2025 Fellows: Chad Kennedy, FASLA, California Sierra Chapter

Westwood Professional Services, Modesto, CA
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Chad Kennedy's career has been dedicated to creating inclusive, innovative, and sustainable environments that enrich communities and advance the profession. His life's work is rooted in designing inclusive play environments that bring together individuals of all ages, abilities, demographics, and socio-economic backgrounds. His award-winning projects reflect a seamless blend of innovation and inclusivity, inspiring professionals, clients, and communities alike to embrace the ideals of justice, equity, accessibility, and sustainability. As a mentor, volunteer, and advocate, he has consistently elevated public understanding of landscape architecture and its pivotal role in shaping these places. Guided by his unwavering belief in the power of play and recreation, Chad's work has created a legacy of inclusion, resource conservation, and innovative design. In 2023, Chad's leadership in education and design culminated in the release of his first nationally published book, "The Nature of Inclusive Play: A Guide for Designers, Educators, and Therapists," co-authored with occupational therapist Amy Wagenfeld. At his firm, Chad founded and cultivated a thriving landscape architecture department with over 40 professionals. One notable example of his leadership is the creation of the Awesome Spot Socially Inclusive Playground in Modesto, CA. This ground-breaking project brings research-based sensory integration, technologically advanced play features, and socially inclusive, accessible design to California's Central Valley. Chad's influence extends globally through his collaboration with Engineering Ministries International and Kids' Around the World on projects in Uganda. Chad has delivered compelling presentations at TEDx and numerous national conferences, showcasing the impact of thoughtfully designed spaces to foster connection, inclusion, and sustainability.