Design Award Shines Light on Sustainable Landscape Excellence

By Ciro Simone Irmici · June 8, 2026 ·Updated: June 8, 2026

A prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Ten Eyck Landscape Architects signals a major win for sustainable, ecologically-focused outdoor design, inspiring green living.

Key Takeaways

• Ten Eyck Landscape Architects won the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.
• Stephanie Saulmon is the firm's managing principal.
• The award validates the importance of sustainable and ecological landscape design.
• This recognition can inspire homeowners to adopt greener gardening practices.
• It signifies a shift towards valuing environmental impact in design excellence.

In a world increasingly seeking harmony with nature, the news that Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, led by managing principal Stephanie Saulmon, has earned the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for landscape architecture resonates deeply. This isn't just an accolade for a firm; it's a powerful affirmation of the vital role thoughtful, sustainable landscape design plays in shaping our environment and inspiring homeowners to cultivate greener, more resilient spaces right now.

TL;DR: Key Facts

• Ten Eyck Landscape Architects received the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for landscape architecture.
• Stephanie Saulmon, Managing Principal, leads the acclaimed firm.
• The award signifies national recognition for excellence in landscape design.
• Ten Eyck is a long-standing favorite among sustainable design enthusiasts.

What Happened

Gardenista recently featured Stephanie Saulmon, the managing principal at Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, highlighting her firm's significant achievement. Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, a firm consistently lauded in design circles and a long-time favorite of GreenNest Living's sister publications, has been honored with the prestigious Cooper Hewitt’s National Design Award for landscape architecture. This award represents one of the highest distinctions in the field, recognizing outstanding innovation and impact.

While the specific projects earning the award were not detailed in the brief, the recognition itself speaks volumes about Ten Eyck's body of work. The Cooper Hewitt Awards celebrate design excellence and innovation, making this a landmark moment for a landscape architecture firm dedicated to creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also ecologically sound and culturally responsive.

Why It Matters

This award isn't just a pat on the back for a well-deserving firm; it's a beacon for the entire sustainable living movement. The recognition of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects by an institution as esteemed as Cooper Hewitt signals a crucial shift in how design excellence is perceived. It underscores that truly exceptional landscape architecture is inherently sustainable, integrating ecological principles with aesthetic beauty and functional purpose.

For our readers at GreenNest Living, this means that the principles advocated by firms like Ten Eyck – such as prioritizing native plants, water conservation, biodiversity, and resilient design – are moving from niche interests to mainstream acknowledgment. It elevates the importance of investing in outdoor spaces that contribute positively to the environment, mitigate climate impacts, and foster a deeper connection between people and nature. When an award like this is given, it validates the belief that sustainable landscapes are not merely a trend, but a necessity, and that professional design can guide us toward achieving them effectively.

Moreover, this news can inspire everyday gardeners and homeowners. It demonstrates that applying thoughtful, professional design principles, even on a smaller scale, can lead to powerful environmental benefits. It encourages us to look beyond purely ornamental gardening and consider our yards as miniature ecosystems, capable of supporting local wildlife, conserving resources, and enhancing our quality of life in a truly green way. This recognition makes sustainable landscape architecture a more visible and aspirational field, hopefully encouraging more innovation and adoption of its best practices across all levels of garden and land management.

What You Can Do

Inspired by award-winning landscape architecture, here’s how you can elevate your own outdoor spaces sustainably:

1. Embrace Native Plants: Research and select plants indigenous to your region. They require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, supporting local biodiversity and thriving naturally.
2. Prioritize Water Conservation: Implement smart irrigation techniques, use drought-tolerant species, and consider rainwater harvesting systems like rain barrels to reduce your water footprint.
3. Design for Biodiversity: Create habitats for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects by including diverse plant types, small water sources, and shelter, making your garden a vibrant ecosystem.
4. Incorporate Permeable Surfaces: Opt for gravel paths, permeable pavers, or stepping stones instead of extensive concrete to allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater.
5. Consider Professional Guidance: If embarking on a larger project, consult with a local landscape architect specializing in sustainable design. They can provide tailored solutions for your climate and site.
6. Reduce Chemical Use: Adopt organic gardening practices. Focus on building healthy soil with compost and natural amendments, which naturally suppresses pests and diseases.

Ciro's Take

As an environmental advocate, seeing a landscape architecture firm receive such a prestigious design award fills me with immense hope and satisfaction. It signifies a pivotal moment where the beauty and functionality of our outdoor spaces are inextricably linked to their ecological integrity. It's a recognition that designing with nature, rather than against it, is not just the right thing to do, but also the most innovative and aesthetically rewarding path forward. This award isn't just for Ten Eyck; it's for every gardener, every community, and every policymaker who understands that our planet's health begins with how we steward our immediate surroundings. It personally challenges me, and should challenge us all, to rethink what 'design' truly means in a sustainable future.

FAQs

Q: What is the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award?

A: The Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards are presented annually by the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, recognizing excellence, innovation, and impact across various design disciplines in the United States.

Q: What are Ten Eyck Landscape Architects known for?

A: While the specific source snippet is brief, the award and mention by Gardenista suggest they are highly regarded for their innovative, ecologically sensitive, and impactful landscape architecture projects.

Q: How can award-winning landscape design principles be applied to a small home garden?

A: Focus on core principles like using native plants, conserving water, enhancing biodiversity, and choosing sustainable materials. Even small changes, such as planting a native shrub or installing a rain barrel, reflect these award-winning approaches.

Sources

This article is based on reporting by Gardenista.

Original source

Gardenista