Aceto Landscape Architects

06/16/2026

We enjoy using a variety of rendering styles at different stages in the design process to express intent, character and feel. All of which evoke and communicate essence of place, materiality and quality of space!

06/16/2026

The nordic spa concept is so hot right now. Unfortunately ex*****on here in northern New England has taken a bit of a cold plunge., but not for lack of trying. We’ve been fortunate to be part of several teams exploring concepts for nordic spas. Our northern neighbors in Quebec have got the model dialed and globally there are some unbelievable experiences. If you’re interested in learning more about some of the projects we’re working on, especially if you’re interested in helping bring one of these amazing places to fruition near you, give us a ring.
Architecture by ▫️jocelyn oppenheim dickson▫️ and DEAN WORKS

05/27/2026

05/01/2026

AKLA part of a panel discussion about— ‘Residential Impact: How Private Landscapes Balance Resilience, Ecology, and Elegance’
Feildday 2026 in Boston

04/08/2026

Rising Eddy Community (REC) Sprayground Construction Update! Concrete form work is well underway! The ground plane will come alive with whimsical geometry and a narrow ‘Maine Woods Loops Path’ for imaginative play to unfold! This project will require multiple concrete pours and very detailed form work by in collaboration with GC .casey.contractors. Can’t wait to see everything come together!


casey.contractors

04/08/2026

Remember that feeling you had as a kid when you discovered a new playground? Or when your parents took you camping for the first time? That excitement of discovery and exploration is what we try to bring to our park design work. We live to be outside, in nature. It’s how we thrive and restore our spirits. We want everyone to have that opportunity.

04/06/2026

Team Roll Out! Grace McNeill | Project Lead

Grace is a highly motivated and determined teammate who strives for excellence in everything she does. As a new Project Lead, she is learning the ins and outs of orchestrating a team, delegating, and maintaining accountability. She is a force in the making. One of her biggest strengths is her willingness and preparedness for presentations and public outreach.

Grace is currently finishing her licensure exams (LARE) and is very close to becoming a licensed landscape architect—major kudos for that effort! She also sits on the Architalx Board and has represented AKLA at various events and Planning Board Meetings.

Beyond her professional life, Grace is a talented artist who lives in South Portland and creates beautiful paintings. She is also exceptionally knowledgeable when it comes to pop culture facts (I dare you to test her) and is a proud dog mom to her rescue, Ginger, whom we have had the pleasure of knowing since she was a foster puppy.

04/04/2026

Big ideas build recognition.

We’re proud to celebrate our client on earning MEREDA’s 2025 Notable Project Award for Frontrunner Park — a recognition of what’s possible when thoughtful planning and design shape big landscapes.

Our work focused on shaping a neighborhood framework that puts people first: connected streets, memorable open spaces, and a public realm designed to support daily life, social connection, and long-term neighborhood identity.

Frontrunner Park reflects the power of design and planning innovation to create more than development — it creates community.
Congratulations to The Downs team on this well-deserved recognition!

03/27/2026

Sometimes you just have to let loose and glaze some pottery with your work crew—

General concensus was that blazers can and should be worn for any occasion ; Grace knows all of the pop culture facts and made a mug that will match her sweaters very nicely ; Paige‘s neighbor puts cigarette butts in her garden and she is going to put an end to it by gifting a lovely pottery ‘basket’ ; Fiona recently had a great trip to Utah with friends; Nicole designed a mug and if you ever zoom with her on remote work days her background looks like einstein’s workspace; Trilbey designed a mug and brought watermelon to the gathering which was awesome but she did steal Paige’s seltezer—so watch out; Seth’s family has taco night once a week and he made a festive guacamole bowl; Caitlin is excited for Portland studio time and some exciting projects being built this summer; lastly Nick was on kiddo duty so he did not get to join…

And that’s a wrap, we’re ready to hit the ground running tomorrow and will stay tuned for pottery pickup next week..

03/23/2026

Team roll out! Nicole Cary | Project Lead

Nicole Cary is a Project Lead in our studio. Sharp and witty, she intuitively tracks and communicates critical project information while remaining exceptionally calm under pressure. Nicole provides hands-on leadership—guiding the team and maintaining close coordination with principals, designers, and design leads—to keep every project on track.

With a keen eye for design, Nicole serves as the Project Lead for the Kiwanis Aquatic Facility (Portland, ME), Kearsarge Community Common (Sutton, NH), Durgin Lane Housing (Portsmouth, NH), and the Minot Ave. and Court Street Transportation Studies (Auburn, ME), and more. She is known for being responsive, poised, even-keeled, and possessing a great sense of humor.

On a personal note, Nicole has painted impressive murals in her home. She also enjoys kayaking and whitewater rafting, and has thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. Her home is shared with two very cool pet rabbits that are—amazingly—litter box trained.