Joe Burkhardt PLA, LEED AP

Joe Burkhardt is an associate principal with over 30 years of experience in landscape architectural design, with a focus on institutional campus design, urban streetscapes, plazas, and community parks. He has worked on a variety of projects ranging from small, intricately detailed healing gardens and urban plazas to large, corporate facilities and college campuses. As a senior project manager, he excels at solving problems and taking projects from design development through construction while maintaining and strengthening the goals of the project that were identified at the project’s inception. 

Joe is passionate about creating spaces that help individuals connect with nature and each other. He loves watching spaces evolve and mature over time and he feels most proud when he can see people enjoying the outdoor spaces he has worked on, whether it’s an outdoor academic class, a pickup frisbee game, or just a quiet space where people can enjoy a moment of reflection. Joe approaches his projects with a sense of humor and an optimistic outlook. He loves working on a team and believes the best results come from positive working relationships.  

A teacher by nature, Joe enjoys mentoring and passing on his knowledge to junior designers in his studio. He is involved in the firm’s Integrated Practice Committee, working to help studios collaborate in new ways. He has also worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, focusing on grading, construction, and stormwater management. Some of his recent clients include the University of Maryland, Denison College, and Lebanon Valley College.