Denver, CO – July 30, 2024   Sasaki, a global leader in design and planning, is proud to announce the appointment of principal Anna Cawrse, landscape architect and co-director of the firm’s Denver office, to its Board of Directors. This significant addition to the board underscores Sasaki’s commitment to innovative design, sustainability, and strategic leadership. Appointed Chair of Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Ecology, Cawrse is the first woman to serve as a practice group chair in the firm’s history. 

As a landscape architect, Anna has designed and managed complex built projects across the world, from small pocket parks to large regional plans. She has been an integral part of Sasaki, contributing her expertise and visionary approach to transformational projects for communities of all scales. Cawrse is an expert in turning public realm planning into inclusive, resilient, and beautiful places to live. In her new Board role, Anna will champion landscape architecture, civil engineering, and ecology as she leads the practice.

Cawrse has dedicated her career to bringing nature, culture, and community together through landscapes. In turn, as a mother and a designer, she believes in making spaces and plans that promote discovery and understanding. 

“My work is about connecting people to each other and to the places they live,” says Cawrse. “For me, landscape architecture is a way to create experiences, moments that connect us and shape who we become. Whether it’s a large regional riverfront plan or a local park, my work is rooted in the people and places we work with. That includes our incredible team of landscape architects, civil engineers, and ecologists. We are helping clients across the world tackle some of the biggest challenges from converting abandoned infrastructure into parks, to resilient plans and places, to public spaces that allow for all voices to be heard. Our process is richer when everyone has a seat at the table; that’s how we create meaningful projects that last. I’m honored to be championing our practice group and helping us think about the future of landscape architecture, civil engineering and ecology at Sasaki and in the world.”

As part of the Board of Directors, Anna will help guide the evolution of the practice. Sasaki’s Board sets the firm’s mission and strategic direction, reinforcing core values, as well as developing a design vision and external communication strategies. “It’s a privilege to join Sasaki’s Board of Directors and contribute to the strategic direction of our firm; we are at the forefront of design innovation,” said Cawrse. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members to continue our mission of creating impactful spaces for cities, campuses, and communities.”

In addition to her role on the Board, Anna continues to lead projects around the world. These range from a new Arboretum in San Antonio, a Great Park in Santa Monica, and the Lake Monona waterfront plan, to local parks in Colorado and the Evansville regional plan with the next phase of the riverfront park underway in southwest Indiana. Anna’s appointment reflects Sasaki’s dedication to nurturing talent within the organization and promoting leaders who embody the firm’s core values. When looking to the future, Anna remains committed to creating meaningful connections. “Together, our teams at Sasaki continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”