2025 Fellows: Louis C. Fusco, FASLA, Connecticut Chapter

Louis Fusco Landscape Architects, Pound Ridge, NY
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Louis Fusco is an extraordinary leader of social and environmental justice initiatives within the profession. He has redefined how landscape architects should consider the human and environmental risks of sourcing material and raised awareness through the Design for Freedom movement and co-organizing the Earth Equity and Design for Freedom Landscape Forum for the Grace Farm Foundation. Committed to stewardship and social responsibility, he leads by example through his award-winning projects in support of material choices that reduce the risk of forced and child labor. Protecting, restoring, and improving the quality of the environment takes center stage in the projects Louis designs and manages. At St. John's University and Pace University, he set a new standard for campus design and elevated the role of landscape architecture. He transformed a contaminated site in Pound Ridge into a beloved Village Green, created a 200-acre urban forest in Milan, Italy, mitigated over 350 acres of private and public wetland areas throughout New York and Connecticut, and planned an accessible trail system for Connecticut's 4000-acre White Memorial Conservation Center-some of his many projects that exemplify his commitment to providing equitable access for all. Louis is a leader in promoting the profession through his active involvement in his ASLA chapter, which was celebrated when he was awarded the 2020 Yarwood Award for unselfishly giving his time and talent to further the profession. Whether writing and directing a psychological drama feature film (After Roberto) where landscape and environment take center stage or as a sought-after speaker nationally and internationally, Louis is always finding creative and visionary ways to advance the understanding of the role of the profession in creating community.