapeakes Creek, the design functions as a "living filter" balancing the high performance needs of a family and the surrounding landscape. The landscape establishes a reciprocal relationship between the built environment and the coastline. The result is a contemporary retreat that actively works to heal and protect the waters that defines the land.
This modern retreat is focused on ecological resilience. Surrounded by waters of Eastern Bay and Matapeakes Creek, the design functions as a "living filter" balancing the high performance needs of a family and the surrounding landscape. The landscape establishes a reciprocal relationship between the built environment and the coastline. The result is a contemporary retreat that actively works to heal and protect the waters that defines the land.
Residential Design (Single-Family)
Minimalist Waterfront Retreat
Stevensville, MD
Kimmel Studio
Project Team:
Thoughtfully designed to connect people with nature, history, culture, and one another, the 4.5-acre Point Park represents the culmination of more than two decades of master planning and development in partnership with the City of Baltimore and local communities.
Thoughtfully designed to connect people with nature, history, culture, and one another, the 4.5-acre Point Park represents the culmination of more than two decades of master planning and development in partnership with the City of Baltimore and local communities.
General Design
Point Park
Baltimore, MD
iO Studio
Project Team: ?
The Master Plan demonstrates the value of collaborative, context sensitive planning and design. It balances the diverse program needs, while respecting environmental and cultural resources, resulting in an inspiring, healing campus for an under served community that meets the vision of the Inner County Outreach Center.
The Master Plan demonstrates the value of collaborative, context sensitive planning and design. It balances the diverse program needs, while respecting environmental and cultural resources, resulting in an inspiring, healing campus for an under served community that meets the vision of the Inner County Outreach Center.
General Design (Unbuilt)
Inner Country Outreach Campus Master Plan
Aberdeen, MD
Mahan Rykiel Associates
Project Team: ?
Set along a quiet peninsula on The Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore, Davis Creek is a 55-acre waterfront property that is mostly wooded. The existing house provided a strong architectural backdrop and inspirational precedent for the new landscape architecture. The contemporary feel of the new landscape architecture works well with the existing building architecture which includes stained wood siding and decking and a patinated copper roof.
Set along a quiet peninsula on The Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore, Davis Creek is a 55-acre waterfront property that is mostly wooded. The existing house provided a strong architectural backdrop and inspirational precedent for the new landscape architecture. The contemporary feel of the new landscape architecture works well with the existing building architecture which includes stained wood siding and decking and a patinated copper roof.
Residential Design (Single-Family)
Davis Creek
Rock Hall, MD
South Fork Studio Landscape Architecture, Inc.
Project Team:
This oceanfront residential project demonstrates a holistic approach in which the landscape architecture plays a central role in shaping the lived experience of the site. Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and a freshwater lake, the property presented a rare opportunity to create an interconnected outdoor environment that responds to the contrasting ecological conditions and viewsheds.
This oceanfront residential project demonstrates a holistic approach in which the landscape architecture plays a central role in shaping the lived experience of the site. Positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and a freshwater lake, the property presented a rare opportunity to create an interconnected outdoor environment that responds to the contrasting ecological conditions and viewsheds.
Residential Design (Single-Family)
Villa Duna
Rehoboth Beach, DE
CHLA Landscape Architects
Project Team:
Winchester is a landscape of transformation - an evolving masterpiece that began in 2004 with a simple request: resolve a problematic fence obstructing views of the Severn River. That initial success sparked a two-decade collaboration, resulting in an ecologically driven reimagining of the property.
A pivotal moment came when the owner acquired an adjacent three-acre parcel to prevent future development. The overgrown woodland and open lawn presented a new opportunity to expand the property’s ecological richness.
Winchester is a landscape of transformation - an evolving masterpiece that began in 2004 with a simple request: resolve a problematic fence obstructing views of the Severn River. That initial success sparked a two-decade collaboration, resulting in an ecologically driven reimagining of the property.
Residential Design (Single-Family)
Woodbrine Residence
Chevy Chase, MD
Campion Hruby Landscape Architects
Project Team:
Honor Awards
Once a place of segregation, neglect, and suffering, the site is being reborn as a sanctuary for mental wellness, cultural education, environmental restoration, and community connection. Rooted in deep research and shaped by inclusive engagement with historians, mental health professionals, descendants, and local residents, the plan ensures that voices once silenced are now centered.
Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park is a transformative master plan that reimagines the former “Hospital for the Negro Insane of Maryland” into a powerful landscape of healing, remembrance, and renewal. Sustainable strategies—such as reforestation, stream and habitat restoration, and integrated stormwater management—support environmental resilience and emotional well-being.
Once a place of segregation, neglect, and suffering, the site is being reborn as a sanctuary for mental wellness, cultural education, environmental restoration, and community connection. Rooted in deep research and shaped by inclusive engagement with historians, mental health professionals, descendants, and local residents, the plan ensures that voices once silenced are now centered.
