Doug McCord, PLA, Named 2025 Distinguished Practitioner by ASLA New York Upstate Chapter!
Annual Reception and Awards Ceremony Celebrates Doug’s Contributions to Landscape Architecture
Doug McCord, PLA, a Senior Landscape Architect in LaBella’s Rochester, New York, office, has been named the 2025 Distinguished Practitioner in Private Practice by the American Society of Landscape Architects New York Upstate Chapter (ASLA NYU)!
An Esteemed Career
A registered Professional Landscape Architect, Doug began his 45-year career at Sear-Brown Group (now Stantec Inc.) before founding McCord Landscape Architecture, PLLC (MLA) in 1992. As Principal and Founder of MLA, Doug established his firm as specialists in landscape architectural site planning, visual impact assessments, and photo-simulations. Since joining LaBella as a Senior Landscape Architect and Project Manager in 2021, Doug has continued shaping communities across Upstate New York through hundreds of impactful projects.
A Leader in Industry and Advocacy Organizations
Doug’s dedication to the profession goes beyond design. He served on ASLA’s National Licensure Committee for nine years and held several roles within ASLA NYU, including President, Past President, Membership Chair, Chapter Trustee, and Continuing Education Coordinator. He also served the New York State Council of Landscape Architects (NYSCLA) for 25 years in roles including President, Upstate New York Chapter Representative, and Emeritus Member of the Executive Committee. NYSCLA advocates for the profession at the state level, addressing laws, regulations, and legislation that impact landscape architecture. In these roles, Doug has championed the profession by raising public awareness, supporting industry organizations, and lobbying for legislation to protect its integrity, growth, and future.
Current Projects
At LaBella, Doug has most recently worked on the NYSDOT Route 33, Kensington Expressway Project in Buffalo, New York, leading extensive visual impact assessments and the site and landscape design for a portion of the Humboldt Parkway. His other recent work includes the Union Square Park and Streetscape Improvements projects in the City of Hornell—both award recipients from the American Public Works Association’s New York State Chapter, Western New York Branch.
About ASLA and the Distinguished Practitioner Award
ASLA is the national professional association representing more than 16,000 landscape architects. The New York Upstate chapter supports members through education, advocacy, and events such as its Annual Reception and Awards Ceremony.
ASLA NYU’s Professional Awards Program promotes recognition of landscape architects while helping the public better understand their work and contributions. In addition to honoring projects across a range of categories, the chapter biennially recognizes outstanding individual practitioners for their achievements in the academic, public, and private sectors, as well as students from participating colleges and universities. The Distinguished Practitioner celebrates those who have made a lasting impact on the landscape architecture practice within the chapter.
Doug was honored at the ASLA NYU Annual Reception and Awards Celebration held in Utica, New York, on April 25.
Please join us in congratulating Doug on this well-earned recognition!
Pictured left to right: Emily Timber (ASLA NYU Immediate Past President); Doug McCord; Andy Hart (ASLA NYU Past President); SuLin Kotowicz (Fellow of ASLA and Past President of ASLA National)