SITE DESIGN GROUP - Key Persons
Abigail is on the Technical Team at site. She has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech, with minors in Sociology and Horticulture. Abigail is passionate about community-driven design and creating equitable spaces for all. In addition, she has a strong interest in advocating for the arts and engaging with all facets of the design world. Originally from New Hampshire, Abigail grew up exploring the outdoors and major cities of New England. Abigail is an avid walker, enjoys watching baseball games (go Red Sox!), and attending live concerts.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with minors in Sociology and Horticulture, 2021,
Ashley is a Technical Manager at site, with experience as a team leader and construction manager at multiple international design firms. She is a Licensed Landscape Architect in Florida and New York. Over her eight years of professional experience, Ashley has worked on local and international projects at various scales from early conceptual design through construction administration; bridging design to documentation and implementation.
Brad is the Managing Principal at site, who specializes in construction detailing and contract documentation. Through Brad's extensive knowledge in transforming designs into buildable projects, he has helped facilitate numerous award-winning public spaces. His work includes urban waterfronts, streetscapes, residential developments, urban parks, playgrounds, and open space design in both the public and private sectors.
Brad's expertise in construction documentation, detailing, and business operations has led to more carefully crafted, iconic, and well-loved public spaces throughout Chicago and the Midwest. Brad is actively involved in a number of professional and service organizations, including serving as the Vice President of Membership for the American Society of Landscape Architects and a member of the Stewardship Council of The Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2007,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Registration/Certification
Brenda Kiesgen is a Senior Project Manager at site with a passion for social spaces that integrally fit into the context of the urban fabric. Her skills in site analysis, communication, and aesthetic considerations within the collaborative design process produce unique, vivid spaces which culminate in the creation of enduring solutions. Brenda's education as an architect allows her to envision the creation of spaces through the creative juxtaposition of material and form, while her research of innovative sustainable technologies lays the foundation of an integrated design process.
Camille joined site in 2021 as a Project Manager assigned to the Chicago Department of Transportation's Streetscape and Sustainable Design Program. Camille has a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture with a minor in Studio Art and Design from Purdue University. Her professional experience includes working for a range of Chicago-based design firms. She is also the Co-Found of BlackSpace Chicago, a collective of Black designers and creatives in the fields that influence the built environment. Camille is actively involved in the Illinois Chapter of ALSA and currently serves as the Service Chair after previously participating in the Equity + Design panel (2019) and A Millennial Manifesto (2018). She is an active volunteer with a wide range of organizations, including Chicago Mobile Makers and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the Windy City Rollers, where she has skated since 2018.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Landscape Architecture, Minor in Studio Art and Design, 2013,
Purdue University
Registration/Certification
Carl Allen joins site as a member of the Technical Team. He has seven years of architecture experience in residential, retail, and commercial projects. He has a well-rounded background in Revit and construction documentation and brings an interest in the history and other forces that shape our built environment. Carl has lived in Chicago for six years and originally comes from Tacoma, Washington. In his free time, he enjoys computer gaming, running, and Seattle Mariners baseball.
Education
Bachelor of Architectural Design, 2015,
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Design Manager
- Design Manager, Horticultural Specialist
Chase is a Design Manager, Horticultural Specialist at site with a focus on planting design. Prior to joining site in 2021, he successfully implemented his horticultural talents on a wide range of project types and sizes including green roofs, living walls, urban parks, and intimate gardens. Chase has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his senior year, he studied planting design at the University of Sheffield in England which inspired him to pursue a niche horticultural role within the industry. Outside of work, Chase enjoys experiencing everything Chicago has to offer - restaurants, neighborhood festivals, concerts, and more. He is an avid traveler and enjoys visiting botanical gardens where he can geek out and get inspired for the next project.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2012,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Registration/Certification
Clare Johnson joins site as a Project Manager and brings over twelve years of experience in related fields. She has worked in public gardens, commercial landscapes, and residential design and build. Her specialties include therapeutic and accessible gardens, food production gardens, and project administration. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and holds a certification in Healthcare Garden Design. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and trying all the delicious restaurants in Chicago.
