MKSK opens new studio in Chicago

MKSK Chicago
Pictured (left to right): Eric Lucas, PLA, ASLA, MKSK Principal & CEO; Brett Weidl, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, MKSK Senior Associate, Landscape Architect/Urban Designer, Chicago Studio Leader; Donald Zellefrow, AICP, MKSK Associate, Urban Designer, Chicago Studio

MKSK has recently announced the opening of its newest Studio in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The MKSK Chicago team is led by Chicago native Landscape Architect and Urban Planner, Brett Weidl, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP. Brett’s passion resides in creating inclusive landscapes in the urban public realm, enabling equitable access and strengthened connectivity between people and vibrant public spaces to transform lives and foster community through opportunities for shared collective community experiences. Brett has served as the active and engaged leader of both planning and constructed projects, bringing proven experience in all aspects of project implementation. In addition to implementing many parks and public school projects throughout the City, Brett has been an integral leader in the ongoing Chicago Clark Street Crossroads Vision Plan and is actively involved in numerous post-pandemic community-driven reactivation efforts through the City of Chicago’s Alfresco program, Public Outdoor Plaza (POP!) program, and the ongoing Invest South/West Initiative.


Design and planning leadership for the MKSK Chicago team will include Donald Zellefrow, AICP, Urban Designer and formerly of the MKSK Atlanta Studio. Donald believes authentic and unexpected design is achieved through meaningful engagement, rigorous research, and creative exploration. Donald’s work explores the power of ecology, the promise of technology, and the strength of community. Donald has brought his experience and passion to bear on a variety of complex urban projects including Greenville, South Carolina’s newest signature public space Unity Park, to the NW Downtown Civil Rights District in Birmingham, Alabama, and district plans in Atlanta, Georgia; and Chattanooga, Tennessee.

MKSK is a collective of Planners, Urban Designers and Landscape Architects founded in 1990, who are passionate about the interaction between people and place.

MKSK is a WLA Sponsor

About Damian Holmes 3449 Articles
Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of World Landscape Architecture (WLA). He is a registered landscape architect (AILA) working in international design practice in Australia. Damian founded WLA in 2007 to provide a website for landscape architects written by landscape architects. Connect on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianholmes/