Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture plays a vital role in creating healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable communities. At Jefferson, we believe landscape architects have both the opportunity and responsibility to address the environmental, social, cultural, and ecological challenges shaping our cities, neighborhoods, and natural systems. Our program combines design excellence with community engagement, preparing graduates to create resilient landscapes and meaningful public spaces that improve quality of life for all people and the environment.

Our faculty are accomplished educators, researchers, and practitioners who bring diverse expertise and real-world experience into the studio and classroom. Through a rigorous curriculum that balances design theory, technical knowledge, and applied practice, students develop the skills necessary to lead in an evolving profession. Students gain expertise in landscape design, ecological restoration, green infrastructure, climate adaptation, site engineering, geospatial technologies, visualization, digital modeling, and emerging design tools while developing the critical thinking, creativity, leadership, and communication skills needed to address complex challenges.

At Jefferson, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on, community-engaged projects, students work directly with neighborhoods, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to create design solutions that address real-world needs. Our students learn how to:

• Mitigate and adapt to climate change through resilient landscape solutions
• Design healthy cities and ecological systems that support social and environmental equity
• Restore habitats and strengthen biodiversity
• Transform underutilized spaces into vibrant community assets
• Collaborate with residents and stakeholders to create meaningful, lasting change

A defining feature of the program is our nationally recognized Park in a Truck initiative. Established in 2017, the program brings together landscape architecture students and faculty, high school students, and community partners to transform vacant and underutilized spaces into community-owned green spaces. Students participate in every phase of the process, from research and design through construction and stewardship, gaining invaluable professional experience while creating measurable community impact. Projects have been completed in Philadelphia's Mantua, Kingsessing, and Elmwood neighborhoods, with additional projects currently underway.

The impact of this work has earned national recognition, including Fast Company's Social Good Award and Green Building United's Groundbreaker Award. Faculty and students have also secured significant grant funding to advance research and community initiatives focused on environmental stewardship, pollinator habitat creation, public health, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization.

Preparing students for successful careers is central to our mission. Located in Philadelphia, one of the nation's leading centers for landscape architecture and urban design, Jefferson provides students with unparalleled access to leading practitioners and firms. Through internships, professional mentorship, networking opportunities, and studio instruction from nationally and internationally recognized landscape architects, students build strong industry connections and gain valuable professional experience. Our graduates consistently secure internships and full-time positions with leading firms such as OLIN, Andropogon, Ayers Saint Gross, Oehme van Sweden, Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, and many others.

Whether your interests lie in ecological design, urban design, community development, green infrastructure, climate resilience, environmental restoration, or public space design, Jefferson provides the knowledge, mentorship, hands-on experiences, and professional connections needed to build a meaningful and impactful career.

We invite you to explore our program and discover how landscape architecture can empower you to create healthier, more resilient, and more livable communities while shaping the future of our built and natural environments.

Kimberlee Douglas, MLA PLA LEED GA
Director, Landscape Architecture Program
215-951-0115

Notable Accomplishments of the Director, Honors + Awards
 

• Awarded American Society of Landscape Architect's (ASLA) Community Service Award
• Awarded PA StateScoop Award for State Innovation of the Year (co-awardee)
• Philadelphia University Nexus Learning Award
• Community Design Award for Conceptual Master Plan, Nebinger Elementary School
• Montgomery Award for Cynwyd Heritage Trail
• PA/DE American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award Cynwyd Heritage Trail
• PA/DE American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award Linwood Park
• Board Member Penn Design Alumni Board