Cory comes to SWT Design with over 10 years of experience in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. His diverse portfolio includes streetscapes and downtown master plans, healthcare and education campuses, and a multitude of urban spaces from across the country.

With a strong passion for urban design, Cory has dedicated a vast majority of his career into understanding the dynamic relationships between the social, cultural, and ecological aspects of urban life and the unique juxtapositions resulting from their coalesce.

“One of the most exciting roles a designer gets to play is that of an interpreter. That may sound like an odd thing to strive for, but we have a unique ability to listen, observe, and decode people’s actions, reactions, and emotions; then translate those feelings and interactions into tangible space. I believe this ability is immensely powerful and we must seize it to rethink our physical environment and use it to build socially equitable urban places. This belief is what drew me into design and what has kept me passionate as my career has progressed.”

During his time with SWT, Zach has helped our firm develop a process that supports evidence-based design – a concept whereby research and historic data can influence future design decisions.

“The planning and design of open spaces of any scale requires us to observe interconnected systems, from hydrology and ecology, to the various users who interact with the site. The end result is a design whose indicators of success can be monitored and measured.”

With our team, Zach played a pivotal role in testing the Sustainable SITES Initiative rating system – the only global rating system for the design of sustainable landscapes. It was then that he worked on the design and subsequent certification of two projects during the rating system’s pilot phase. His strength in our design process, among others, comes from observing systems as they change over time, and how past projects can inform smarter, more innovative design solutions.

Lee joined SWT Design in 2021 and works as a member of our Field Crew out of the Land Survey Studio in the St. Louis. Surveying is a family tradition for Lee with his grandfather, father, uncle, and brother all in the field. Since starting in his grandfather’s survey office in 2001, Lee has gained valuable experience in both the office and field.

“I enjoy getting out and searching for property corners and solving the problems. I really enjoy helping the property owners understand the boundaries of their property and hearing what they have to say about the areas I’m working in as it relates to the history of the region.”

Lee Hyde has been working in the survey industry since 2010.  His experience includes time as a field surveyor, project management, and administrative duties.  In 2012, he became head of business development for the survey division.

Building upon her previous experience in the Titles and Real Estate industry, Kelly felt a greater need for professional land surveying services within the St. Louis region. In 2009, Kelly began a career to provide interconnected professional land surveying services throughout the Bi-State area. Kelly’s previous experience in real estate brings a wealth of knowledge to land surveying and research services.

Sam joined SWT Design for the spring and summer of 2022 as a student intern. A is student at Kansas State University working towards a Master in Landscape Architecture degree, Sam is interested in rehabilitating natural habitats at all scales. Originally from St. Louis, Sam first discovered landscape architected in High School where he was drawn to the profession because it blended his interest in outdoor environments with his passion for design.

“Being from St. Louis, I often enjoyed spaces that I didn’t even know were designed in such a meaningful way. I wanted to work with SWT Design because their projects are unlike other design firms and their dedication to the environment and community has always piqued my interest.”

For 20 years, Jay has cultivated a portfolio at SWT within the public sector, particularly in the parks and recreation industry, from the district and county-wide master plans to individual built community parks. His success is directly tied to a community-focused process, a partnership that listens to the needs of municipalities and their residents, and works closely with them from project initiation through construction completion. In doing so, Jay and our team can directly address a city’s concerns and provide both short and long term recommendations for park systems, facilities, and trail networks.

“SWT has developed a long-standing reputation for park planning and design. But the real benefit we bring is the ability to find funding and get projects built. Because a plan is just that – a roadmap for the future. But to bring a plan to fruition and create spaces that people can actually enjoy – that’s a good thing.”

Will began working at an architectural software startup in Kansas City following the completion of his undergraduate degree. He quickly developed an interest in green infrastructure and discovered the profession of landscape architecture. Throughout graduate school, he continued working and has grown as an advocate for designers’ impact on sustainability and resilience in the built environment. After finishing his graduate degree, Will participated in the Tallgrass Artist Residency program before joining SWT. His personal work explores the cultural aspects of environmental history, land use, and ecology.

Ellen joined SWT Design as a student intern for the summer of 2022. She received a BS in Civil Engineering from St. Louis University and is currently pursuing her Master of Architecture Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago. Originally from the St. Louis area, Ellen pivoted from Civil Engineering to Architecture so she could bring analysis and design together to provide sustainable designs that respects historic conditions and improve the life for end users.

