2026 Class of Fellows: Marisa N. Scalera, PLA, FASLA, Potomac Chapter

Architect of the Capitol; Washington, D.C.
by

Category: Leadership/Management, Page 56

x

Category: Leadership/Management, Page 56

Marisa N. Scalera, PLA, ASLA, is a visionary leader who has shaped the design and stewardship of some of America's most iconic landscapes within the nation's capital. Recently appointed as the Landscape Architect for the U.S. Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, she now oversees the 286-acre campus surrounding the symbolic heart of the country, including the historic Capitol Square designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Scalera is exceptional for her ability to transform traditional public grounds into "living museums." During her decade-long tenure at Smithsonian Gardens, she played a pivotal role in evolving the organization from a grounds management unit into a fully accredited museum. A major highlight of her work was the development of Habitat, the Smithsonian's first-ever campus-wide exhibition. This initiative featured 16 distinct exhibits that engaged millions of visitors with themes of biodiversity and climate change, humanizing complex ecological issues through the beauty of living collections. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to ecological innovation within historic contexts. She has spearheaded projects that replace vast swaths of turf with richly planted garden exhibits, such as the Flight Garden at the National Air and Space Museum. Beyond aesthetics, Scalera has pioneered sustainable practices in the Monumental Core, including the creation of a comprehensive Soils Management Plan and advocating for updated federal streetscape guidelines that prioritize urban canopy health and stormwater resilience. By bridging the gap between horticulture, art, and science, Marisa Scalera has elevated the public's understanding of the environment. Her work ensures that the millions who visit the National Mall and Capitol Hill experience landscapes that are as educational and resilient as they are beautiful.

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2026.