site design group, ltd.

As we transition into winter, the landscapes we design reveal their seasonal beauty. From bare trees that expose their structure to berries that persist through the cold, winter highlights the unique textures and forms of seasonal plantings. The Winter Solstice is a reminder that every season has its own unique character — see how some of our projects embrace the season.

Last week, #sitesquad team members, Bob Kiesgen and Heather Faivre, attended the topping-off ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center Home Court project, celebrating the completion of the building’s structural frame. Here’s some of what Bob shared about the experience: “This tradition traces back to ancient Scandinavian or European customs, where a tree or branch was placed atop a completed structure to symbolize harmony between nature and human effort. Today, it’s evolved – often featuring a small evergreen or national flag instead. One particularly meaningful part of the ceremony is the signing of the beam. It’s a badge of honor – a way for everyone involved to say, ‘We did this together, and we did it well.’ It recognizes workers’ contributions, boosts morale, and marks the milestone of transitioning from structural to finishing phases.”

As the Landscape Architects for the new Ryan Field development, we are proud to shape a project that redefines how a stadium engages with its surroundings. With 200,000 square feet of parks and plazas, the design creates vibrant spaces that serve the community year-round. On game days, these areas will host tailgating, student events, family-friendly activities, and more, offering diverse experiences for all fans. Beyond game days, the site transforms into a dynamic town square, hosting events like holiday festivals, youth sports, and campus activities, enriching both Evanston and Northwestern University. This project reflects our commitment to creating adaptable landscapes that connect people and place. This project was designed in collaboration with HNTB, Perkins&Will, SmithGroup, and Hines Inc.

This week, our Principal, Ernie Wong, joined a panel at Bisnow’s Chicago Repositioning and Conversions event to discuss the exciting future of adaptive reuse projects in Chicago. From breathing new life into historic landmarks to fostering vibrant communities, these projects show how thoughtful design and programming can redefine spaces. Check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/gVRB-kuD Images courtesy of Bisnow/Erin Hendrick 

Closing out our award-winning project highlights, we’re excited to present the University of Chicago Arts Lawn, recipient of an ILASLA Honor Award for General Design. Completed in Fall 2023, the Arts Lawn transformed nearly 27,000 square feet of vacant land in Chicago’s South Side Washington Park neighborhood into a vibrant cultural hub. As part of the emerging Arts Block along East Garfield Boulevard, this dynamic public park fosters creativity, connection, and community. Key features include: + A youth-designed performance pavilion with theatrical lighting and projection capabilities. + A student-designed ground mural, inspired by circular patterns for footwork and step dance. + Terraced seating, doubling as a sculptural space and accessibility-friendly brownfield cap. + A flexible arts marketplace and a community garden with a farm table. + Sustainable design with bioswales, rain gardens, and over 2,250 native and adapted plants. Community collaboration was central, with local youth contributing to the design through a five-week Design Apprenticeship Program, shaping the park’s identity and elements. The park now hosts performances, arts markets, yoga classes, and more, offering an inclusive and engaging space for all. The Arts Lawn is a testament to the power of thoughtful design to create spaces that inspire and connect.

Continuing our celebration of this year’s award-winning projects, we’re proud to highlight the Chicago Architectural Biennial ‘Beneath Our Feet’, which received an ILASLA Honor Award for Communications. Part of the 2023 Chicago Architectural Biennial, ‘Beneath Our Feet’ was a temporary installation at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Yates Gallery. The exhibit reimagined a park landscape, blending sculptures and architectural models to blur the lines between public art and landscape architecture. Visitors could engage directly with the space, exploring the lifecycle of parks and what lies beneath the surface. The installation featured geofoam, a lightweight material used to create topography in landscapes, presented in an unfinished state to align with the Biennial’s theme of design as an ongoing process. This immersive exhibit sparked important conversations about how public art and landscape architecture shape our cultural identity. Images courtesy of: Tom Harris and Scott Shigley

As we reach the end of the year, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the projects that shaped this year and the recognition they received. First, we’re thrilled to highlight Under the Grid WACA Court POPCourt, which won the President’s Award for Design from ILASLA. Located in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, WACA Court is part of the broader 'Under the Grid' initiative, designed to transform neglected spaces into vibrant community hubs. Once an expanse of asphalt contributing to flooding and heat, the site now features permeable surfaces, native gardens, and a striking solar-reflective ground mural that cools the space and serves as a canvas for artistic expression. The park’s transformation was rooted in community input, with design elements shaped by the aspirations of residents. From its colorful play spaces and flexible event areas to its sustainability-driven features like solar-powered lighting, WACA Court is a testament to the power of collaborative design. This vibrant and inclusive space has brought new energy to the neighborhood, providing a place where residents can connect, play, and thrive. Stay tuned as we continue celebrating our award-winning projects!

This fall, nearly our entire team came together for a comprehensive Project Delivery Workshop. Covering several phases of project delivery — from startup and budgeting to leadership, communication, and more — the workshop provided the opportunity to deepen our expertise, share insights, and strengthen relationships. Being in the same room highlighted the power of collaboration and collective growth. The energy, ideas, and conversations sparked during the workshop underscored the importance of coming together to refine our processes and elevate our work. Workshops like these are more than just a learning experience — they reflect our shared commitment to delivering exceptional projects and continuously improving as a team.

We had a great time celebrating the HOOPcycle mobile art installation at the Open House + Public Play event at the National Public Housing Museum! This event is part of the ongoing renovations at this historic site in Little Italy, where we’re working in partnership with LBBA Architects to convert the last-standing building of the Jane Addams Homes into a permanent museum space. Nearby, we are working with HED and Related Midwest on a new affordable housing development. The HOOPcycle and our collective design efforts continue to highlight the importance of community, art, and public space.

The #sitesquad Field and Tech teams to an insightful trip to Unilock’s Aurora, Illinois facility, where they received an in-depth look at the production of pre-cast concrete pavers and wall units. It was a great opportunity to learn about the craftmanship and detail behind some of the materials we rely on for our projects. This hands-on experience gave our team a deeper appreciation for the quality that enhances our designs. Big thanks to Brad Swanson and the entire facility team for sharing their expertise – we’re excited to incorporate this knowledge into our work!