Landworks Studio

05/08/2026

Even though World Landscape Architecture Month has come to a close, the ideas shared in this conversation continue to shape our work every day.

We’re proud to see our principal, Carisa McMullen, featured in Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) collaboration with IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, “Shaping our shared future: Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month with IFLA.”

The video highlights the importance of global partnership, thoughtful design, and creating spaces that foster connection and inclusion. These values strengthen both our profession and the communities we serve year-round.

Learn more about how we partner with IFLA in this video featuring CLARB volunteers Carisa McMullen, Brian Verardo, Chuck Smith and Lea Ann Macknally.We are p...

04/25/2026

WLAM | Action Through Impact ✨

What was once the site of the old courthouse is now a vibrant civic gathering place in the heart of downtown Olathe. Shaped through a community-driven design process led by Landworks Studio beginning in 2019, County Square has evolved into a true destination for connection and activity.

This half-block by one-block green space seamlessly links the County Administration Building and the new courthouse, creating an inviting, accessible environment for residents, employees, and visitors alike. Its success is rooted in collaboration of the County’s ongoing stewardship paired with the City’s dynamic programming brings the space to life day after day.

On any given day, County Square supports well-being whether it’s courthouse employees taking lunch walk, a local business owner breathing in some fresh air, or neighborhood residents playing with their dogs. As summer arrives, the space transforms into a hub of community energy, hosting events like Sip & Shops, Fourth Fridays, Culture Fest, and the Arts Festival. Unique to this year, it will be hosting Goal-lathe which is a World Cup watch party!

County Square shows how landscape architecture in action strengthens community life by supporting local culture and creating a place where everyday experiences are richer, healthier, and more vibrant.

04/17/2026

WLAM | Action Through Learning 💡

Learning is at the core of how we practice and how we continue to grow as a team.

This week, our studio spent time in Topeka, Kansas kicking off park assessments for the Shawnee County Parks + Recreation Master Plan. We approach this first round together intentionally, creating space for shared learning and mentorship.

By walking the sites as a group, we build a common understanding of how we will evaluate accessibility, character, and amenities while giving team members new to these assessments the opportunity to learn through doing. And of course, we get to test out a few playgrounds along the way!

This is a simple example of Action Through Learning at work.

American Society of Landscape Architects

04/10/2026

WLAM | Action Through Practice🌳

A landscape architect’s seal isn’t just a formality, it’s protection for the site, for the community, and even for public safety.

When installed landscapes don’t match approved plans, the consequences are real: code issues, costly fixes, and disrupted projects. But when teams understand the why behind the design, collaboration thrives and outcomes improve.

Landscape architecture is more than planting plans - it’s essential infrastructure.

04/02/2026

Happy World Landscape Architecture Month to all who celebrate, and what better way to kick things off than with Professional Landscape Architects Day! 🌍

Licensure means more than a title - it’s a commitment to protecting public health, safety, and welfare through thoughtful, informed design.

We’re proud to recognize the licensed landscape architects on our team:
• Carisa McMullen, PLA
• Erica Flad, PLA
• Brian Sturm, PLA

And those on the path to licensure:
• Erin Marshall
• Cody Landis

Plus the interdisciplinary perspective that strengthens our work every day:
• Nathan Harrell, AICP

From early concepts to construction, we’re shaping spaces that are not only beautiful, but functional, safe, and built for community.

03/20/2026

Oh how quickly spring shows up in the Midwest! 🌱

Earlier this week, we were back on site of Yvonne Starks Wilson Park to check in on the construction progress and things are moving quickly now. Despite the recent swings in weather, the Mega KC team has been hard at work preparing the site for the next phase.

It's exciting to see this project continuing to take shape, and we're looking forward to the progress ahead as the community's vision becomes a reality!

03/12/2026

🚨 Final Reminder! 🚨

📅 Survey closes tomorrow, March 13th at 11:59 PM.

Your feedback helps shape the improvements and priorities for Swope Park, so if you haven’t taken the survey yet, there’s still time to make your voice heard.

A big thank you to everyone who has already participated and to those who joined us at the Open House, we appreciate your input! Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved.

👉 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SwopePark

02/18/2026

A week from today, Carisa and Erin will be in Columbia, MO for the Missouri Park and Recreation Association Annual Conference & Expo at the Wyndham Executive Center!

They'll be at Booth #124 from 1:00-5:00pm, conveniently located near the bars for the Happy Hour starting at 3:30pm. Stop by for some fun new swag and great conversation about Generations of Play! 🎾🏀

02/16/2026

Help Shape the Future of Swope Park! 📢

KC Parks is hosting the first public meeting for the Swope Park Improvements Project, and your voice matters. Share feedback on trail improvements, traffic calming, and a future destination playground near 63rd Street & Swope Parkway.

📆 Tuesday, February 24, 2026
⌚ 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
📍 Southeast Community Center | 4201 E. 63rd St., KCMO

We hope to see you there!

01/23/2026

The Kansas Recreation and Park Association Conference & Trade Show is next week!🌿

If you'll be there, here's where you can find some of the Landworks Studio team throughout the week:

Welcome Social - Carisa & Brian
📅Monday, January 26 | ⏰7:00 - 9:00 PM
📍Hotel Topeka at City Center

Trade Show - Brian & Erica
📅Tuesday, January 27 | ⏰11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍Stormont Vail Expo Center @ Booth 26

Park Tours - Brian
📅Thursday, January 29 | ⏰9:00 - 11:00 AM
📍Family Park, Gage Park & Lake Shawnee

We're looking forward to connecting and talking parks all week long. See you in Topeka!