Steven Yavanian Landscape Architecture

Locations

• SYLA East – Brooklyn, New York
• SYLA West – Seattle, Washington

Clients and project types

SYLA works with a wide range of clients, including:

• Architects and development teams
• Public and institutional clients
• Private homeowners

Typical project types include:

• Private residential gardens and estates
• Urban roof terraces and amenity decks
• Public parks and cultural landscapes
• Courtyards, plazas, and multi-use developments
• Streetscapes, waterfronts, and other public-facing landscapes

Design approach

SYLA designs landscapes that are immersive, ecologically productive, and deeply attuned to place. The studio's process combines research, analysis, and collaboration, drawing from the natural and cultural histories of each site.

Key themes in the work include:

• Clarity of concept and strong overall site structure
• Rich, ecologically informed planting design
• Careful material craft and detailing
• Landscapes that support physical, mental, and social well-being
• Designs that restore ecological function and express the unique character of each site.

Feasibility and site studies

Early-stage research and analysis to understand site conditions, opportunities, constraints, and potential permitting pathways. SYLA coordinates with trusted consultants as needed so clients can evaluate what is possible before making major commitments.

Permitting services

Preparation of drawings and documentation to support permitting processes, developed in close collaboration with other professionals. SYLA helps guide clients through municipal requirements and streamlines consultant input.

Site analysis and concept design

Visioning, programming, and concept design that establish a clear framework for how a landscape will function and feel. This work sets the direction for later design phases.

Planting design

Ecologically informed plant communities that respond to site conditions, reinforce a distinct sense of place, and support long-term landscape health.

Hardscape and landscape structures

Design of paving, built-in elements, and landscape structures that support circulation, define spaces, and anchor planting.

Pools and water features

Design of pools, spas, fountains, and other water elements, with technical engineering developed in collaboration with specialized consultants.

Construction drawings and documentation

Detailed drawings, specifications, and documentation that translate design intent into clear information for high-quality construction.

Construction administration

Ongoing involvement during construction to answer questions, review work, and help ensure the built landscape reflects the design intent.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Close coordination with architects, engineers, and other consultants to deliver integrated, well-resolved projects.

• Principal and Design Director at Steven Yavanian Landscape Architecture (SYLA)
• Licensed landscape architect in New York and Washington
• Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

Education

• Master in Landscape Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
• Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, *cum laude*, University of Maryland, College Park

Steven has more than 20 years of experience with project types ranging from private residential estates and urban terraces to public parks, cultural landscapes, and institutional campuses. His interests include the relationship between natural and cultural histories, ecological planting design, and adapting regional landscape typologies to contemporary contexts.

Senior landscape designer

Michael Cafiero

Michael contributes to all phases of design from site research through construction administration. His background includes architecture, gardening, construction management, and landscape design.

Highlights of his experience and interests include:

• Work on large urban multi-use developments, amenity terraces, courtyards, and small residential gardens
• Research on regenerative landscapes at the Chateau de Courances in France (fellowship, 2019)
• Awarded the American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Merit upon graduation from the Harvard GSD in 2020
• Particular interest in integrating the diverse ecosystems of the Northeast into the built environment.

Firm credentials

• Practice name: Steven Yavanian Landscape Architecture PLLC (SYLA)
• Licensed landscape architecture practice in New York and Washington
• LEED Accredited Professional
• CLARB certified.

• SYLA East – Brooklyn, NY
• SYLA West – Seattle, WA

The practice is described as based in New York City and Seattle.

Contact

For all project and employment inquiries, the website lists:

• Email: studio@stevenyavanian.com

Business name as listed on the website:

• Steven Yavanian Landscape Architecture PLLC
• New York City | Seattle

• Coastal and countryside residences and estates
• Urban roof terraces and penthouse terraces
• Townhouse gardens and courtyards
• Multi-family residential courtyards and amenity spaces
• Public parks, waterfronts, and cultural landscapes
• Museum and institutional landscapes
• Streetscapes and urban plazas.

Selected representative projects

Examples of projects listed on the website include:

• Hither Hills House – Montauk, New York
• Hillside Retreat – Dutchess County, New York
• Viewpoint Residence – Seattle, Washington
• Kirkland Residence – Kirkland, Washington
• Lenox Hill House – Manhattan, New York
• Dumbo Courtyard – Brooklyn, New York
• Manhattan Townhouse – New York, New York
• Post House Courtyard
• Dutchess County Studio – Dutchess County, New York
• Pauls Lane Residence – in the Hamptons region of Long Island, New York
• Bridgehampton House – Bridgehampton, New York
• Bushwick Terrace – Brooklyn, New York
• Arbor 18 Courtyard and Terraces – Brooklyn, New York
• Williamsburg Waterfront Park – Brooklyn, New York
• Cleveland Museum of Art – landscape work in Cleveland, Ohio
• Central Park South Roof Terrace – New York, New York
• SoHo Penthouse Terraces – New York, New York
• Greenwich Village Loft – New York, New York
• Brooklyn Heights Rain Garden – Brooklyn, New York
• Park Slope Townhouse – Brooklyn, New York
• Upper East Side Townhouse – New York, New York
• Park Avenue Streetscape – New York, New York
• Liberty State Park – Jersey City, New Jersey
• Warp and Weft – public realm project
• Canal Street Triangle – urban public space.

These examples illustrate SYLA's experience with residential, cultural, and public-facing landscapes across New York City, the greater New York region, the Pacific Northwest, and other locations in the United States.

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