On April 15, 2025, the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (AZASLA) unveiled the winners of its prestigious 2025 Awards, celebrating remarkable accomplishments in landscape architecture across the state of Arizona. The event brought together professionals, students, and community members to honor designs that reflect the unique ecological and cultural landscapes of Arizona.
Key Highlights of the Awards
The AZASLA Awards serve not only as an acknowledgment of exceptional design but also as a platform to inspire creativity and innovation within the field. The prominent awards included various categories recognizing residential and general design, planning analysis, student contributions, and individual honors.
Among the standout projects was the
Avondale Civic Center, designed by Dig Studio, Inc., which showcases a commitment to sustainability by incorporating elements reflective of the city’s agricultural heritage. The center features lush rain gardens supported by water collection areas and creates an inviting community space that merges indoor and outdoor experiences.
The awards presented this year included:
- - President's Award
- - Award of Excellence – Residential: Recognized projects were curated by ELEMENT + FORM for "The Green Room Landscape Architecture," and TRUEFORM for the Arizona Center Re-Imagined.
- - Honors – General Design: Projects such as the Chandler Museum by Colwell Shelor and the Palo Verde Plaza by The Green Room Landscape Architecture received accolades for their innovative contributions.
- - Landmark Award: The Civic Space Park by Dig Studio, Inc., highlighted a crucial element in urban landscaping.
In the student category, the
Award of Excellence – Student Individual was presented to Md Farhan Asef Jit for his project
Roots of Resilience, while collaborative efforts like the
Campus Masterplan Improvement Project garnered honors for teamwork and creative approaches.
Special Individual Awards
Several distinguished individuals received recognition for their outstanding contributions to landscape architecture and community service. Notable winners included:
- - Landscape Architect of the Year: Mary Estes, for her impactful designs and mentorship in the field.
- - Emerging Professional of the Year: Kevin Scholfield, who emphasized the importance of community engagement in his projects.
- - Volunteer of the Year: Matthew Lutheran, recognized for his dedication to advancing landscape architecture in Arizona.
- - The Office of the Year was awarded to The Design Laboratory, showcasing commitment to innovative practices.
Kevin Scholfield, winner of the Emerging Professional of the Year, expressed his gratitude: "It's an honor to be recognized by AZASLA. The mentorship and collaboration have certainly shaped my career, motivating me to continue contributing positively to our communities."
The AZASLA awards highlight the critical role that landscape architects play in fostering healthy, environmentally-resilient communities, and this year's recipients exemplify this mission through their inspiring work.
To view all the winner’s projects and learn more about the deserving recipients, visit
AZASLA's official website. The AZASLA remains dedicated to supporting landscape architects through education, advocacy, and professional development, ensuring Arizona’s landscapes are both beautiful and sustainable.