Amber Wendland Recognized as an Influential Marylander

Senior Architect and Planner Amber Wendland has been named to The Daily Record’s 2025 list of Influential Marylanders. Established in 2006, the Influential Marylander program honors individuals for significant contributions and leadership across many fields. Amber was selected for her achievements in community design and large-scale urban planning, as well as her work as an adjunct faculty member for the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

Amber is also an active member of the Baltimore community, serving on the boards of the Neighborhood Design Center, the Baltimore Tree Trust, and as a member of the Greater Baltimore Committee Economic Development Committee.

In an interview with The Daily Record, Amber spoke about her philosophy of design, which is grounded in the belief that the built environment must serve everyone.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of consensus-building – elevating community voices and rallying people around a shared vision,” she said. “As a planner and designer, I’ve found success doesn’t come from pushing forward a singular idea; it comes from listening, aligning values, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering trust. In Maryland, especially in Baltimore, I’ve learned that process matters just as much as the product – and that durable, meaningful change comes through partnership.”

Read more about the Influential Marylander award and this year’s winners.