Education
Certificate of Merit, Healthcare Garden Design, 2011,
Joseph Regenstein School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago, IL
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2010,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Landscape Architect
- Senior Project Manager
Cody Axness is a Landscape Architect and Senior Project Manager at site. He has over 15 years of experience supporting and leading planning and design efforts of a diverse range multi-disciplinary project types involving analysis, land-use planning, master planning, and site development. His work reflects a dedication to understanding the potential of a site and finding ways to thoughtfully integrate the built and natural environments in authentic, meaningful ways in response the programmatic and functional requirements of a project.
Derek Neang is on the Project Team at site. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the Ohio State University, where he was also an Ohio National Guard Staff Sergeant (KC-135 aircraft mechanic). Derek is interested in designing spaces that develop social and economic equity within communities. Outside of work, Derek is a Judo green belt, Thai kickboxing (Muay Thai) practitioner, and is interested in philosophy, powerlifting, film, and photography.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Landscape Architecture, 2022,
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Registration/Certification
Elsa is on the Project Team at site who joined the team full time in 2020 after working as an intern in 2019. She has a Master of Landscape Architecture with a minor in Horticulture from Kansas State University. Growing up surrounded by the Forest Preserves of Chicagoland, Elsa has gained a great passion for native planting design and strives to provide equitable access to greenspace for all. Outside of work, Elsa enjoys spending time at her family lake house, camping, tickling the ivories, and playing board games.
As the Founding Principal and President of site, Ernest C. Wong has been instrumental in the evolution of the firm as a multi-cultural cutting edge design entity and fostering the landscape architecture profession in the City of Chicago. In managing the firm more than 30 years, site has established a reputation for creative design solutions, and developing thoughtful, community-oriented urban spaces.
Ernie serves on the board of numerous public service organizations and professional juries including the Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, Chinese American Service League, Near South Planning Board, and as the Chair of the Chicago Landmarks Commission. In addition, he is a frequent speaker at universities as well as design, business, and diversity conferences. In 2013, Ernie was elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows for his exceptional leadership, extensive community service, and outreach work. He recently served as the keynote speaker for the Florida ASLA Conference, the Oregon ASLA Design Symposium, and a juror for the inaugural AIA Roberta Feldman Socially Just Design Award.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1985,
Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Landscape Architect
- Technical Manager
Gretchen Gravenstein is a Technical Manager and Landscape Architect at site. With five years of professional experience, she joins the firm with expertise in producing high-quality design documents for projects ranging from residential to civic and large-scale commercial projects. She has strong technical and graphic skills, with an emphasis on construction documentation. Gretchen has a Master of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University. Outside of work, her hobbies include traveling, photography, and visiting National Parks.
Hana Ishikawa is the Design Principal at site, often leading the design process with complex, yet thoughtful ideas. Hana was elected and is currently serving on the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development's inaugural Committee on Design. Hana's projects, more than 100 of them throughout her tenure, have ranged from master planning of modern entertainment complexes, traditional commercial interiors, and historic streetscapes to contemporary urban parks.
Constantly looking for visually enticing environments from the rigid structure of classical aesthetics to cutting-edge modern design, whether it is conceptual design or construction details, she enjoys merging innovation and logic into all aspects of design. Born into a family of designers in Tokyo, with her unique educational history and eclectic job history at many different types of firms, her experience is diverse. Hana is fluent in Japanese and has forgotten most of her French.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, 2006,
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL (with prior studies at Carnegie Mellon University)
Registration/Certification
Heather is a Technical Manager at site. She is skilled at focusing on public facing construction projects, such as parks, playgrounds, and streetscapes. She also understands diverse planning and design assignments within the public realm, such as pop-up plazas, logo design, signage, site planning, corridor planning, and neighborhood master plans. Heather has a great understanding of each phase of projects, including: public outreach, early visioning plans, design development, construction documentation, cost estimating, and construction administration. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2012,
University of Illinois, Chicago,IL
Registration/Certification
Hinal Shah is on the Operations Team at site. She earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Gujarat University, a Diploma in Business Administration with a concentration in financial services from Bow Valley College, and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Human Resources from DePaul University. Originally from India, Hinal relocated to the US from Canada in 2021. Hinal has experience with invoicing, client interaction, and purchase orders at her family's interior design business. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, art, and crafts.