Analysis & Planning
Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park Master Plan
Crownsville, MD
Design Collective, Inc.
Project Team: Client: Anne Arundel County; Consultant: Carmichael Associates LLC; Civil Engineer: Rummel Klepper & Kahl LLP; Historic Preservation Firm & Research Service: EHT Traceries; Architectural Rendering: Zanetta Illustration LLC; Photography: Chesapeake Aerial Photo LLC.
This school was Loudoun County’s first and only high school for Black students from its opening in 1941 until the end of segregation in 1968. Working closely with a highly involved community coalition, LSG created commemorative spaces at the building’s entrance and along a heritage walk toward a new amphitheater. Interpretive elements were placed throughout, unifying the site while honoring its legacy.
This school was Loudoun County’s first and only high school for Black students from its opening in 1941 until the end of segregation in 1968. Working closely with a highly involved community coalition, LSG created commemorative spaces at the building’s entrance and along a heritage walk toward a new amphitheater. Interpretive elements were placed throughout, unifying the site while honoring its legacy.
Institutional Design
The Historic Douglass High School
Leesburg, VA
LSG Landscape Architects
Client: Loudon County Public Schools; Architect & Planer: Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners; Civil Engineer: Rinker Design Group.
The team focused on three key areas of environmental impact of the yacht centre’s two newly acquired marinas: reducing harmful inputs, implementing holistic stormwater management, and restoring urban habitat through conservation planting. Contaminated waste and toxic chemicals were remediated, more than 20,000 square feet of dilapidated overhangs were removed, and diseased and decaying vegetation was cleared.
What was once two neglected and polluted marinas is now a revitalized, six-acre waterfront community. The site now features single-family homes, a multi-family residence, an office building, and ample decking that welcomes owners, slipholders, and guests alike. The transformation of South Annapolis Yacht Centre stands as a shining example of sustainable redevelopment—and one of Annapolis’s crown jewels.
The team focused on three key areas of environmental impact of the yacht centre’s two newly acquired marinas: reducing harmful inputs, implementing holistic stormwater management, and restoring urban habitat through conservation planting. Contaminated waste and toxic chemicals were remediated, more than 20,000 square feet of dilapidated overhangs were removed, and diseased and decaying vegetation was cleared.
Residential Design (Multi-Family)
South Annapolis Yacht Centre
Annapolis, MD
Campion Hruby Landscape Architects
Project Team: Architect: ABS Architects; Builder: Pyramid Builder; Civil Engineer: Bay Engineering; Landscape Contractor: Walnut Hill Landscape Company
North Harford Park provides important recreational resources in an area of the city where access to public open space is limited. The park suffers from overuse, vandalism, storm damage and deferred maintenance, all of which have combined to detract from the experience of using the park and from the health of the landscape.
The resulting master plan features a diverse mix of activities and landscape character zones–ranging from bustling, extraverted activity-zones to walking trails for fitness and lushly-planted niches for individual respite and retreat.
North Harford Park provides important recreational resources in an area of the city where access to public open space is limited. The park suffers from overuse, vandalism, storm damage and deferred maintenance, all of which have combined to detract from the experience of using the park and from the health of the landscape.
General Design (Unbuilt)
North Harford Park Vision Plan
Baltimore, MD
Jonathan Ceci Landscape Architects
Project Team: Client: Baltimore City Recreation & Parks; Skatepark Consultant: Pillar Design Studios; Civil Engineer: Cityscape Engineering.
Chapman Coal Company Garage and Stables has long been an architectural icon in northwest Washington, DC. Working with the architects and engineers, the landscape architect was tasked with creating a garden design that enhanced the outdoor spaces with four-season gardens and native pollinator gardens that were designed to collect and retain stormwater at various levels of the building, all meeting the District’s Green Area Ratio requirements.
Chapman Coal Company Garage and Stables has long been an architectural icon in northwest Washington, DC. Working with the architects and engineers, the landscape architect was tasked with creating a garden design that enhanced the outdoor spaces with four-season gardens and native pollinator gardens that were designed to collect and retain stormwater at various levels of the building, all meeting the District’s Green Area Ratio requirements.
Residential Design (Multi-Family)
Chapman Stables
Washington, DC
Clinton + Ries Landscape Architects
Project Team: Studio Twenty Seven Architecture
The design approach was to respect the site's 19th-century cultural heritage while providing a functional garden for 21st-century urban family living. A custom North Star gate in the front garden references the quilting patterns used as code during the Underground Railroad. The North Star pattern was a crucial motif, symbolizing guidance toward freedom, and the star’s prominence in the project represents the site’s significant cultural history.
