Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA
North Tonawanda, New York, United States
5K followers
500+ connections
About
Joy Kuebler, FASLA, is a nationally recognized landscape architect whose distinguished…
Articles by Joy
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Don't judge a book by its cover. Green Infrastructure vs Garden
Don't judge a book by its cover. Green Infrastructure vs Garden
Green Infrastructure is as important in Great Lakes communities as it is in Coastal communities in the efforts around…
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Why we participate in PARK(ing) Day as a landscape architecture firm
Why we participate in PARK(ing) Day as a landscape architecture firm
This past Friday was the third Friday of September, which means it was International PARK(ing) Day! A day around the…
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The value of context, and community story in designing for public spaces... or why I sometimes dislike Pinterest
The value of context, and community story in designing for public spaces... or why I sometimes dislike Pinterest
Pinterest is a great tool, sometimes. And sometimes it really is not.
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The world of design, contracts and getting paid
The world of design, contracts and getting paid
As the owner of a landscape architecture design office for over a decade, I have had to deal with projects beginning…
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Activity
5K followers
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reposted thisJoy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reposted thisTwo hundred and fifty years ago, a bold idea became a nation. Today, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s worth asking another question: What will the next 250 years look like? The answer won’t be found only in the buildings we construct or the technologies we invent. It will be shaped by the landscapes we leave behind. Long after speeches are forgotten and headlines fade, parks, trails, waterfronts, schoolyards, streetscapes, memorials, and public spaces continue telling the story of who we were—and what we valued. That’s the power of landscape architecture. It is one of the few professions that simultaneously strengthens communities, protects nature, grows local economies, improves public health, preserves history, and builds resilience for generations yet to come. Every thriving park, restored river, resilient coastline, vibrant main street, and welcoming public space is more than a project. It’s an investment in America’s future. The landscapes we create today will become the inheritance of those who celebrate America’s 300th birthday in 2076—and even its 500th. What story do we want them to tell about us? Happy 250th Birthday, America. Here’s to designing a future worthy of the generations that follow. #America250 #LandscapeArchitecture #ASLA #DesignTheFuture #PublicSpaces #ClimateAction #Resilience #FutureGenerations #Parks #Community
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisThis... when you #play with community...you are doing this automatically PLAYCE Studio Ltd.Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisGenuine community-led work is messy, it’s honest, and it starts before the project has a name. It means: • The brief was shaped with lived experience • Decision-making is shared, not delegated • The community sees their fingerprints on every outcome If the community only hears from you at the start or the end… it’s unlikely to be community-led. #CommunityDevelopment #Coproduction #CoDesign
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisreally loving this!Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisAnd this is why we all want walkable communities.
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisWhen @MaríaIsabel Velasquez got to question 2 of the #FourMagicQuestions; #WhatCouldBePossible... She saw potential everywhere! City Parks Alliance #GreaterGreener2026
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisPLAYCE Studio Ltd. is pleased to announce the winner of our Engagement Academy Level 1 program is Addison Mauk from Detroit Riverfront Conservancy! We have had a fantastic conference and want to thank everyone who stopped to talk, play and explore the power of play in communication and problem solving!
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared this#OnceInALifetime does #Happy and #Faith join #Joy at a conference booth! What a delight it has been City Parks Alliance #GreaterGreener2026 #Austin
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisCity Parks Alliance #GreaterGreener2026 has been amazing! PLAYCE Studio Ltd. loving the interaction and thrilled to be making a difference for folks already!
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA posted thisTexas friends! Mark and I'll be arriving in Austin on Thursday afternoon for City Parks Alliance #GreaterandGreener and have a few days to #play before the conference. Cheryl Salazar, MPA, CPRP arriving Saturday. Who wants to catch up while in the area?! 🤠🎵🎼🎷🪕
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisThis survey is imperative to all #landscapeArchitects do. American Society of Landscape Architects is once again seeking your voice as it champions the work we do! And it takes less than 5 min! Go Team!Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA shared thisYour voice helps shape ASLA's advocacy priorities. ASLA Vice President of Government Affairs Om Khurjekar, ASLA, PLA, invites you to take the 2027–2028 Federal and State Legislative Priorities Survey. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and will help inform ASLA's advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels. Take the survey today: https://lnkd.in/gAWSJAz3 Survey closes June 17.