Education
Bow Valley College, 2018,
Business Administration, Major in Finance, Calgary, Canada
Gujarat University, 2016,
Bachelor of Commerce, Gujarat, India
Registration/Certification
Jeff is a Field Manager at site with a strong background in construction administration. Jeff has a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with field expertise in landscape maintenance, plant identification, plant healthcare, and irrigation, most recently serving as the field technician responsible for the Village of Tinley Park's Emerald Ash Borer removal program.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2012,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Principal
- GREEN ASSOCIATE / Principal
Jenna Jones is a Principal at site. Her educational background in marketing communications and landscape architecture with a focus on ecological design has led to a strong passion for exploring the relationship between people and nature. Communication of design and the creative process is an integral part of her role at site. Jenna brings a deep commitment to community outreach, the balance of culture and ecology, and sustainable design practices to all her projects, which range from master planning to sustainable streetscapes, and community-oriented open spaces. She believes in a contextual approach to design, where each project is responsive to its surroundings, becoming a valued place for residents and visitors alike.
Jessie King joined site as a Project Manager in 2021. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University. Her previous work experience includes projects around the Midwest, such as the Fort Wayne Promenade Park, CPS Space to Grow Schoolyards, The Wild Mile, Macy's Flagship Roofdeck, and more. Her passions within the industry include environmentally responsible and equitable spaces, planting design, and riverfront parks. Jessie is CLARB certified and is a registered Landscape Architect in Illinois, and currently serves as the co-chair for the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Awards Committee. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, hiking, fiber arts, and rock climbing. At a young age, her family would road trip to different National Parks throughout the country. Since moving to Chicago, she has missed hiking the Konza prairie in the flint hills of Kansas.
As a Design Associate, Jiajing brings a strong skillset in visualization and production. Before joining site in 2016, she served as an intern at several design firms, and was the joint winner of the 2013 Yuan Ye award in landscape architecture from Tongji University. You can often find Jiajing with a camera in her hand.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager, CDOT Streetscape & Sustainable Design Program
Joana joins site as a Project Manager assigned to the Chicago Department of Transportation's Streetscape and Sustainable Design Program. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, she graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Architecture and Urbanism from Mackenzie University in São Paulo, and moved to Chicago in 2014 to pursue a Masters in Sustainable Urban Development at DePaul University. She has a multidisciplinary educational and job history having a diverse experience that includes being a managing partner of a boutique landscape design firm in São Paulo, Director of Zoning and Urban Development for a Chicago Alderman, and smaller roles as an architect. Joana is interested in placemaking, walkability, urban design, and how the built environment shapes people's behavior and impacts their quality of life. She is fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, is currently working to refresh her French with weekly classes, and needs to get back to Italian before it gets too rusty.
Justin (JD) Rossman is site's Technical Director. He has degrees in Civil Engineering and Architecture, with a minor in Construction Management. This background has led him to work on many types of projects ranging from streetscapes, playgrounds, high rise amenity spaces, and everything in between. His technical experience and attention to detail allow him to translate designs from sketches into construction documents and through construction administration. JD is currently working towards his architectural license and professional engineering license in civil engineering. He is currently managing several projects, including the CPS Space to Grow projects at Cook and Fernwood Elementary Schools, which incorporate stormwater management, outdoor learning, and active play.
Outside of the office, JD enjoys playing beach volleyball, where he met his wife, hiking and exploring nature, spending time with family, and nerding out playing board games with friends.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, 2018,
Kari Lin is the Director of Finance at site. Her educational background in International Business Administration with a minor in Film Studies has allowed her to stay focused in finance and accounting while thriving in creative environments.
She started in financial services working with businesses in various industries in Paris before moving to Chicago in 2014. Here, she began her journey into the design world, working closely alongside architects and designers and bridging the gap between design and numbers. She has extensive experience with financial reporting, project accounting, process standardization, and budgeting.
Kari Lin is fluent in French and Norwegian. In her free time, she enjoys walking and discovering the city; you can usually find her outside in Lincoln Park or by the lake.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration, 2009,
American University of Paris, Paris, France
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Accounting Associate
- Education
Marina Yankova is an Accounting Associate at site with seven years of experience in accounting. Her educational background includes an Accounting Assistant Certificate and Bookkeeper Certificate from Harper College. Marina is extremely passionate about health, fitness, and self-improvement. She is a problem solver and team player, and is passionate about motivating others. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time reading, dancing, and spending time outdoors with her family doing everything from beach days to skiing.
Education
Accounting Assistant Certificate, 2019,
Harper College
Bookkeeping Certificate, 2019,
Marisela is on the Technical Team at site. She has diverse experience, including designing high-end residential buildings and construction administration in the United States and Mexico, where she is originally from. She enjoys advocating for minorities while working on public projects because they significantly impact individuals and communities. Outside work, she enjoys yoga, swimming, skateboarding, camping, exploring Chicago, and traveling.
Mark is the Director of Horticulture at site. As a generalist and landscape architect, his experience covers a wide range of project types and sizes, including master plans, parks, schools, natural areas, and streetscapes. As a specialist and arborist, his expertise lies in arboriculture and horticulture. Mark oversees planting design at site and co-teaches the LA 565: Ecology + Materials: Plants & Planting course at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Outside the office, Mark enjoys plants (obviously), cycling, photography, world travel, and exploring the great outdoors.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with a minor in Horticulture, 2009,
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Education
- Field Associate, Horticultural Specialist
Meng (Samantha) Shui is a Design Manager at site with strong skills in graphic production. She is interested in large-scale urban design and is passionate about dramatic space languages. In addition to her skills in landscape architecture, Samantha has experience in painting and stage design.
Mitchell Murdock is a Senior Project Manager and Certified Arborist at site. His specialties include municipal open space projects, urban forestry, and ecological restoration. While working for large municipal park agencies in NYC and Chicago, Mitch fostered his passion for greening communities and developing landscapes that integrate the natural and built elements.
Job Titles:
- Design Consultant
- Education
Job Titles:
- Education
- Project Associate
Nick joins site as a Project Associate. He received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and has experience in varying project types, ranging from multi-acre green roofs, historic renovations, streetscapes, and high-end, single-family residential. Nick loves learning about the physical, mechanical, and construction aspects of design and can often be found outside of work building in his garage or taking on home renovation projects. He loves to cook, explore the west coast, and spend time with his niece and nephew.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2017,
Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Registration/Certification
Nick is a Design Manager at site. He returned to the firm in 2020, bringing with him strong design skills and a specialization in hand drawing and graphic representation. Nick has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon and is a native northwesterner, currently working remotely from Portland. He has a diverse portfolio of campus and community planning experience and a strong interest in community-driven urban design.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Summa Cum Laude, 2015,
University of Oregon, OR
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Landscape Architect
- Project Manager
- Education
- Site Designer
Nicole is a Site Designer at site. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University, where she explored research-based, community-driven design within urban vacancy. Nicole is passionate about designing places and spaces that foster community connections while building a resilient environment. Outside of work, Nicole can be found exploring Chicago or working on her next art or DIY project.
Nicole is a Project Manager and Landscape Architect at site with a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She is passionate about designing learning and play environments for children. Nicole is inspired by traveling to new cities and enjoys cooking and hanging out with her family outside of work.
Nuosha is on the Design Team at site. She joined the firm in 2021. She has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Tonji University and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned First Price in the Edmund N. Bacon Urban Design Awards Student Competition. She joins site with experience at international design firms and a strong skillset in graphic communication. Nuosha speaks English, Madarin, and German.
Job Titles:
- Director of Construction Administration
Patrick Peterson serves as the Director of Construction Administration at site. A Licensed Landscape Architect, Project Manager, and Construction Specialist, he has over 16 years of experience designing and building a wide variety of projects from parks to botanic gardens and streetscapes to corporate headquarters. Patrick prides himself on his dedication to the highest level of client satisfaction through a focus on exceptional craftsmanship and uncompromising quality. Forever in search of the perfect solution, Patrick has a passion for collaboration, detailing, and bringing the firm's designs to life. Outside of the office, Patrick loves to spend time spoiling his nieces, running along the lake, cooking, reading graphic novels, and listening to music.
Paul (Wen-Po) Hsu is a Field Technician at site. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon and Master of City Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Paul is Taiwanese, but grew up on an the island of Borneo in Malaysia, known for its biodiversity, beaches, and rainforests. He is passionate about improving the day to day lives of people through the design of urban spaces.
As the Marketing + Communications Associate at site, Rachel Serfling promotes the firm's work and values to various audiences.
