ST. LOUIS – SWT Design, an award winning, environmentally conscious, high design, planning and landscape architecture firm, was awarded two honor awards and a merit award from the Central States Conference of the American Society of Landscape Architects for projects in St. Louis and Branson, Mo. SWT Design received the awards at the 2011 Central States Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
 
“We’re honored to be recognized by our peers from the Central States Conference,” said Ted Spaid, co-founder and principal of SWT Design. “And we hope that visitors will enjoy and learn from the new landscapes.”

Des Peres Park Lake, St. Louis: Honor Award

The Des Peres Park Lake improvement project expanded and provided more accessibility to the lake, enhanced animal habitats and improved storm water detention. Design elements focused on education and include seating areas constructed of large natural boulders for contemplation, special paving marked with native animal tracks for investigation, a boardwalk engaging the water’s edge for exploration and a native plant palette to aid water infiltration and beautify the lake.

SWT Design Campus, St. Louis: Honor Award

SWT Design’s campus allows SWT Design staff and the public to learn from and see sustainable design best practices in action. It includes various roof gardens, a vegetated rain garden, a native woodland garden, an edible garden and pervious pavement to aid in storm water management. The SWT Design campus was chosen as one of 150 sites worldwide to participate in the Sustainable Sites Initiative pilot program, which will test a new green rating system.

Indian Creek Lodge, Branson, Mo.: Merit Award

Completed in the summer of 2010, Indian Creek Lodge has been one of the top-selling destinations in the country for Bluegreen Wilderness Club at Big Cedar. Located along Table Rock Lake, the resort provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Ozark environment through native landscapes and various site features, which are utilized for special events, outdoor education, demonstrations, storytelling, scavenger hunts and music entertainment.