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Dennis Pappas is a seasoned landscape architect based in Brooklyn, New York, with over two decades of experience in crafting sustainable, people-focused urban spaces. Growing up amid the bustling streets of Brooklyn, Dennis found inspiration in the few green spaces around him, sparking a lifelong mission to bring nature and city life into harmony. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Environmental Design from Columbia University, providing a strong foundation to tackle the challenges of modern urban environments.
Dennis has contributed to a variety of impactful projects, including the groundbreaking Brooklyn Green Corridor and New York City’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden. His work emphasizes sustainability by incorporating native plants, addressing stormwater management, and mitigating the urban heat island effect. As Senior Landscape Architect at GreenScape NYC, Dennis focuses on designing spaces that not only enhance urban life but also strengthen environmental resilience.
Outside of his profession, Dennis Pappas is an avid kayaker, birdwatcher, and photographer. He resides in Brooklyn with his partner, Alex, and their two rescue cats, Ash and Willow. Guided by the belief that green spaces improve lives and communities, Dennis remains dedicated to transforming cities into thriving ecosystems that benefit all who live there.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a landscape architect?
The most rewarding part is seeing how a space transforms the community. Watching kids run through a park you helped design or seeing neighbors gather in a green space that was once an empty lot is incredible. It’s knowing you’ve created something that will impact lives for years to come. For me, it’s also about the balance between design and purpose—making something beautiful that also serves an ecological or social need.
How do you approach a project in an underserved community?
The first step is listening. Every community has its own needs and priorities, so I spend time talking to residents and stakeholders to understand what they value. In underserved neighborhoods, the goal is often more than aesthetics—it’s about access to resources, like clean air, shade, or even fresh produce in the case of urban gardens. By involving the community in the planning process, we create spaces they feel connected to and invested in.
What are the biggest misconceptions about landscape architecture?
One big misconception is that it’s just about planting trees or designing parks. Landscape architecture is much broader—it’s about managing stormwater, reducing heat islands, supporting biodiversity, and even improving mental health. Another is that it’s secondary to architecture or urban planning. In reality, it’s deeply integrated, shaping how cities function and how people interact with their environment.
How has climate change impacted your work?
Climate change has shifted the focus of landscape architecture to resilience. Every design now has to consider flooding, extreme heat, and unpredictable weather patterns. For example, in waterfront projects, we prioritize flood management with features like wetlands or rain gardens. We’re also integrating more adaptive designs, like drought-resistant plants or cooling tree canopies, to help cities cope with these challenges.
What’s the most unique project you’ve worked on?
Designing New York’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden was a game-changer. It required thinking beyond aesthetics to incorporate engineering, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials. Balancing weight loads, selecting plants that could thrive in rooftop conditions, and integrating solar panels was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It set a precedent for what urban sustainability can look like.
How do you see the role of technology in your field evolving?
Technology has already transformed landscape architecture. Tools like GIS mapping help us analyze sites with precision, and 3D modeling allows us to visualize projects before they’re built. In the future, I see AI and data analytics playing a bigger role, particularly in predicting how spaces will perform over time. But technology will always complement—not replace—the need for human creativity and community input.
What drives your passion for sustainability?
Growing up in Brooklyn, I saw how green spaces could completely change how a neighborhood felt. Sustainability is about more than the environment; it’s about ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same—or better—quality of life. I’m passionate about creating designs that don’t just look good today but will continue to benefit people and the planet for decades.
How do you stay inspired in your work?
Nature itself is my biggest inspiration. Whether I’m kayaking on the Hudson River or hiking upstate, being outdoors reminds me why this work matters. I also draw inspiration from the people I work with—community members who share their stories and ideas, and colleagues who push the boundaries of what’s possible in urban design.
What role do green spaces play in mental health?
Green spaces are a lifeline for mental health. Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress and improves mood, and I see this firsthand in my projects. Parks and gardens give people a space to slow down, connect with others, or simply breathe. In cities, where life can feel overwhelming, these spaces are essential for well-being.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
I hope my legacy is one of connection—connection between people, nature, and the spaces we share. I want the parks, gardens, and green corridors I’ve helped design to stand as proof that cities can be both vibrant and sustainable. It’s about creating places that future generations will use, appreciate, and care for. If, years from now, someone walks through one of these spaces and feels a little more at peace or connected to their community, that’s the legacy I’d be proud of. It’s not about recognition; it’s about making a lasting difference.
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