Away from the studio, she enjoys hiking, dancing, puzzles, hanging out with dogs, and film photography; a hobby she just recent took up. With a foot on in both engineering and architecture, Ellen will be working with the Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture Studios during her time with SWT Design.

Peter brings a diverse background to his role at SWT Design. With multiple years of diversified experience in the profession and a background in international studies, Peter’s passion lies in discovering the rich history and individuality of every site, knowing that each has its own unique character and culture. This passion provides him with a sense of shared community and dedicated service to meeting the social, psychological and physical needs of the communities he works with.

Lance’s experience from large-scale Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning across the country is founded on an approach blending planning, outreach, green infrastructure, social equity, engineering, ecology, corridor planning, and construction procurement and implementation. His experience is focused on linking and enhancing parks, corridors, and nodes that transform communities.

“Joining SWT Design is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead a design-focused studio blending landscape architecture, planning, and engineering for an improved built environment.  For us, sustainable design is not simple replacement technology or materials, it is an approach that balances design, nature, people, and place for a better community.” 

With a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language, Paul began his professional career in academia teaching inner-city children at an elementary school in Louisville, KY. Concerned over the lack of green space and safe parks available to his students, he learned of landscape architecture and soon after discovered the many social and environmental impacts the profession has on our communities. After earning a Masters of Landscape Architecture, Paul discovered his passion for trails and biking, and is an avid proponent of alternative transportation. During his time with SWT, Paul has been integral in projects that address various planning and design elements, from economic development and transportation/access to green infrastructure, placemaking, and site development.

Known around the country for his tacit knowledge of park planning, landscape design, horticulture, environmental planning, and landscape maintenance best practices, Ted brings more than 30 years to our team and the profession of landscape architecture. His vision and talent are infused in our practice, ever-challenging accepted standards and methodologies.

“I am fascinated with biomimicry and what it means to understanding sustainability. It sounds simple, but if we just take time to better understand our natural surroundings and how nature works, we can be more impactful designers.”

In 2012, Ted was awarded the Robert Goetz Award for this contribution to the profession of landscape architecture.

Briana is passionate about urban ecology and environmental challenges. Her deep appreciation for the public realm and the relationships between systems at a larger scale brings an added perspective to our practice. Briana’s collaborative spirit adds to our project team’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Since 2002, Mindy has assisted our office with marketing, accounting, and production art. Her interests lie in urban homesteading and community gardens.

Focusing on a distinctive collaboration of landscape architecture, architecture, and infrastructure in the metropolitan landscape, Bonnie’s interests fundamentally lie in bringing clients economically and environmentally responsible design solutions. Her leadership of multi-disciplinary teams drives an internal process rich with data, benchmarking, and both pre- and post-occupancy evaluations.

“We’re always learning from design performance – metrics is a dynamic tool that can tell us whether a design achieved its goals, or if we need to rethink a solution. In the end, we want to capture measurable outcomes.”

Her passion for large-scale regional impacts is evident in her design and planning approach, whether through her process of engaging public stakeholder groups, analysis of existing conditions, or iterations of design concepts.

“What drew me to planning was the prospect of being able to have a positive influence on our communities. As planners, we’re presented with an incredible opportunity to blend a community’s vision with projected trends and smart growth principles to develop a plan that benefits us and future generations. It’s this collaborative process of taking the expressed needs and desires of a community and molding them into a plan that really excites me.”

Wes earned a B.S. in Regional and Community Planning in 2007 and a Master of Landscape Architecture in 2014. Wes brings a passion for large-scale planning projects and new urbanism to our practice.

Mark is a second-generation land surveyor with over 40 years of experience. He has extensive knowledge of the United States Public Land Survey system and topography in the St. Louis region.

Mark is active in the Missouri Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) and regularly leads classes / presentations for professional organizations including MSPS, the National Business Institute (NIB), and the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA), and has authored numerous articles in the Missouri Surveyor Magazine publication. Mark is well-known and highly regarded in his profession and was recently awarded the MSPS Surveyor of the Year Award in 2019.

Creativity and logical solutions to a wide range of projects have shaped Chantal into the professional engineer she is today. She brings over 10 years of extensive experience in designing sustainable stormwater solutions and Best Management Practices. Her ability to bring synergism between landscape architecture and civil engineering is going to add a new dynamic to our process, which will only make us stronger designers, collaborators, and design partners.

