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Kurt Culbertson

Chairman/CEO Design Workshop

Kurt Culbertson is a landscape architect and former Chairman/CEO of Design Workshop, a global landscape architecture firm he led for over three decades. A Louisiana native, he earned a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University (LSU) and an MBA in Real Estate from Southern Methodist University.124

Key Career Highlights:

  • Leadership at Design Workshop: Joined in 1979, became President in 1989, and CEO in 2000. Under his leadership, the firm expanded to eight U.S. studios and international offices, working on projects ranging from ski resorts (e.g., Winter Park, Keystone) to urban redevelopments (e.g., Denver’s Riverfront Park, New Orleans’ Lafitte Greenway).13
  • Social Equity Focus: Pioneered initiatives in spatial equity and environmental justice, particularly in underserved communities. Notable projects include the Lafitte Greenway, linking historically marginalized neighborhoods in New Orleans.12
  • Global Impact: Oversaw projects in 40+ countries, including a 5.7 million-acre plan in the Middle East and mining reclamation efforts in Brazil.13
  • Awards and Recognition: Nominated for the ASLA Medal (2016) for lifetime contributions to landscape architecture. Served as co-chair of the Cultural Landscape Foundation and contributed to ASLA’s Environmental Justice Professional Practice Network.234

Recent Transition**: After 33+ years at Design Workshop, he transitioned to lead **Studio: Kurt Culbertson:, focusing on large-scale environmental design and social justice.56 His work continues to emphasize connecting communities to nature, exemplified by projects like the proposed South Platte River restoration in Colorado.1

Culbertson’s philosophy centers on creating “magical places” that address ecological, social, and economic challenges, reflecting his belief that landscape architecture is both an art and a tool for societal change.12

Highlights

Mar 25 · asla.org
[PDF] ASLA Medal - Kurt Cu

Related Questions

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Kurt Culbertson
Kurt Culbertson, photo 1
Kurt Culbertson, photo 2
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Location

Aspen, Colorado, United States