About Department of Landscape Architecture · Seattle
The Department of Landscape Architecture is an academic unit within the University of Washington's College of Built Environments, located in Gould Hall on the Seattle campus. Founded in 1969 by Professor Emeritus Richard Haag, the department offers professionally accredited degrees (BLA, BA in Environmental Design and Sustainability, and MLA) centered on the practice of Urban Ecological Design. It is one of only a handful of programs in North America holding both accredited undergraduate and graduate landscape architecture degrees through the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB).
Founded in 1969 by pioneering landscape architect Richard Haag — best known internationally for Seattle's Gas Works Park and the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island — the UW Department of Landscape Architecture has prepared generations of designers to shape complex urban and natural environments. Originally part of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (now the College of Built Environments), the department launched its MLA program in 1979 and has been fully accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels since 1969 and 1986, respectively, making it one of only sixteen programs in North America to hold both credentials. Teaching, research, and community engagement are rooted in the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest while extending to communities around the world. The department's signature pedagogical framework is Urban Ecological Design, a practice that addresses climate adaptation, ecological infrastructure, design as activism, ecological learning, and the interlinked themes of human and environmental health and social/environmental justice. Faculty-led research initiatives include the Green Roof Performance Study, Green Wall and Roofwater Harvesting Systems, Waterfront Stormwater Solutions, Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation, Design Activism in Developing Communities, Children and Civic Landscapes, and Design Studio Pedagogy. The department also contributes to interdisciplinary PhD and certificate programs in the Built Environment, Urban Design, and Preservation. Catherine De Almeida was appointed Chair effective June 16, 2026, succeeding a line of leaders that includes Haag, Robert Buchanan, Sally Schauman, David Streatfield, Iain Robertson, Fritz Wagner (interim), Jeff Hou, and Ken Yocom.
- In business
- Founded 1969 (56 years); BLA program accredited since 1969; MLA program added in 1979 and accredited since 1986.
- Owner
- Founded by Professor Emeritus Richard Haag in 1969 (within the University of Washington's College of Built Environments, formerly College of Architecture and Urban Planning). Current Chair: Catherine De Almeida, effective June 16, 2026.
- Serves
- Primarily the Pacific Northwest (Puget Sound / Cascadia region), with research and project engagement in the broader United States, Latin America (e.g., Lima and Ventarron, Peru), Europe, and New Zealand.
Mission and Identity
The department's stated mission is to offer nationally recognized, professionally accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs in landscape architecture that focus on Urban Ecological Design. The faculty educate students to become innovative practitioners and leaders in both public service and private practice, and to create positive change in communities, the region, and the world. The curriculum builds design expertise rooted in both intellectual and experiential understanding of human and natural systems through iterative, interdisciplinary, project-based learning.
History of the Department
The Department of Landscape Architecture was officially founded in 1969 by Professor Emeritus Richard Haag, although a BLA curriculum had been offered in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning (now the College of Built Environments) throughout the preceding decade. The MLA program was added in 1979. Both programs have been fully accredited since 1969 and 1986 respectively, making UW one of only sixteen programs in North America with both accredited graduate and undergraduate landscape architecture degrees. Haag was succeeded as chair by Robert Buchanan (1970–1980), Sally Schauman (1982–1994), David Streatfield, Iain Robertson, Fritz Wagner (interim, 2005–2009), Jeff Hou (2009–2017), and Ken Yocom (2017–2026). Catherine De Almeida was announced as the next chair, effective June 16, 2026.
- Founded 1969 by Richard Haag
- MLA program launched 1979
- BLA accredited since 1969
- MLA accredited since 1986
- One of 16 North American programs with both accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Catherine De Almeida appointed Chair effective June 16, 2026
Undergraduate Programs
The department offers two undergraduate degrees that combine lectures, technical training, and hands-on studio work. The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) is a STEM-designated, LAAB-accredited first professional degree that leads to licensure. The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Sustainability (BA EDS) is an interdisciplinary degree aimed at climate action, sustainable design, and community engagement, with opportunities to double major. A Minor in Urban Ecological Design is also available to students pursuing other majors.
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) — STEM-designated, licensure-eligible
- Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Sustainability (BA EDS)
- Urban Ecological Design Minor (open to students in other majors)
- Practicum opportunities with public agencies or private firms
- Design-build capstone studio
- Proficiency in digital design software
Graduate Programs (MLA)
The Master of Landscape Architecture is a STEM-designated, LAAB-accredited professional degree offered in two tracks. The MLA I track is three years and serves applicants without a previous design education; it draws students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds such as ecology, business, political science, literature, art, and history. The MLA II track is two years and is designed for applicants holding a prior design degree in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Urban Design, or Architecture. Concurrent degrees are available with Architecture (MLA/MArch) and Urban Planning (MLA/MUP).
