SWT Design

Big congratulations to our talented intern, Joie, for being named the 2025 Dr. Charles Fountain Scholar – Undergraduate by the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA)! Each year, this national honor is awarded to one undergraduate student of color in landscape architecture who demonstrates exceptional design talent and uses their voice to inspire change and lead with purpose. Joie was nominated by a professor at LSU and stood out among nominees across the country — a reflection of her creativity, leadership, and commitment to meaningful design. The award is named in honor of Dr. Charles Fountain, a visionary landscape architect and founder of the first accredited landscape architecture program at a Historically Black College or University. Dr. Fountain dedicated his career to advancing diversity and mentorship in the profession — and we can’t think of a more fitting recipient to carry that legacy forward. We’re so proud to have Joie on our team — and even more excited to see where her journey takes her next! Check out the images for a few moments from the award ceremony and a scenic stop at the Portland Japanese Garden

"Landscape Architecture is about giving people the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a multitude of ways." As we continue celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month, Sam Wolkey shares how the work we do invites people to connect with nature—whether it’s quiet reflection, playful moments, or capturing beauty through a lens. From playgrounds to meadows, landscape architecture creates the spaces where memories are made. #WLAM #LivingDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #SWTDesign

"At its core, this work is about care – care for the land, for people, and for the ecosystems we’re part of." For World Landscape Architecture Month, we’re sharing insights from our team on what this profession means to them. Today, Briana Coleman reflects on the power of landscape architecture to create vibrant, biodiverse, and welcoming spaces—especially here in the Midwest, where nature shapes the way we connect with the outdoors. Stay tuned as more of our team members share what landscape architecture means to them throughout the month of April! #WLAM #LivingDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #SWTDesign

The finish line is in sight! After years of planning, collaboration, and construction, the Forest Park Waterway project is nearing completion. Huge thanks to our partners—Forest Park Forever, the Board of Public Service, the Parks Department, and Gershenson Construction—for their dedication to bringing this vision to life. We can’t wait to see the final touches come together!

April is World Landscape Architecture Month! At SWT Design, we know that landscape architecture is more than just designing spaces—it’s about creating connections between people, nature, and communities. This month, we’re celebrating the impact of our profession by sharing insights from our team on what landscape architecture means to them. Stay tuned throughout April as our designers share their thoughts on the power of landscape architecture and its role in shaping a better world!

We're thrilled to receive an ASLA St. Louis Merit Award for the Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital Therapy Play Garden! Designed to support "Care Beyond the Bedside," this immersive space blends nature, play, and therapy—empowering children of all abilities to heal, explore, and discover new strengths. From an accessible ball field and sensory gardens to whimsical trees and inclusive play features, every detail fosters joy, movement, and connection. Honored to help create a space where nature and healing go hand in hand!

Hello, Spring! The first day of spring is here, and as the landscape bursts into bloom, spaces like this highlight the beauty of thoughtful design. The Webster Sculpture Garden is the perfect reminder of how art and nature come together to create inspiring spaces. Here’s to a season full of color, growth, and time spent outside! 🌻

Breaking new ground in North Kansas City! Last week, we joined city officials, community members, and our project partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of River Forest Park! First envisioned in the 1980s, this 7.5-acre site is transforming into a dynamic community space featuring new trails, play equipment, native plantings, and extensive erosion control. Soon, North Kansas City and its neighbors will have an incredible new place to explore, play, and connect with nature. We’re excited to see this long-awaited vision come to life—stay tuned for progress updates!

March is a time to honor the trailblazing women who have shaped history—and to recognize the incredible women shaping our industry today. At SWT, we are proud to have a team of talented, passionate women who bring creativity, leadership, and innovation to landscape architecture every day. From designing vibrant community spaces to leading sustainability efforts, their work makes a lasting impact on the places we create and the people who experience them. Join us in celebrating the women of SWT Design and the countless contributions they make to our firm and the profession! 💚 #WomensHistoryMonth #LivingDesign #SWTDesign #WomenInLandscapeArchitecture #WomeninCivilEngineering

Happy 314/Pie Day, STL! 🎉🥧🍕 Today, we celebrate everything that makes St. Louis special—our parks, our people, and, of course, our pies (whether you prefer the pizza kind or the dessert kind, we won’t judge). As landscape architects and civil engineers, we’re all about designing spaces that bring communities together, and there’s no better day to appreciate the parks, trails, and public spaces that make the St. Louis a place we love to call home. So, how are you celebrating today?