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisJoy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisTwo hundred and fifty years ago, a bold idea became a nation. Today, as America celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s worth asking another question: What will the next 250 years look like? The answer won’t be found only in the buildings we construct or the technologies we invent. It will be shaped by the landscapes we leave behind. Long after speeches are forgotten and headlines fade, parks, trails, waterfronts, schoolyards, streetscapes, memorials, and public spaces continue telling the story of who we were—and what we valued. That’s the power of landscape architecture. It is one of the few professions that simultaneously strengthens communities, protects nature, grows local economies, improves public health, preserves history, and builds resilience for generations yet to come. Every thriving park, restored river, resilient coastline, vibrant main street, and welcoming public space is more than a project. It’s an investment in America’s future. The landscapes we create today will become the inheritance of those who celebrate America’s 300th birthday in 2076—and even its 500th. What story do we want them to tell about us? Happy 250th Birthday, America. Here’s to designing a future worthy of the generations that follow. #America250 #LandscapeArchitecture #ASLA #DesignTheFuture #PublicSpaces #ClimateAction #Resilience #FutureGenerations #Parks #Community
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisPlease welcome our first national placemaking network to LinkedIn! #PlacemakingAotearoa is the 1st of now 30 PlacemakingX networks, and great to have them sharing their learning here.Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisWhat can Aotearoa teach the world about placemaking? In this episode of A City of Neighbourhoods, international placemaking leader Ethan Kent, Executive Director of PlacemakingX, reflects on what he's observed over more than 20 years of visiting New Zealand. His perspective is encouraging: "I've been here many times over 20 years and have followed the culture of learning, which is really something to celebrate here. You guys synthesise the best ideas. First and foremost the connections in the learning from the Māori community have grown. There is longer to go for sure, but that's something you should be proud of. You're also really innovative in place-led development, which is leading with placemaking, listening and trying small things in public spaces." Ethan, alongside his father Fred Kent, has helped shape the global placemaking movement, championing community-led approaches to creating vibrant, people-centred places. In this conversation, he explores: 🔹 How great public spaces create economic, social and cultural value. 🔹 How Auckland can respond to changing city centres. 🔹 Why diversity makes places more vibrant and resilient. 🔹 How cultural identity strengthens a community's sense of place. It's a great reminder that many of our greatest strengths lie in listening, learning and building on the unique knowledge already present within our communities. Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eFpDiBcm
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisJoy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisThe Greater and Greener Conference by City Parks Alliance has become my favorite conference. I extend my gratitude to the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department for being a wonderful host and showcasing their beautiful park system. Special thanks to the team: Sonia Batres, Maurisabel Camacho, Monica Trevino, Patti Garcia, and Rosie Lozoya for joining me. I am leaving with numerous takeaways on how parks contribute to building better urban cities and enhancing open spaces. #GreaterandGreener #CityParksAlliance #RecNorwalk #APinRec
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisUniversity at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning
University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning
Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisCorridors of Community Learning, an interdisciplinary collaboration between the UB Institute for Learning Sciences (UB Graduate School of Education) and the Rudy Bruner Center, is on a mission to engage residents of Buffalo’s East Side and Black Rock neighborhoods in deep conversations about community history, infrastructure, and the future of their neighborhoods. The objective? To better understand how residents learn about and participate in conversations regarding infrastructure transitions and neighborhood change. Those insights can have the power to inform more thoughtful and effective ways for policymakers and advocates to involve communities in reform. “As researchers, we’re interested in the intersection between learning and urban planning,” explained Lauren Ames Fischer, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and director of research for the Bruner Center. “We want to understand how social learning occurs in the context of infrastructure reform and how it varies across neighborhoods in the same city.” We began recruiting participants in early 2025, and workshops (launched with 23 participants) focused on mapping and documentary storytelling. Four students from our environmental design program have contributed to the project. Three of them — Grace Wiseman (MUP ’27, BAED ’25), Tendaji Ya'Ukuu (MUP ’27, BAED ’25), and Jason Myrick (BAED ’26) — were supported through SUNY’s Experiential Learning Network grant, which funds faculty-mentored undergraduate research opportunities. “The students were treated like collaborators,” Fischer noted. “We didn't say, ‘here's a story map, go build it.’ We sat down with them and said, ‘if you were living in the community, what would you want to be on your story map?’” Now that the videos and maps are complete, the project has entered its next phase: exploring ways for these materials to be utilized as educational and community-building tools. Keep reading to learn more about this initiative: https://lnkd.in/gXsW9xzX #UBuffalo #UBuffaloArchPlan Photos: Kalvin Booker -
Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisWhat a wonderful message about investing in the next generation. Thanks to the team at Confluence for sending these three interns to spend the day with our designers and manufacturing teams. It is so important to invest in learning and clearly so does Confluence. We were so lucky to get to spend the day with these young talented individuals.Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisInvesting in the next generation of design professionals means providing opportunities to learn from industry leaders. This week, our Des Moines interns, Jenna, Taryn, and Olivia, visited Landscape Structures in Delano, Minnesota, for a shadow day focused on the design and manufacturing of play environments. Throughout the day, they gained insight into Landscape Structures' approach to concept development, design philosophy, and the impact their work has on communities around the world. They also toured the production facility to see how ideas evolve from concept to completed product. A particularly meaningful part of the visit was learning more about the development of Triumph Park in Waukee, Iowa, a project created through the partnership between Landscape Structures and Confluence. Thank you to Landscape Structures for sharing your expertise and helping us create a broad, well-rounded internship experience. Opportunities like these provide invaluable exposure to the many disciplines, processes, and partnerships that shape our industry.
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisJoy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisI have a great guest and fellow DPRS Media Show host as my guest tomorrow. Tune in at 12Noon EST Dave Ramirez ~ CPRP, CYSA Tasha Mayes Joseph Dziedzic DJ Jennings Aaron Locks Wesley King, FMFA, CPO Johnathan "Papa J" Skinner John Prue, CPRP
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Joy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on thisJoy Kuebler, PLA, FASLA reacted on this🌊 Dive Into The Aquatics Life Talkshow This July! 🩱✨ Looking to make a splash with your professional development or just love everything aquatics? The Daily Parks and Rec Show Plus Aaron Locks show and Johnathan "Papa J" Skinner and John Prue, CPRP and Thomas White, MPA and Dave Ramirez ~ CPRP, CYSA shows too is bringing you a brand-new, month-long series: The Aquatics Life, hosted by Wesley King Consulting llc We are bringing you real people, real stories, and real impact every single week. Whether you're hanging out by the pool or gearing up for a holiday weekend, this is the perfect way to kick off your Fridays! 🎉 🚀 This Friday: Kickstarting the Holiday Weekend! 📅 Date: Friday, July 3rd 🕜 Time: 1:30 PM EST 🌟 Special Guest: Cara Green (LGIT, WSIT, CPRIT, CPO), Aquatics Program Director! Before you fire up the grill for the holiday weekend, join us live to talk shop, leadership, and what it truly takes to run top-tier aquatics programming. 🗓️ Our Star-Studded July Lineup The momentum doesn’t stop there! Clear your calendars every Friday at 1:30 PM EST because we have a powerhouse lineup of industry innovators joining us all month long: July 10: Nick Kulick | CEO at Neon and NVAC – Innovating the future of aquatics through technology, education, and community. July 17: Brea Merhar, BCBA and Blended Aquatics | BCBA & Co-founder of Blended Aquatics – Bridging behavior science and aquatics to make a greater impact. July 24: Jose-Luis Gallagher | Founder & CEO of Rip Current Sports LLC – Creating innovative tools and programs for stronger, safer communities. July 31: Julia Feraldi, AFO, CPRP AFO, CPRP | Aquatics Recreation Coordinator for the City of Apache Junction (AZ) – Building community through inclusive and engaging aquatics programs. 📺 How to Watch Live We are streaming live directly to your favorite feeds. Pick your platform, bring your questions, and join the conversation! Where: Streaming live right here on LinkedIn, Facebook, Follow us at https://lnkd.in/guUi2xRx Drop a comment below if you'll be tuning in this Friday, and let's get ready to build a stronger aquatics community together! 💙👇 #AquaticsLife #ParksAndRec #AquaticsDirector #LiveTalkShow #ProfessionalDevelopment #AquaticsSafety #CommunityBuilding
