Episode Description

This episode from Beyond the Surface features Ernie Wong, FASLA, the founding principal and president of Site Design Group, an award-winning landscape architecture firm based in Chicago. Ernie shares his personal journey from his early inspirations to leading one of the most prominent landscape design firms in the region. The discussion delves into how political contexts, community needs, and cultural heritage inform his studio’s approach to public space design.

Ernie reflects on landmark projects such as Ping Tom Memorial Park and Palmisano Park, illustrating how thoughtful landscape architecture can reclaim industrial sites, restore environmental health, and create inclusive spaces that celebrate urban identity. He also speaks about the intricate relationship between politics and design—how public projects often rely on civic collaboration and how designers must navigate these dynamics to achieve meaningful community outcomes.

Gain insight into Ernie’s philosophy of using design as a tool for placemaking and empowerment, emphasizing how landscape architecture extends beyond aesthetics to influence social connection, equity, and sustainability. This episode provides valuable lessons on leadership, perseverance, and civic responsibility from a practitioner whose work continues to shape Chicago’s landscape legacy.