The American Society of Landscape Architects of San Diego (ASLA) recently presented Design Awards to prominent Landscape Architects from San Diego and beyond. The ASLA San Diego Design Awards are the ultimate recognition of design achievement for landscape architecture firms and projects in and outside the San Diego region. These awards celebrate the innovation and creativity found among the practitioners of landscape architecture. A total of 32 awards were presented from more than 42 entries. A complete list of all winners can be found here.

"ASLA San Diego is thrilled to recognize outstanding San Diego County landscape architects and their projects. Our association's core goal is to support our members as they create beautiful, enduring landscapes that improve the quality of life," said Brad Lents, ASLA San Diego president. "Winning a Design Award not only supports our members but instills pride in our community and recognizes quality workmanship that only a licensed architect can offer."

The 2026 Special and Choice Award winners are:

President's Award (highest honor):
Deneen Powell Atelier, Inc. for Elephant Valley at San Diego Safari Park
Elephant Valley design consisted of landscape design of the west yard, passage, main pond, lodge and picnic area. Three large Dracaena draco, several species of mature tree Aloe and large clumps of spreading Aloe were moved into the project. Planted 50 years ago, these beauties were in an area of the park that had not been accessible to visitors since the park's monorail was decommissioned 20-years ago. The yards were sodded with the expectation that the elephants would wear paths and the remaining grass will visually expand the terraced planters. Guests along the passage now enjoy an up-close experience, with the elephants just 16'away-close enough to see their eyelashes. The project successfully met the accessibility challenge of a hundred-foot grade change, providing expansive backdrop views while hiding necessary infrastructure, and allowing visitors to experience an intimate encounter with the world's largest land animal.

Honor Award:

 
Schmidt Design Group for Fox Point Farms, San Diego
Rooted in Encinitas' agricultural legacy, Fox Point Farms is a 21-acre 'agrihood' blending people-first housing, regenerative farming, and community connection. The view across the central green from the farm-to-table restaurant showcases the event lawn, dining terrace, and greenhouse. The central green supports everyday use, events, and informal gathering; evolving beyond a lawn into a well-loved social destination. A central paseo traversing the heart of the residential community continues the project's agricultural ethos.

Merit Award:
KTUA Landscape Architects for Southwestern College Botanical Garden, San Diego
In collaboration, the landscape architect and architect sited classrooms and greenhouses around a central lawn and used an existing Southern Live Oak as the focal point. The site includes many different themed gardens. Gates were designed with unique tree silhouettes at every entrance, with meandering accessible paths leading to different areas of the garden. A custom water feature was designed to enclose the garden space and incorporate the Southwestern College logo.

Climate Champion Green Ribbon Award (recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional efforts in climate mitigation, resilience, biodiversity, environmental stewardship, and commitment to draw down of carbon emissions):

Grounded Landscape Architecture for Project Malibu
Project Malibu models Smart Fire-resilient design by swapping volatile woody plants for fast-burning low fuel loads like Muhlenbergia rigens, proving that a "quick-burn" landscape can successfully protect structures and shift official safety standards. UC Verde buffalo (no mow) grass paths throughout the landscape terrain used for the fuel modification maintenance paths that feel natural. This residence recently experienced the Malibu fires but due to the Smart Fire-resilient design, the home's structure did not burn.

OJB Landscape Architecture for Brisbane Baylands Master Plan
The plan elevates sustainability in all forms through development and transit strategies, stormwater management and restoration of Biodiversity. Many response techniques are deployed to help mitigate impacts of sea level changes, namely with the development of a widespread wetland system along the waterfront.

Equity Award (recognizes a project that promotes social and environmental justice and equity through inclusion, accessibility, community/public engagement, collaborative design):

LPA Design Studio for Stories, Compass Commons at the Compass Station, San Diego
The project makes a profound impact on the lives of the community's most vulnerable population by providing humane, thoughtfully designed outdoor gathering spaces with seating, planting areas, and event space. Context Site Plan of Compass Commons on an existing infill site. Site Enlargement Plan of emergency cabins and open space for gathering, socializing, and events, adaptively reusing an existing parking lot. New gathering spaces with flexible seating opportunities and planting areas provide common outdoor space for residents.

About ASLA San Diego Chapter
The American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA), San Diego chapter is a community of professional landscape architects and green industry organizations that serve landscape architecture. Our vision is a world where the built and natural environments coexist in harmony and sustainable balance; where all peoples can express their diverse heritage and their individual desires to grow and thrive; and where we, as a profession, can substantially contribute to achieving these ends. Our mission is to lead, educate, and participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environments. For information on educational, social and networking events, please visit www.asla-sandiego.org, or follow us on Instagram at asla_sandiego.

About National ASLA
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the premier professional association for landscape architects, representing over 18,000 members across 48 chapters domestically and 42 countries worldwide. Membership is open to landscape architects, students, and interested individuals committed to advancing the profession through advocacy, education, and service. ASLA champions the importance of stewardship of the land, sustainable design, and public awareness-working tirelessly to elevate the profession at local, state, and national levels. For more information on ASLA National, visit www.alsa.org.