Design Process

THUR-B05: Evolving Iconic Landscapes: The Role of Designers in Legacy Places

Thursday, September 17, 2026

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM PT

1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW

Speaker(s)

Tiffany J. Beamer, FASLA, PLA, SITES AP (she/her/hers)

CO-CEO + Partner
OLIN
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dakota Keene, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP

Partner
Mithun
Seattle, Washington
Susannah Ross, ASLA

Director Landscape Architect
Agency Landscape + Planning
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Explore how landscape architects guide the evolution of iconic and historic sites, balancing preservation, adaptation, and community needs. Drawing on landmark civic and cultural projects, this session highlights iterative design, stakeholder engagement, and strategies to keep these places relevant, accessible, and meaningful in a changing world.

Learning Outcomes:

Apply iterative design strategies to manage evolving landscapes, balancing historic preservation, contemporary needs, and stakeholder input in both legacy and everyday projects.
Engage communities and advisory boards effectively, incorporating inclusive feedback loops to strengthen decision-making and ensure landscapes remain relevant and accessible over time.
Demonstrate stewardship and adaptive management approaches for legacy and iconic sites, integrating maintenance, programming, and cultural considerations into long-term landscape planning.
Translate lessons from iconic projects into actionable strategies for equity, inclusion, and collaborative design, enabling attendees to implement responsive and socially conscious design practices in their own work.