- MLA I (3 years, for students without prior design training)
- MLA II (2 years, for students with prior design training)
- Concurrent MLA/MArch with Architecture
- Concurrent MLA/MUP with Urban Planning
- Capstone design project in the final year
- STEM-designated degree
Urban Ecological Design — Program Pillars
Urban Ecological Design is the department's signature intellectual framework, treating design as a practice that responds to the most critical issues of the 21st century. It weaves together design thinking, ecological awareness, social justice, and human and environmental health. The curriculum and research portfolio are organized around several interconnected pillars.
- Design as Activism
- Ecological Infrastructure
- Ecological Learning and Literacy
- Design for Human and Environmental Health
- Social and Environmental Justice
Design Research Areas
Department research advances the discourse and practice of urban ecological design and addresses the intertwined challenges of environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic viability. Current projects include studies of green roof performance, green wall and roofwater harvesting systems, waterfront stormwater solutions, urban green infrastructure for climate adaptation, design activism in developing communities, the relationships between children and civic landscapes, and the pedagogy of design studios.
- Green Roof Performance Study (Ken Yocom and Ben Spencer)
- Green Wall, Green Screen and Roofwater Harvesting Systems (Nancy Rottle, Green Futures Lab)
- Waterfront Stormwater Solutions (Nancy Rottle, with Rich Horner, Green Futures Lab)
- Urban Green Infrastructure for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (Nancy Rottle)
- Design Activism in Developing Communities, including work in Lima and Ventarron, Peru (Ben Spencer)
- Children and Civic Landscapes (Julie Johnson)
- Design Studio Pedagogy (Iain M Robertson)
- Management of Living Landscapes as On-going Design, including Freeway Park replanting (Iain M Robertson)
- Next Eco-Cities, Emergent Urbanism (Jeff Hou, Ben Spencer, Thaisa Way, Ken Yocom)
- Reading the Elwha (landscape historiography)
Primary Faculty and Staff
The department's primary faculty and staff include scholars and designers whose work spans ecological design, urban planning, historic preservation, and community-engaged practice. The roster is drawn from the official People page.
- Celina Balderas Guzmán
- Catherine De Almeida (incoming Chair, effective June 16, 2026)
- Vincent Javet
- Julie Johnson
- Vanessa Lee
- Jennie Li (Undergraduate Academic Adviser)
- Lynne Manzo
- Jade Orr
- Julie Parrett (Graduate Program Coordinator)
- Daniel Winterbottom
- Ken Yocom (John and Rosalind Jacobi Family Endowed Dean of the College of Built Environments; former Department Chair 2017–2026)
- Jeff Hou (former Chair 2009–2017)
- Nancy Rottle (Green Futures Lab)
- Thaisa Way (built environment history)
Accreditation and Licensure
The Department of Landscape Architecture holds accreditation from the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board (LAAB) for both the BLA and MLA degrees, satisfying the academic requirements for licensure as a Landscape Architect. Accreditation information is publicly posted on the department's LAAB Public Information page and listed in the UW Office of the Provost's Specialized Accreditations registry.
- BLA — LAAB accredited since 1969 (last review 2014)
- MLA — LAAB accredited since 1986 (last review 2016)
- Both degrees meet the academic requirements for licensure
Advising and Contact
Prospective and current students are supported by dedicated undergraduate and graduate advisers. General inquiries can be sent to the department's information email; specific questions about the BLA, BA EDS, and Minor are directed to the undergraduate adviser, while the MLA program coordinator handles graduate inquiries. The department can also be reached by phone and by mail at its Gould Hall offices.
- General inquiries: [email protected]
- Undergraduate Adviser: Jennie Li — [email protected] — 206.685.2635
- Graduate Program Coordinator: Julie Parrett — [email protected]
- Department phone: 206.543.9240
- Mailing address: 348 Gould Hall, Box 355734, Seattle, WA 98195
- Shipping address: 348 Gould Hall, 3950 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
- Social: Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo
Place in the College of Built Environments
The department sits within the University of Washington's College of Built Environments, alongside Architecture, Construction Management, and Urban Design and Planning. Faculty contribute to interdisciplinary PhD programs in the Built Environment and Urban Design and Planning, and to College-wide certificate programs in Urban Design and Preservation Planning. This positioning enables shared studios, cross-listed coursework, and joint degree pathways.
- College of Built Environments, University of Washington
- Joint MLA/MArch with Architecture
- Joint MLA/MUP with Urban Planning
- Interdisciplinary PhD in the Built Environment
- Interdisciplinary PhD in Urban Design and Planning
- Certificates in Urban Design and Preservation Planning