A Double Win for Planning Design Studio at the 2025 ASLA Awards

Planning Design Studio won two prestigious Merit Awards at the 2025 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Awards. The recognition comes from the outstanding work on the Brentwood Park Master Plan and the Baltic Creek Greenway Master Plan, two projects that showcase PDS’s innovative approach to blending functionality, sustainability, and community engagement through thoughtful design.

Image: Aerial photo of the recently completed Brentwood Park

The award-winning design for Brentwood Park redefined the idea of an urban park by creating a space that offers relaxation, recreation, and functionality. Located in an increasingly dense urban area, the park provides a much-needed gathering space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The design concept prioritized accessibility, sustainability, and local culture, weaving the park seamlessly into its environment.

PDS’s work at Brentwood Park included sustainable stormwater management systems, native plantings to encourage biodiversity, and multifunctional spaces that cater to a variety of community activities. The integration of community-focused elements, such as an amphitheater for local performances and gathering spaces for public events, enhances the social and cultural vibrancy of the area. With pathways that wind through natural landscapes, the park offers a dynamic experience, encouraging both active recreation and peaceful contemplation.

Baltic Creek Greenway is another exemplary project that earned PDS a Merit Award. This greenway project focuses on creating an accessible, scenic corridor that connects communities while improving environmental resilience. Located along an ecologically sensitive waterway, the greenway serves not only as a recreational pathway but also as an environmental enhancement project, with strategies to protect water quality, reduce flood risks, and restore local ecosystems.

The greenway design incorporated native planting, sustainable materials, and stormwater management techniques to ensure that it functions harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Walking, biking, and recreational opportunities abound, and the greenway becomes an essential link between neighborhoods, parks, and the broader urban infrastructure.