CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects

Xing Chen, ASLA; Dan Cook, ASLA; Cythia Yuwono, ASLA

Growing up in a rural town, a deep sense of stewardship for the land was instilled in me at an early age,” explains Kate Ries. “That foundation shaped how I see the relationship between people, place and the built environment.” Exposure to landscapes, cultures and urban environments enriched Ries’ creative process and still informs her designs, which blend functionality, cultural awareness and respect for the natural world.

CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects was established in 1998 as Clinton & Associates. Today, it’s a women-owned business led by Ries, who joined founder Sandra Youssef Clinton, FASLA, as partner in 2020. The firm’s portfolio includes memorials, mixed-use developments, campuses, resorts, parks and residential estates. “Our range illustrates our knowledge and ingenuity, and our ability to design and oversee the implementation of our work,” Ries observes.

Each project begins with understanding the ethos and personality of the client, to create an environment that will reflect them. “Seeing clients enjoy what we’ve made together is the most rewarding part,” Ries shares. “Equally meaningful is witnessing the ecological transformation of a property into a thriving landscape. Bringing nature and humanity into harmony is the ultimate reward.”

CLINTON+RIES received three What’s Up? Annapolis excellence awards in 2026 and three ASLA awards in 2025.

See more at HandD.com/ClintonRies