The design approach was to respect the site's 19th-century cultural heritage while providing a functional garden for 21st-century urban family living. A custom North Star gate in the front garden references the quilting patterns used as code during the Underground Railroad. The North Star pattern was a crucial motif, symbolizing guidance toward freedom, and the star’s prominence in the project represents the site’s significant cultural history.
Research
The North Star Garden
Washington, DC
Moody Graham
Project Team: Contractor: Oldetown Landscape Architects; Photographer: Allen Russ; Seasonal Container Gardening Specialist: Season to Season Horticultural Services.
Traveling Award of Innovative Excellence
& Honor Award
General Design
College Park City Hall Plaza
College Park, MD
Design Collective, Inc.
Project Team: Client: City of College Park, University of Maryland College Park, Redgate; Architect: Design Collective; Civil Engineer: A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc., Lighting Designer: The Lighting Practice; Structural Engineer: Cagley & Associates; MEP Engineering: Henry Adams LLC; Sustainability Consultant: Sustainable Building Partners; Wifi+ Security: Convergent Technologies Design Group; Fire Protection: Koffel Associates, Inc.; Contractor: James G Davis Construction Corporations.
The new College Park City Hall and Civic Plaza mark a bold and exciting chapter in the city’s evolution transforming the downtown core into a vibrant, people-first destination. This transformative project brings together civic pride, sustainability, and community connection in a way that truly redefines what a public space can be.
At the heart of the project is the Civic Plaza—a dynamic, flexible space that invites people in. Whether it’s a large public event or a quiet afternoon coffee, the plaza creates opportunities for connection and belonging. Active retail, outdoor dining, and strong pedestrian links energize the streetscape and create a sense of place that is distinctly College Park. The landscape architecture team at Design Collective played a central role in shaping this vision. The thoughtful design integrates sustainability, beauty, and functionality—from native plantings and bioretention areas to welcoming seating and shaded gathering spaces. These green infrastructure elements aren’t just environmentally smart they’re educational, engaging, and essential to the identity of the space.
Anchored by a transparent and accessible new City Hall, the project blends governance, community, and commerce into a cohesive civic center. As the first major step in a broader urban vision, it sets a powerful precedent for future development—and leaves a lasting legacy of what’s possible when design puts people and place first.
Presidential Award
Residential (Single-Family)
Rain Symphony
McLean, VA
Moody Graham
Project Team: Contractor: Oldetown Landscape Architects; Civil Engineer: GJB Engineering, Inc. - Greg Budnick, P.E.; Photographer: Kate Wichlinski/ Architectural Photography; Garden Maintenance: Hedge Garden Care.
Rain Symphony is a renovation of a 0.25-acre residential garden in McLean, Virginia. Fairfax County, part of the upland Piedmont province, lies on the Potomac River’s west bank with several small tributaries flowing into it - the second-largest Chesapeake Bay tributary. All stormwater in Fairfax County goes directly to streams, not a wastewater treatment facility.
The project’s primary goal was to address stormwater management and prevent future flooding caused by unresolved site grading and surface runoff from the adjacent street, located at a higher elevation than the house. The client also wanted to reclaim garden space and integrate nature as a source of beauty that evokes emotions, provides mental regeneration, and offers a moment of solace. They also wished to incorporate corten steel and juxtapose the home’s orthogonal lines with nature’s contours, embracing wabi-sabi—the Japanese mindset of finding beauty in imperfection. The landscape architect proposed an artful stormwater narrative that encourages exploration of water flow, celebrates seasonal changes, and supports local wildlife. In collaboration with a civil engineer, the landscape architect developed strategies integrating blue- green infrastructure—nature-based solutions and underground stormwater infrastructure—to guide rainwater through the garden. Rain transforms the space into a playful symphony, echoing the rhythm of raindrops, mist, drizzle, trickle, splash, and drum.
Spencer Ellis Award
Annapolis Green
Lynn Forsman & Elvia Thompson
This organization brought together environmental movers and shakers individuals and families, local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits - to create a healthy and thriving community. Rather than focus on a single issue, Annapolis Green tackled a variety of challenges facing its communities, motivating people to stand up for nature with programs that connect, inspire, and spark meaningful change. In addition to launching effective community initiatives, Annapolis Green consolidated the efforts and resources of numerous local environmental organizations under one website, providing easy access to cutting edge knowledge, best practices, hands-on opportunities, and events.
Annapolis Green was founded in 2006 by Lynn Forsman and Elvia Thompson, two friends seeking to understand the broader landscape of global green initiatives. The organization ceased operations in December 2024 after over 18 years of service as the hub of the city’s environmental movement, uniting and inspiring the Greater Annapolis community.
Emerging Professional Award
Javiera Diaz-Ortiz, Assoc. ASLA
Landscape Designer at Design Collective, Inc.
This award recognizes and celebrates 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.
Javi is an associate ASLA member, a Landscape Designer at Design Collective, and a remarkable member of the landscape architecture community.
Javi was an outstanding professional even before she entered the workforce in August 2023. As a student of landscape architecture at the University of Maryland, she immediately took an active role in the student chapter of ASLA. By her junior year she was treasurer, and she was elected to president in her senior year. She and the SASLA executive committee were instrumental in developing workshops, inviting guest speakers for lunch and learns, participating in the annual PARKing day, among many other accomplishments. During her tenure, SASLA raised thousands of dollars to support student travel to the annual LAbash conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Manhattan, Kansas. Javi was also an accomplished student and participated in College Park Scholars, an invitation-only living-learning academic program that explores global sustainability through both classroom and active learning.
After graduation, Javi landed at Design Collective in Baltimore. She quickly acclimated to the collaborative nature and the congenial atmosphere of the firm, working closely and effectively with mentors and colleagues alike. She wasted no time getting involved with the Maryland chapter of ASLA and broadly translated the leadership skills she honed during her SASLA years to eagerly embrace the profession by volunteering as a junior professional representative. She is co-chair of the student outreach committee. This committee collaborated with Potomac ASLA and Maryland ASA professionals, Morgan State University and University of Maryland students, to initiate the professional mentorship program which inaugurated in January 2025.
Mid-Career Professional Award
Kevin Gaughan, ASLA
Founding Principal at FORM Garden Design
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.
Kevin is a shining example of a successful professional landscape architect in Maryland.
Kevin spent his formative years at Graham Landscape Architecture and Campion Hurby Landscape Architects, where he created many influential and memorable gardens. He became an essential part of each firm, advancing both design and technology, while mentoring many new hires along the way. In 2021 Kevin founded FORM Garden Design, where he continues to develop his unique style and projects that include residential gardens, large estates, private institutions, and public commissions. His work is inspired by the natural environment and creates unique spaces for human enjoyment. He has an impressive collection of awards and has been published in several influential publications.
Kevin is well known throughout Maryland and within our profession for his longtime involvement with the Maryland Chapter of ASLA. He has served the chapter as Secretary, Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, and Chair of the Awards, where he spearheaded the planning at this very event in years past, playing a huge role in raising both the quality and profile of this event, setting the standard for the Awards Gala today and in the future. He has mentored many volunteers, helped the chapter plan special events, and developed relationships with industry partners throughout the region. Kevin was also the voice of reason at executive board meetings, and he has inspired the chapter to reach for greater heights.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jack Sullivan, FASLA
Professor, University of Maryland
Maryland ASLA's Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of landscape architecture by our long-standing and dedicated members. The award can be for service, knowledge, research or any other related subject that the MDASLA executive committee chooses to honor.
Jack was presented this award by his former student and current MDASLA President, Michael Pullano, ASLA. Here is what Michael had to share about Jack:
Jack’s career began with an early love of gardens — and maybe a slightly underpaid job mowing lawns at age 12. From there, he studied Fine Arts, earned his MLA from UVA, worked with Carol R. Johnson in Boston, and—fortunately for us—eventually made his way to Maryland.
Jack has always brought his full creative energy to every sketch, studio, and student interaction. If you’ve ever seen his sketchbooks, you know he doesn’t just draw landscapes — he feels them. If you ask him, Jack will say his design philosophy is to “Surprise people with smart logic and fresh ideas.” Jack always challenges you to do better because he knows you can.
Jack’s mentorship didn’t end when I earned my diploma. He’s shown up at my office in Baltimore on multiple occasions with a full class in tow, ready for us to critique their “Highway to Nowhere” design concepts. He’s reached out on behalf of students searching for jobs — just like he once did for me.
One colleague described Jack as “a selfless giver of his time… a lifelong class in creativity, integrity, and friendship.”
One vivid memory I have is from our Site Materials and Construction class. One day, Jack led us out to a small plaza just outside of the Plant Sciences Building and handed us a few shovels. The assignment was to uncover a failed tree pit that had been paved over and create a larger planting area for a new tree to grow and thrive. So we started digging. We were picking up pavers and exploring the paving section and soil underneath. We learned a lot that day. We also learned that the university did not appreciate our unsanctioned groundbreaking exercise.
Jack holds Fellowships from the American Academy in Rome, from National ASLA, and from the Royal Society of Arts. But when I told him he’d be receiving the Maryland ASLA Lifetime Achievement Award, he said this meant more to him than any of those other fellowships — because this award comes from people who know him personally. And I think we’d all agree that it’s long overdue.
Jack you’ve inspired so many of us to explore more, reach further, and aim higher — but to also take pride in what’s simply “good.”
PLATINUM
Thank You to our Generous Sponsors
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Bear Metal Design
Conestoga Tile
Curbs Gone Wild
Forms + Surfaces
Techo-Bloc
Vestre
York Building Products
IN KIND
Cheseapeake Lighting
DIV31