Korean-American Landscape Architect Walter Ryu, PLA, ASLA, has a global career that spans over 30 years. In the early 2000s, Ryu operated his own Virginia-based firm, specializing in luxury residential landscapes. In 2008, he expanded his portfolio across Asia with Singapore's Cicada Ltd. and later in Australia with Hassell. His commitment to ecological design also led him to Saipan for the Kensington Saipan Hotel & Resort (2015, See A), a project highlighted in LASN's July 2021 Resorts Issue. After leadership roles at Heerim in Seoul and AOYA in Shenzhen, he founded his eponymous Walter Ryu Studio in 2019, operating out of Atlanta and delivering projects nationwide. Grounded in the motto "Ars longa, vita brevis" (Art is long, life is short), the studio blends art and nature, drawing upon painting, music, culture, history, and architecture to craft expressible landscapes. Their ethos emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and narrative. The studio values participatory design and flexibility, seeking to create places that evolve with community life.

Kensington Hotel; Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
At Saipan's Kensington Hotel, landscape architecture saved this old, abandoned hotel originally built in the 1970s by a developer from Asia. It had been left unattended on the northern coast of this U.S. Commonwealth. The remnant building structure was strong enough to be reused but the facilities, such as restaurants and all indoor and outdoor amenities, required remodeling, so the client kept the architectural structure and revitalized the landscape with additional plantings, water features, and landscape lighting. Success was due to hands-on-design, well-executed construction, and the enthusiastic involvement of hotel volunteers, local laborers, and the client. Photo Credit: Walter Ryu Studio

 

Jamsu Pedestrian Bridge Park; Seoul, Korea
This conceptual project for Seoul's historic Jamsu Bridge demonstrates how existing infrastructure can evolve into a signature public space. The concept envisions the bridge as an elegant pedestrian connector that is sculptural in form and light in presence, providing walking, viewing, and gathering spaces while integrating landmark identity, fluid movement, ecological sensitivity, and iconic night lighting. Key elements include native plantings, shade structures, and stormwater management. Visitors enjoy a varied pedestrian experience, from intimate garden pockets to sweeping river views, with rest areas and shaded spots enhancing comfort. Inspired by traditional Korean architecture's breezy, open summer features, the design reinterprets cultural motifs to create a contemporary, dynamic civic destination along the Han River. Photo Credit: Walter Ryu Studio



Seoul Jamsil Waterfront; Seoul, Korea
The Seoul Jamsil project reimagines part of the Han River waterfront as an urban oasis, transforming an underutilized riverbank into a vibrant natural swimming pool and recreational landscape. The design integrates sustainable water filtration, native planting, and layered public spaces that connect city life with river ecology. Shallow wading zones, deeper swimming areas, and green lounging terraces invite all ages to enjoy nature within the city. Boardwalks and shaded platforms provide access while protecting sensitive riparian habitats. Key goals include restoring ecological health, promoting outdoor activity, and redefining Seoul's urban waterfront identity. The project celebrates water as a community asset, merging landscape architecture, ecological design, and playful spatial strategies. Photo Credit: Walter Ryu Studio



Roman Relic Park; Curinga, Italy
Roman Relic Park is grounded in the principles of minimum-impact design and multi-use spatial planning. Situated in the historic town of Curinga, Italy, this garden honors and enhances the presence of a rare Roman relic bath by preserving the archaeological site while providing flexible outdoor spaces for cultural activities, learning, and quiet reflection. Through minimal interventions, the garden maintains the integrity of the relics and surrounding environment, using local materials and a restrained planting palette to blend seamlessly with the natural and historical context. Defined zones within the garden accommodate multiple functions, ensuring the space remains adaptable throughout the year. Photo Credit: 100 Architects, Inc.

As seen in LASN magazine, October 2025.