Making places, engaging people, inspired by nature
We are a team of landscape architects, urban designers, and site planners.
Since 1976, PWL Partnership has transformed built and natural environments into vibrant and memorable destinations in ways that honour the cultural, historic and environmental attributes of place.
Each PWL project is infused with research and rooted in context resulting in thoughtful, site-responsive places. We believe even the boldest landscape architectural statement needs to be practical in function, so we begin every project by considering its anticipated users and then create spaces that will be enriched by future generations. Our goal is to have every landscape be truly regenerative— to give more than it takes.
For us, every project is an opportunity to tell a story—one stamped with history, firmly rooted in the present, and pointing towards a long, sustainable future. That’s why every project we create is unique.
In our first 40 years, we were behind some of the most significant developments in Metro Vancouver—from False Creek to Coal Harbour. We contributed a full range of services from site planning to community engagement, visual details to building positioning. Now, as we grow, we are putting our stamp on placemaking projects across North America, creating opportunities for dense populations and nature to thrive together.
OUR VALUES
We are social and environmental advocates. We recognize we are new to this land. In our design process, we acknowledge and learn from the Indigenous Peoples. Our responsibility as advocates is not only a business best practice but a way of life. For every project, big and small, we are committed to making a positive social and environmental impact.
We aspire to create places that are meaningful. To us, creating meaningful places means discovering the stories of the place and telling those stories through the landscape; inspiring communities and enhancing human connection to place; ensuring our projects perform ecological, social and economic services; and understanding and honouring the inherent rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples.
We are thoughtful, innovative, and believe in the power of collaborative and creative problem solving. We prioritize inclusion and active participation by team members in design development. By putting in the extra effort required to draw out unique perspectives, we make space, advocating and amplifying the quieter voices. Continuously growing and developing our collective expertise is important to us.
We acknowledge that racism and systemic injustices exist. We recognize that landscape architecture as a profession has played an indisputable part in forming the social fabric of cities and is historically complicit in the reification of systemic racism in our dominant culture today. We recognize that we must do better. Systemic racism and brutality against people of colour has hit a tipping point, and it is clear and vital that we push further, faster.
SUSTAINABILITY IN OUR PRACTICE
Sustainability at the core of our values at PWL Partnership. We strive for societal and environmental betterment through the practice and advocacy of sustainable planning, landscape architecture and urban design. As landscape architects, we believe our profession plays a vital role in local responses to global issues, such as climate change. We firmly believe it is our responsibility, as individuals and as a business, to make mindful decisions that will protect our planet for future generations. We pursue meaningful projects where we believe we can make positive change, creating robust outdoor spaces and contribute to the social health and well-being of the communities they serve.
Strategically balanced in areas of expertise, the PWL team integrates creative problem solving and innovation using —context-sensitive design skills, with ecological and technical knowledge. We add value by critically identifying opportunities to implement progressive rainwater management techniques use low-carbon construction materials and regenerate natural ecosystems.
Published on February 2, 2021
