MNLA recently announced the elevation of Alexis Gagné, Dan Yannaccone, Johanna Phelps, and Martha Desbiens to the role of Principal. This transition marks a significant milestone in the firm’s decades-long history. By expanding its leadership tier, MNLA seeks to reinforce its commitment to empowering a new generation of designers to guide the firm’s evolving portfolio.
A Balance of Continuity and Innovation
Founding Principal Signe Nielsen described the appointments as a natural progression for the firm, highlighting the balance between maintaining MNLA’s foundational legacy and embracing new perspectives.
“This elevation represents both continuity and renewal,” Nielsen stated. “Each of these talented leaders embodies MNLA’s core principles of transformation, inclusivity, and advocacy. Their elevation reflects years of dedication to our clients, our projects, and our people.”
Diverse Expertise Driving Public and Private Impact
The four new Principals bring a diverse range of specializations to the firm’s leadership, ranging from ecological resilience to the intersection of healthcare and landscape design:
- Alexis Gagné, LLA, ASLA: Recognized for her expertise in urban landscapes, Gagné has led several high-profile projects focused on enriching public life. Her work is characterized by a balance of aesthetic form, functional utility, and community-centered design.
- Dan Yannaccone, LLA, ASLA, WEDG: With more than 20 years of experience, Yannaccone specializes in resilient site planning and ecological design, successfully navigating complex concepts to create sustainable, long-term landscape solutions.
- Johanna Phelps, RLA, ASLA, WEDG: Phelps has directed some of the firm’s campus and institutional projects. She is noted for her ability to steer large teams toward innovative, context-specific solutions across diverse geographic markets.
- Martha Desbiens, LLA, ASLA, WEDG: Desbiens has been instrumental in growing the firm’s academic and healthcare practices. Her approach integrates environmental performance with design excellence to foster wellness and connectivity within educational and medical environments.
The Future of the Practice
These four leaders join Signe Nielsen, Molly Bourne, and Rob DeMarco in steering the firm’s next chapter. This expanded leadership team aims to ensure consistency across the firm’s diverse project portfolio while fostering an environment where teams are empowered to deliver transformative, human-centered landscapes.
For more than 30 years, MNLA has operated under a model of advocacy and transformation. With this new leadership structure, the firm remains dedicated to creating meaningful spaces that serve people, place, and the planet.