Maryland Landscape Architects Jennifer Dowdell and Om M. Khurjekar Elevated to Prestigious ASLA Council of Fellows
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Jennifer Dowdell and Om M. Khurjekar of the Maryland Chapter of ASLA
Elected to Prestigious American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows
"The 2026 Class of ASLA Fellows represents the very best of our profession—leaders whose work has strengthened communities, advanced environmental stewardship, and expanded what landscape architecture can do for people and places," says ASLA President Brad McCauley, FASLA.
Baltimore, MD (June 2026) — The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has announced the elevation of MDASLA members Jennifer Dowdell, ASLA, of Biohabitats, Inc., and Om M. Khurjekar, ASLA, of HCM, to the ASLA Council of Fellows. Dowdell and Khurjekar are among just 36 landscape architects nationwide selected for this prestigious honor in 2026. Election to the Council of Fellows is among the highest recognitions ASLA bestows on its members, honoring individuals whose contributions to the profession and society have had a profound and lasting impact.
About Jennifer Dowdell:
Jennifer was nominated by the Maryland Chapter in the category of Knowledge for her nationally recognized leadership advancing science-informed design and redefining how landscape architecture addresses today's most pressing environmental challenges. As Practice Leader at Biohabitats, she has spent more than two decades championing a holistic, systems-based approach that integrates ecology, community insight, and design to create resilient, restorative landscapes.
A leading voice in biodiversity and climate action, Dowdell authored the biodiversity chapter of ASLA's Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan, helping guide the profession's response to the biodiversity crisis while elevating the role of landscape architects on the global stage. Her influence extends through widely published scholarship, national and international lectures, and leadership with the Landscape Architecture Foundation and ASLA's biodiversity initiatives. Her award-winning work—including the Galveston Island State Park Resiliency Plan, Chattahoochee RiverLands Vision Plan, and Baton Rouge Lakes restoration—demonstrates how ecological performance and compelling narratives of place can shape healthier, more resilient communities.
About Om M. Khurjekar:
Om was nominated by the Maryland Chapter in the category of Leadership/Management for his outstanding leadership within multidisciplinary practice and sustained service to the profession. As Principal and Owner at HCM, he has elevated the role of landscape architecture within integrated design teams while advancing collaborative, people-centered projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.
Om's leadership extends well beyond professional practice. He currently serves as ASLA Vice President of Government Affairs, where he helps lead national advocacy efforts on licensure protection, infrastructure policy, and emerging issues affecting the profession. A former Maryland Chapter President, Chair of the ASLA Council of Chapter Presidents, and National Trustee, he has consistently cultivated future leaders through mentorship, education, and professional service. His work at Loyola University Maryland, South Capitol Park in Pennsylvania, and numerous civic and institutional projects reflects his commitment to design excellence, collaboration, and strengthening communities.
"The announcement of each new class of ASLA Fellows is a moment to recognize the profound influence landscape architects have on our world," said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen, Hon. ASLA. "The 2026 Class of Fellows has demonstrated exceptional leadership and creativity—shaping communities, informing policy, and inspiring the next generation of practitioners. Their achievements highlight the essential role of landscape architecture in addressing today's most pressing challenges while creating enduring value for society."
ASLA Fellows will be formally elevated during a special investiture ceremony at the 2026 ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture, to be held in Los Angeles, California, September 16–18, 2026.
A complete list of the 2026 ASLA Fellows and additional information about the ASLA Council of Fellows is available on the ASLA website: