Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture & Coastal Resilience Design
For over 25 years, Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects has specialized in creating innovative ecological designs that strengthen communities through thoughtful place-making. Our collaborative approach integrates rigorous research, community stakeholder engagement, and ethical decision-making to deliver projects that balance environmental performance with aesthetic value. With a portfolio exceeding 500 built works, we combine strategic policy advocacy with technical expertise to execute large-scale urban resilience projects while maintaining design integrity across all project phases.Our multidisciplinary team of 33 professionals ensures personalized attention while leveraging collective expertise to transform complex sites into enduring public spaces that respond to both social and environmental contexts. As a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise, we prioritize accountability and accessibility in delivering landscape architecture solutions that harmonize urban infrastructure with ecological systems.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Master Planning
Site Feasibility Studies
Land Planning
Public Realm Design
Coastal Resiliency
Campus Development
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have 25+ years of experience in urban climate adaptation projects
- Our 500+ built works demonstrate proven execution capabilities
- We maintain direct principal involvement throughout all project phases
- Our team includes 33 landscape architects with specialized expertise
- Certified WBE with approvals across multiple jurisdictions
Associations and certifications
- Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE)
Services
Landscape Architecture
Creating functional outdoor spaces that balance environmental performance with aesthetic value. Our approach integrates ecological systems into urban environments to produce resilient, accessible public realms that address climate challenges. Specializing in transforming complex sites into vibrant community assets while maintaining design integrity across all project phases.
Urban Design
Shaping livable urban environments through strategic spatial planning and infrastructure integration. We develop cohesive master plans that enhance public spaces while addressing transportation networks, zoning regulations, and sustainable development goals. Our work creates walkable, mixed-use environments that foster community interaction and economic vitality.
Coastal Resiliency
Designing adaptive infrastructure to protect coastal communities from climate impacts. Our expertise includes elevated park systems, tidal marsh restoration, and multi-layered defense strategies that combine flood protection with public amenities. Recent projects feature 8-10' elevation increases for waterfront parks while preserving ecological habitats.
Campus Development
Creating cohesive learning environments through master planning and phased implementation. We integrate sustainable design principles with functional requirements for educational institutions, balancing modern amenities with historical context. Our work at Yale University demonstrates our ability to coordinate large-scale academic complex development within complex urban settings.
Public Realm Design
Transforming underutilized urban areas into vibrant public spaces that serve community needs. Our process begins with site analysis and community engagement to identify opportunities for recreation, transportation, and ecological improvement. Completed projects demonstrate our ability to deliver accessible, multi-functional spaces that enhance civic life while meeting budget constraints.
People
Molly Bourne
Principal
Registered Landscape Architect with expertise in coastal resilience and public space design. Leads MNLA's climate adaptation initiatives while mentoring junior staff. Active in professional organizations, focusing on sustainable design practices.
Robert DeMarco
Principal
Licensed Landscape Architect and ASLA Fellow with extensive experience in urban waterfront revitalization. Oversees project teams ensuring technical excellence across MNLA's complex infrastructure projects while maintaining design vision integrity.
Signe Nielsen
Principal
FASLA member specializing in integrating ecological systems with urban infrastructure. Coordinates multidisciplinary teams for large-scale public projects while advocating for sustainable design standards across the profession.
Jacob Kuhn
Landscape Architect
Olmsted Scholar recipient contributing to MNLA's research initiatives. Participates in both project design and industry advancement through Landscape Architecture Foundation board service since 2025.
Yelena Zolotorevskaya
Associate
Registered Landscape Architect supporting coastal resilience projects since 2023. Brings technical expertise to design teams while developing leadership skills through progressive project responsibilities.
Questions
What landscape architecture services does MNLA offer?
We provide comprehensive landscape architecture services including master planning, urban design, coastal resiliency projects, and public realm development from initial concept through construction documentation.
Do you handle large-scale urban infrastructure projects?
Yes. Our portfolio includes major urban climate adaptation initiatives like East River Park's flood protection redesign and Yale University's Upper Science Hill Development.
How does MNLA approach community engagement?
We prioritize stakeholder collaboration through workshops, public meetings, and participatory design processes to ensure projects reflect community needs and environmental contexts.
Are you certified for government contracts?
Yes. We're certified as a Women-Owned Business Enterprise across NYC, NY State, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and the Port Authority regions.
What makes MNLA different from other firms?
Our unique strength lies in combining 25+ years of technical expertise with continuous principal involvement and a proven track record in large-scale public infrastructure projects.
