Dennis Pappas is a Brooklyn-based landscape architect with over two decades of experience designing sustainable, community-focused urban spaces. A graduate of Cornell University (B.S. in Landscape Architecture) and Columbia University (M.S. in Environmental Design), Dennis combines innovative design with environmental stewardship to create spaces that improve quality of life and support biodiversity.
Throughout his career, Dennis has led transformative projects, including the award-winning Brooklyn Green Corridor and New York City’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden. As a Senior Landscape Architect at GreenScape NYC, he focuses on integrating green infrastructure into urban environments, addressing challenges like stormwater management, urban heat islands, and climate resilience. His work prioritizes functionality, sustainability, and beauty, earning him accolades such as the Green City Innovator Award and the Environmental Excellence Award.
Dennis believes green spaces are vital to thriving cities. “Every green space is a chance to breathe new life into the city,” he says, emphasizing their impact on mental health, air quality, and community connection. His designs aim to balance urban living with environmental harmony, proving that cities can be both sustainable and livable.
Outside of work, Dennis enjoys kayaking, bird watching, and photography—activities that inspire his passion for nature. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Alex Morgan, an urban planner, and their two rescue cats, Ash and Willow. A mentor and advocate for sustainable design, Dennis continues to push the boundaries of landscape architecture, leaving a lasting impact on the urban landscape.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day starts with a morning walk or some time outside to clear my head. Then, I dive into project planning, meetings, and design work. I break my day into focused blocks of time, prioritizing tasks that need immediate attention. Staying organized with a to-do list keeps everything on track. I also make time for community engagement or on-site visits to ensure designs align with real-world needs.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas start with listening—whether it’s to the community, my team, or the land itself. I sketch initial concepts and refine them with feedback. Collaboration is key, so I work closely with engineers, ecologists, and planners to ensure the design is functional and sustainable. Every idea is shaped by a mix of creativity, practicality, and data.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The rise of urban green infrastructure excites me. Cities are embracing solutions like green roofs, rain gardens, and tree-lined corridors to combat climate change and improve livability. Seeing this trend grow worldwide is inspiring.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily mindfulness. Whether it’s meditation or a few minutes of deep breathing, it helps me stay focused and centered, even during hectic days.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Trust the process. Not everything needs to happen immediately, and patience often leads to better outcomes. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help or learn from others.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe green spaces should be a basic utility, like water or electricity. They’re essential for urban health and should be prioritized as much as infrastructure projects.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Spend time outdoors regularly. Whether it’s a park walk or sitting in your backyard, reconnecting with nature clears the mind and provides fresh inspiration.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the desk and head outside. Even a short walk can help reset my mind. Sometimes I’ll sketch for fun—no pressure, just letting creativity flow.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building relationships. Networking with other professionals, engaging with the community, and maintaining strong connections with clients have been invaluable. Relationships foster trust, which leads to long-term collaboration and success.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of involving the community in a design project. The final result didn’t meet their needs, and it was a missed opportunity. Since then, I’ve made community engagement a core part of my process. Listening is just as important as designing.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A subscription service for small-scale urban greening projects. It could offer curated plant kits, design plans, and support for people looking to green their rooftops, balconies, or small yards.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
AutoCAD is essential for my work. It allows me to create precise design plans, collaborate with teams, and quickly adapt to project changes.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It combines science and storytelling to highlight the importance of our relationship with nature. It’s deeply inspiring for anyone in design or sustainability.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed My Octopus Teacher. It’s a beautiful reminder of how much we can learn from the natural world if we take the time to observe and connect.
Key learnings
- Invest in relationships
- Mindfulness boosts productivity
- Green spaces are essential
- Learn from setbacks
- Stay inspired by nature