Experience
Education
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Licenses & Certifications
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NYS and Erie County WBE, NYS DBE and now MA DBE
Erie County, NYS and MA
Volunteer Experience
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Co-Founder
Pop Up Park Buffalo
- Present 14 years 2 months
Children
Pop Up Park Buffalo has evolved into a non-profit organization centered on bringing creative free-play activities to neighborhoods and communities throughout the summer. Children use real tools and real materials to create a self-driven play experience. Pop Up Park Buffalo literally "pops up" in neighborhoods throughout Western New York to provide a day long, no cost, free-play experience for kids from 5 to 105. #design #freeplay #innovation #invention #communitybuilding…
Pop Up Park Buffalo has evolved into a non-profit organization centered on bringing creative free-play activities to neighborhoods and communities throughout the summer. Children use real tools and real materials to create a self-driven play experience. Pop Up Park Buffalo literally "pops up" in neighborhoods throughout Western New York to provide a day long, no cost, free-play experience for kids from 5 to 105. #design #freeplay #innovation #invention #communitybuilding #strongmindsfromriskyplay #riskyplay
Honors & Awards
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2016 Ellen Shipman Distinguished Private Practitioner
NY Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
The award recognizes an outstanding individual practitioner for achievements in three areas: design, leadership and ASLA Chapter involvement.
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Buffalo's Fast Track Companies
Buffalo Business First Publication
JKLA debuted on Buffalo's list of Fastest Growing Companies at number 16 out of 50. Thank you Business First for recognizing our achievements and incredible growth over the last 13 years!
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American Society of Landscape Architects, NY Upstate Chapter: HONOR Award for Communications: Pop Up Park Buffalo
American Society of Landscape Architects, NY Upstate Chapter
Pop Up Park Buffalo, with its 5 park events for children was given the Honor Award for Communications!
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American Society of Landscape Architects, NY Upstate Chapter: Merit award for Communications: Picture Main Street "LIVE"
American Society of Landscape Architects, NY Upstate Chapter
Tactical Urbanism as a planning tool. The redevelopment of Williamsville, NY's historic Mill and the surrounding East Spring Street Streetscape, as well as the upcoming redevelopment of Main Street through the Village were spurred in large part to this tactical urbanism intervention which allowed the community to "try the design on for size". The project also helped secure $3 million in project funding for E. Spring Street and additional moneys for Main Street.
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American Society of Landscape Architects, NY Upstate Chapter: HONOR award for Built Design: Buffalo Public School 197 Learning Courtyard
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Organizations
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PLAYCE Studio Ltd
President
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Danielle Rivera
From hearing about the great work so many folks are doing on the subject, I am pre-organizing a paper session for the 2026 ACSP Conference in Pittsburgh, PA called "Communities in Recovery: Post-Disaster Planning alongside Nonprofit and Community-Based Organizations." Here is the working session-summary: Hazard planners study, recognize, and even at times celebrate critical roles played by nonprofit and community-based organizations in post-disaster recovery. However, these organizations point to their challenges actually undertaking those roles, from lack of resources to lack of experience with disaster response and recovery, among other concerns. This pre-organized session presents five different case studies of communities in recovery exploring the key roles community-based organizations play in recovery processes, but also unveiling their limitations vis-a-vis formal disaster planning and policy. The papers further draw key lessons, observations, and recommendations for hazard planning from these community perspectives. I am open to paper abstracts from anyone, from students to senior scholars! Feel free to send me your abstract for consideration by the end of day on Thursday, March 26. ACSP asks that all paper abstracts must be submitted before the paper session, so this deadline gives us several days to ensure everything is aligned! Also, if we receive enough abstracts, I can coordinate with a fellow scholar to co-host two pre-organized sessions on the topic!
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