Business Details
10 Years
experience
Innovative Landscape Architecture & Urban Design
We are a global collective of landscape architects, planners, and urban designers dedicated to building community, nurturing ecosystems, and connecting people with nature. Our work addresses the critical intersection of urban development and environmental stewardship, creating resilient, multi-benefit spaces that enhance quality of life. With a proven record in innovative design, we lead the landscape architecture industry in shaping equitable, sustainable futures. Located in Manhattans NoMad neighborhood, our studio draws inspiration from daily urban experiences to inform designs that balance functionality with ecological responsibility.Our portfolio spans over 100 projects in New York City alone, including waterfronts, parks, and plazas that serve as both social hubs and environmental infrastructure. As successors to Thomas Balsley Associates, we maintain a legacy of excellence while embracing new technologies and collaborative methodologies. Our employee-owned model fosters a pluralistic approach, valuing individual creativity within a collective vision. We champion landscape as essential infrastructure, bridging built and natural systems to address contemporary urban challenges.
Services
Urban Design
Park Development
Waterfront Planning
Public Realm Design
Resilient Infrastructure
Master Planning
Plaza Design
Ecological Restoration
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We are employee-owned, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Our designs integrate natural and built environments for sustainable urban living.
- Decades of expertise in New York City's complex urban landscapes.
- Award-winning portfolio spanning 100+ transformative public spaces.
- Pioneers in resilient design addressing climate change and social equity.
Services
Urban Design
We craft cohesive urban environments that balance functionality with ecological integrity. Our approach integrates public spaces, transportation networks, and green infrastructure to create livable, adaptable cities. Projects emphasize walkability, climate resilience, and community engagement through participatory design processes.
Waterfront Planning
Our waterfront projects transform industrial shorelines into vibrant public assets. We prioritize ecological restoration while addressing sea-level rise through adaptive design strategies. Solutions combine recreational spaces with stormwater management systems to create resilient, multi-use waterfronts.
Public Realm Design
We design inclusive public spaces that foster social interaction and civic pride. Our plazas and parks incorporate sustainable materials, native plantings, and flexible programming to accommodate diverse community needs while enhancing urban biodiversity.
Resilient Infrastructure
We integrate natural systems into urban infrastructure to mitigate climate impacts. Our designs use green infrastructure for stormwater management, heat island reduction, and habitat creation, transforming conventional utilities into multifunctional public amenities that enhance urban ecosystems.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive plans that guide long-term urban development while preserving ecological assets. Our process combines data analysis with community input to create visionary frameworks for sustainable growth, ensuring equitable access to green spaces and essential services.
People
Tom Balsley
Co-Managing Principal
Renowned landscape architect with 40+ years of experience in urban design. Pioneered innovative public spaces in New York City, including Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park. Advocate for landscape as critical urban infrastructure.
Abdallah Labib
Co-Managing Principal
Experienced urban designer specializing in resilient public spaces. Leads complex waterfront and park projects with a focus on climate adaptation. Integrates ecological systems into urban environments for sustainable outcomes.
Questions
What types of projects does SWA/Balsley specialize in?
We focus on urban parks, waterfronts, plazas, and public realm design. Our expertise includes resilient infrastructure, master planning, and ecological restoration across both public and private sectors.
How does SWA/Balsley address climate change in designs?
We incorporate green infrastructure, native plantings, and adaptive systems to mitigate climate impacts. Projects manage stormwater, reduce heat islands, and create habitats while serving community needs.
Are SWA/Balsley projects limited to New York City?
While we have extensive NYC experience, our portfolio spans global projects in cities like Moscow, Dubai, and Portland. We adapt our approach to each location's unique ecological and cultural context.
What makes SWA/Balsley's approach unique?
Our employee-owned model fosters collaborative innovation. We combine technical expertise with artistic vision, treating landscape as essential infrastructure that bridges built and natural systems for sustainable urban living.
Reviews (1)
Lauren Sullivan
May 05, 2019
Report
Working here is a nightmare.be prepared to be screeched at by Mr Balsley in front of colleagues on a regular basis and slave hours during the summer just to get every other Friday off.
