Joe Wahler, ASLA
Principal
Joe is a Principal based in the Cambridge studio and Cape Cod. He is a recognized leader in the creative and progressive detailed design, material application, and execution of innovative and performative landscapes. His work has been recognized for national and local awards, including the American Society of Landscape Architects 2019 Award of Excellence for the Heritage Museums and Gardens’ Flume Fountain. Joe has twenty years of experience and is recognized for his effective communication of design concepts and details throughout the design, delivery, and establishment of projects.
He is currently leading the design for Harvard University’s Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Brown University’s Performing Arts Center, Cornell University’s Multi-Disciplinary Building, the Coonamessett River Gateway Park, the restoration of a forty-acre Olmsted Brothers designed estate, and private landscapes in Illinois, Boston, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. He also led the design and implementation of Forest Park, Ferrous Foundry Park, University of Baltimore’s Angelo Law Center, Parks and People’s headquarters, Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Chestnut Hill residence, Oyster Harbors residence, Savage Harbor residence, and Waterfront Toronto’s York Street Park competition finalist submission.
Prior to joining STIMSON, Joe worked with Sasaki Associates, Peter Lindsay Schaudt Landscape Architecture, and Doug Hoerr Landscape Architecture. He led projects for a public park in New London, Connecticut, Illinois Institute of Technology’s Campus Center and Crown Hall restoration, Chicago’s Gateway Green, Ball Seed’s Trial Garden, and private residences.
Joe has lectured and presented extensively on the vital collaboration between client, designer, contractor, manufacturer, artisan, and caretaker. His appreciation for the contributions of his collaborators stems from his experiences growing up, beginning at age seven, on his father’s golf course grounds crew gaining experience in horticulture and an appreciation for the execution of site management and preservation. This opportunity fostered an admiration for the minimalism of earthworks and an understanding of the primary materials of landscape; soil, water, and plants. He followed in his father’s path, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, and interned with leading superintendents and researchers in Illinois, Ohio, and California. He was awarded the Faculty Scholarship during his undergraduate studies. During his undergraduate studies he enrolled in design studios in the Landscape Architecture Department that sparked his interest in and passion for the design of landscapes. Joe received a Master in Landscape Architecture degree and was awarded the American Society of Landscape Architecture’s Merit of Excellence in the Study of Landscape Architecture, the Walter L. Chambers ‘29 Scholarship in Landscape Architecture, and inducted in the Phi Alpha Xi Honorary Horticulture Society.
He has submitted proposals for design competitions including the World Trade Center Memorial Competition (at PLSLA), Freshkills Competition (at Sasaki), Graham Foundation 21st Century Park Competition for Lincoln Park (independent), Les Jardin Des Métis Garden Competition (with Bernice Wahler), Northeastern University’s Memorial Competition (independent), and Waterfront Toronto’s York Street Park Competition (at STIMSON). His aspect Variant submission to Les Jardin des Metis Garden Competition in 2009 was a finalist.
Joe joined Stimson in 2005 and is a licensed Landscape Architect.