Originally from Chicago, Rachel called London home for 8.5 years. There she led communications and marketing at a practice of architects, landscape architects, and urban designers. In addition, she has been involved in numerous books and publications as a writer, editor, and professional reviewer. She also brings experience in exhibition design from her time at The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
Rachel received bachelor's degrees in both architecture and psychology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as well as a master's degree from the Architectural Association in London, U.K. She is passionate about sustainable design, art, cooking, collecting vinyl records, and travel.
As a Founding Principal of site, Robert K. Sit provides expertise in the architecture, business management, and technology development for the firm. He is responsible for the development and maintenance of all site's document control systems, quality control/quality assurance programs, financial accounting systems, and general computer standards.
Robert's architecture projects have included the design of numerous restaurant, retail, and institutional projects in the Chicago area. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and contributes to the profession through continued advocacy and education. Robert is involved in fundraising for numerous non-profits while promoting music and the arts. He enjoys photography and producing audio video projects.
Job Titles:
- CDOT Green Streets Manager
Russell joins site as a Green Streets Manager serving the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) at site. He is an ecological restoration professional focusing on protecting and improving native habitats while accounting for community usage and economic growth. He also has experience coordinating large-scale projects that bridge public and private sector interests. Outside of work, he volunteers with local green restoration organizations throughout Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Landscape Architect
- Project Manager
Sara is a Project Manager and Landscape Architect at site. She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Pennsylvania State University. Growing up in Central Pennsylvania, Sara spent the majority of her time outdoors exploring and learning about the natural environment, which eventually helped to lead her to a career in landscape architecture. Prior to working at site, Sara has practiced in Chicago and Philadelphia where she worked on projects of varying scales including the Whiting Forest at Dow Gardens, Valley Forge National Historic Park, Philidelphia's Pivot Park, and others. Outside of work, Sara enjoys pilates, reading, hiking with her family, and petting all of the dogs. Sara is CLARB certified and registered in Pennsylvania.
Education
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 2014,
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Member of the Technical Team
Sarah is a member of the Technical Team at site. She works on projects from schematic design through construction documentation and observation. She is passionate about planting design and designing spaces with a strong focus on environmental and social impact. Sarah is also an amateur potter, a fluent German speaker, and a "lapsed" cook.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Associate
- Education
Simona is an Accounting Associate at site with a passion for office management, administration, and problem-solving. Her multi-tasking abilities enable her to handle diverse responsibilities seamlessly, while her strong communication skills foster collaboration and efficient project execution. Her love for reading, hiking, and traveling enhances her professional acumen, enabling her to approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
Education
Certificate of Bookkeeping and Accounts Level 1, 2013,
Brooklands College, Weybridge, U.K.
Registration/Certification
Job Titles:
- Landscape Architect
- Project Manager
Suzanne is a Project Manager and Landscape Architect at site. She has over 15 years experience and is skilled at urban and landscape design from site to community scale and concept through construction documentation. She also has experience in graphic communication through scaled drawings, hand and digital rendering, and perspective drawings/3D models. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and adventurous vacations.
Education
Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture, 2007,
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
Registration/Certification
Yaxuan is a Design Associate at site, with a strong background in graphic representation. She regularly works with the wider team to help visualize projects through creative representation techniques. Yaxuan has a passion for painting, playing the violin, and cooking, and loves to travel whenever she has free time.
Job Titles:
- Creative Strategist
- the Creative Strategist
Yuki Takeshima is the Creative Strategist at site. She is responsible for advancing the quality of the firm's graphic and presentation output, pushing the creative content to continuously improve design expression. Yuki's passion lies in the creation of tangible experiences that are highly immersive and specific and believes that these can manifest themselves across all scales and media.
Yuying is on the Design Team at site. With a Master of Landscape Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, she has professional and volunteer experience in various types of projects in landscape design, planning, and research. Yuying is passionate about how thoughtful design can make a positive change in people's life and the environment. Outside of work, Yuying enjoys exploring Chicago's neighborhoods and being inspired by the city life, coffee shops, and nature. She is always looking for a tennis mate, a street dance crew, and places to hike. At other times, she can be found cooking or making journals at home.
Zoey joins site as a Site Designer. She recently graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture and specialization in Landscape Architecture. She has experience working in large and small firms on a variety of project types, including historic preservation, design competitions, and residential design. Zoey is passionate about equitable and diverse design and is excited to continue learning as a designer. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time and cooking with friends and family.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, 2023,