“I’m excited to look at design through the lens of engineering to bolster art with science. Being part of the creative process challenges me to consider solutions that will not only provide function but enriching experience.” 

Klaus has been practicing Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering since 1982, including 11 years of landscape construction. In practice, his experience is supported by years of observation and discussion of site designs and environmental engineering starting with his history in Germany and Turkey, travels in Europe, and working as a professional Landscape Architect in the United States.

“I have realized how important listening, communication, and collaboration are for any project, regardless of project scale and location. Through that and the understanding of resource management, we can achieve truly innovative, sustainable, and successful projects that can leave a legacy for future generations.”

Klaus has experience in Urban Design and Landscape Architecture in areas such as site design and complete streetscapes, roofscapes, analysis of environmental impacts, and development of strategies for sustainable resource management.

Jim brings over 25 years of experience in the survey industry to the team.

Jim is a Professional Land Surveyor for Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. He is also a member of Missouri Society of Professional Land Surveyors.

Julian is a creative and dedicated team member who resolves complex issues with creative, innovative design solutions. His proficiency in site design, computer rendering, and graphic design helps clients understand the scope and vision of their projects. His understanding of the design process allows him to fulfill project requirements, resulting in outstanding projects and satisfied clients.

Mary Ann joined SWT Design in 2021 and works directly with our Land Survey Studio. Her diverse and extensive experience in land surveying spans four-decades and ranges from work with the Jefferson County Assessor’s Office creating maps on mylar to advanced digital computer aided drafting for multiple surveying firms in eastern Missouri.

Mary Ann spends much of her time outside of the office volunteering at multiple organizations but has a special affinity for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Over the last 35+ years, Mary Ann has volunteered as a troop leader, camp supervisor, camp promoter, district manager, and numerous other positions with GSEM. In addition to her time with the Girl Scouts, she is also involved with the Belews Creek Watershed Partnership and has been their secretary for the last 13+ years.

“I really do like drafting on the computer and by hand. It’s rewarding to make drawings so that people understand what they have. It’s fun to create drawings to use to expand upon to create even bigger and better projects. It’s cool to draw up something and then look at it on the ground and from the air and say….not bad. I know that all may sound pretty simple. What I do is complex but makes things simpler for others, or at least I hope it does.”

Joining SWT Design all the way from The University of Dayton, Mary is making a return to Missouri for the summer of 2022 as a Civil Engineering intern in our St. Louis Studio. Initially torn between Architecture and Engineering, Mary decided to pursue her degree in civil engineering because she found it to have the right balance of creativity and analytical design. Originally from Wildwood, Mary is looking forward to being back in St. louis for another Blues run at the Stanley Cup.

“I love that I am working for a company this summer that mixes creativity with engineering applications. In high school, I was torn between studying architecture and engineering, and I eventually landed on civil engineering. However, I’ve always been a creative person and want to explore the design side of engineering projects. I also love to see the progress and final product from my work, so civil engineering and landscape architecture offer that visibility for me.”

Gary comes to SWT Design with a strong background in financial management and financial sustainability. He regularly collaborates with our project managers during the design process to help maintain healthy project budgets and identify ways in which we can improve our project management process.

As a professional landscape architect, Scott brings more than 10 years of experience to SWT Design, and his versatility as a designer lends to a successful project portfolio within the urban environment. Downtown streetscape enhancements, urban plazas, land use plans, and parks & trails are just a few examples of his diverse experience. And it is this same versatility that gives Scott the ability to see projects and their impact at multiple scales, from a comprehensive master plan to detailed site work. Regardless of project type, Scott gains most satisfaction from working alongside the communities that are directly impacted by our team’s recommendations.

“Urban populations are only going to continue to grow. And as we see populations shift, the demand for open space and better quality of life will only increase as well. Today, our profession is one of the most important within our industry. Landscape architects are so well equipped to serve as the ‘glue’ that holds our built and natural environments together.”

Scott also brings an appreciation of technology to our practice, continually introducing our team and clients to new software, programs, and representation techniques that help us better articulate the design process is the most effective manner.

Leslie has years of experience in civil engineering site design. She has experience in working with getting project permits approved by governing agencies and takes pride in getting projects completed accurately and on time.

She has experience working on many different types of projects from commercial and residential site developments to parks and recreation grading and stormwater management design. Her focus is on highlighting the individuality of each project so that she can tailor designs to fit the challenges that each site brings. Leslie pays close attention to every detail and delivers sustainable, cost-effective solutions.