Trailblazers

Celebrating Women in Landscape Architecture

Designed by the women-led firm Agency Landscape + Planning, The Bay: "One Park for All" in Sarasota received an ASLA 2024 Professional Honor Award in General Design. Photo by Ryan Gamma Photography.

Women have been active in ASLA since its formation in 1899, playing key roles in its governance and strengthening its membership.

ASLA celebrates women whose contributions have advanced the landscape architecture profession and continue to inspire future generations.

ASLA's First Women Fellows of Color

Karen Phillips, FASLA - First African American woman ASLA Fellow
Lolly Tai, FASLA - First Asian American Pacific Islander woman ASLA Fellow

Women Presidents of ASLA

Women have led ASLA at the highest level, shaping policy and the future of the profession.

2023-2024 — SuLin Kotowicz, FASLA
2022-2023 — Eugenia Martin, FASLA
2021-2022 — Emily O'Mahoney, FASLA
2019-2020 — Wendy Miller, FASLA
2016-2017 — Vaughn B. Rinner, FASLA
2011-2012 — Susan M. Hatchell, FASLA
2008-2009 — Angela D. Dye, FASLA
2003-2004 — Susan L. B. Jacobson, FASLA
1999-2000 — Janice Cervelli, FASLA
1992-1993 — Debra L. Mitchell, FASLA
1990-1991 — Claire R. Bennett, FASLA
1987-1988 — Cheryl L. Barton, FASLA
1983-1984 — Darwina L. Neal, FASLA

Recent Women-Led ASLA Award-Winning Projects

The Bay: "One Park for All" in Sarasota, Sarasota, Florida, Agency Landscape + Planning, 2024 ASLA Professional Honor Award in General Design
Tom Lee Park: "Come to the River", Memphis, Tennessee, SCAPE / Landscape Architecture; Studio Gang, 2024 ASLA Professional Honor Award in General Design
Puente Hills Landfill Park Implementation Plan, City of Industry (San Gabriel Valley), California, Studio-MLA, 2024 ASLA / IFLA Global Impact Award | Analysis and Planning
The Topography of Wellness, Sara Jensen Carr, ASLA, 2024 ASLA Professional Award of Excellence in Communications
2023 Coastal Master Plan: A Plan for Louisiana's Coastal Communities, Louisiana, SCAPE / Landscape Architecture, 2024 ASLA Professional Honor Award in Communications

Resources & Networks for Women in Landscape Architecture

The Women in Landscape Architecture (WILA) Professional Practice Network (PPN)

ASLA's WILA PPN focuses on mentorship, leadership, and career development for women in landscape architecture. Learn more and join the WILA PPN.

Professional Development & Learning Opportunities

Take Action! Three Stories on Mentorship, Representation, and Leadership (1.0 PDH)
Closing the Gender Equity Gap, Advocacy in the Workplace
Status of Women in Landscape Architecture: A Study of ASLA and CELA Career Success Metrics

Featured Articles

Highlighting the Work of Women-Led Firms (ASLA's The Field)
Mentorship Programs for Landscape Architects (ASLA's The Field)
Women in Design: How to Find a Network of Other Women Designers (ASLA's The Field)
Roadblocks Remain by Timothy A. Schuler (Landscape Architecture Magazine, May 2023)
The Team On Tops by Anne C. Godfrey (Landscape Architecture Magazine, September 2022)

Pioneers in Landscape Architecture

ASLA honors pioneering women landscape architects who laid the groundwork for future generations:

Jane Silverstein Ries, FASLA - The first female landscape architect in Colorado and the third to be licensed in the state.
Beatrix Jones Farrand (1872-1959)
Marian Cruger Coffin (1876-1951)
Ellen Biddle Shipman (1869-1950)
Annette Hoyt Flanders (1887-1946)
Marjorie Sewell Cautley (1891-1954)
Martha Brookes Hutcheson(1871-1959)