Dolores D. Silkworth is a senior partner and landscape architect at RDG Planning and Design, and manages the firm's landscape architecture studio in Omaha, Neb. She is currently focused on designing parks and urban spaces with a goal of improving people's health, community and the environment. This includes resource protection and rehabilitation, sustainable design of urban spaces, conservation of energy and materials, and expansion of accessibility. Her projects have earned more than 23 awards from the ASLA over the past 12 years.

RDG was officially formed in 1989 as the Renaissance Design Group Corp., and has three offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Ames and Des Moines, Iowa; and Ft. Myers, Florida. It has 159 employees, 61 licensed professionals and 13 principals. Its services include landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, interior and lighting design, and sustainability.

Licenses:
Nebraska #179
Iowa #337
Washington #999
Kansas #760
CLARB #7339

Education:
Michigan State University, bachelor's degree (with honors), landscape architecture, 1983
University of Nebraska, Omaha, course work in public administration

Professional Affiliations:
ASLA member, Great Plains and Iowa chapters; International Rotary Club

Projects in Publications:
Adam Regn Arvidson. "Loess is More in Iowa, site design and storytelling by RDG," Landscape Architecture Magazine, Feb. 2014
Dahlquist, David and Silkworth, Dolores. "Preface." Public Landscape Street Furniture II Urban Design, Shenzhen, China: HiDesign, 2013
Tree of Life South 24th Street, p. 166 to 181

Bayliss Park, Council Bluffs, Iowa
RDG developed a plan for improvements that brought the community together and culminated in energetic fundraisers that launched this project into construction. Interest groups claimed ownership of the plan and worked with RDG to successfully blend the history of the site and contemporary art into a single design. Spectacular art pieces by Brower Hatcher, and custom carved granite pool coping and plinths, were incorporated into the design. A modern fountain utilizes nozzles and LED lights to create dancing patterns. A spray park, weaved with unique art and sculptures, has been an ideal playground for children.

Crystal Prairie Lake Park, Master Plan, Wichita, Kansas
This project is unique because the design and construction criteria had to take into account how the site would be transformed as mining operations progress. Through the engagement of both the public and private sectors, wide consensus was developed that Crystal Prairie Lake Park should be a model for sustainability. In addition, both active and passive uses of the site are encouraged through a broad mix of programs. As a result, it allows the park to generate revenues to cover a significant portion of its operating expenses.

Q & A

1. What was the pivotal or motivating factor(s) that made you choose a career in landscape architecture?
I knew at 12 years old that landscape architecture was the right path for me. I was intrigued by the mix of skills necessary for success, the design and dirt, plants and pavements, science and sociology, inside and outside. I also knew that landscape architects could make the world a better place.

2. If you had not become a landscape architect, what profession might you have pursued?
Maybe an anthropologist or a chef.

3. What do you most enjoy about being a landscape architect?
I love watching people use the space and environment that I've helped create. It never gets old, and I learn something new each time. There is always a bit of a surprise and there is nothing better than the sheer delight of a person enjoying the outdoors.

4. Do you think women landscape architects generally get the same respect as their male counterparts? Have you experienced any discrimination because of your gender within the profession or by clients?
Women do not always get the same respect as their male counterparts. I do believe that gender differences have gotten less frequent and less significant over time, but they still exist. And yes, I have experienced discrimination because of my gender in my 30 plus years of practice. I've tried not to focus on that element, by continually choosing to take the high road around the issue, but there are stories I could tell.

5. When you first meet people not affiliated with the profession and explain that you are a landscape architect, how do you describe what you do?
I design significant outdoor public spaces, such as parks, streetscapes and campuses. We are the architects of the outdoor realm. We are the designers of nature in the city. We are the protectors of the wild and stewards of our natural environment.

6. What in particular do you attribute your success to?
My success has come with hard work, patience and persistence. I have stayed focused at being a landscape architect, exploring different practice areas both private and public, and bringing all that I have learned along the way to my work. My practice of landscape architecture starts with the keen desire to give to the public beautiful places of rest and activity in the great outdoors.

7. What is (are) the most important contribution(s) made by landscape architects in the field of design today?
We have expanded the conversation about designing for the health of ourselves, our cities, our world. We have pushed all designers to be more collaborative and inclusive in the decision making of place. Landscape architects have given all designers the tools, language and processes for creating better environments.

8. How has the landscape architecture profession changed since you first began working in the field?
The profession has grown. The sheer numbers of landscape architects working has grown significantly. The profession has matured into one that is more fully integrated into multi-disciplinary design teams. We are a much sought after skill set making contributions on a much larger scale.

9. What career advice would you give to recently graduated landscape architectural students as they enter the profession?
Find a first job alongside an established leader in the profession. There is much to be learned and you will greatly benefit from a good mentor. Absorb all you can and seize the opportunity that is given. If an opportunity is not given, go get it.

As seen in LASN magazine, November 2016.

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