Category: News

  • Casablanca Waterfront Park is officially open to the public!

    We’re thrilled to announce the official opening of Casablanca Waterfront Park! Located along the stunning shores of Lake Ontario in Grimsby, this new park is a true reflection of the Town’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

    Our team at SDG is proud to have been part of this transformative project, turning the beachfront into a premier community destination. With walking and biking trails, recreational facilities, and cultural spaces, the park is set to be a vibrant hub for recreation, cultural activities, and community engagement.

    We were honored to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating a project that emphasizes accessibility, environmental preservation, and community collaboration. While a few final touches are still in progress, the park is now open for all to enjoy.

    Here’s to a brighter, greener future for Grimsby! 🌊

  • Brad Smith promoted to Partner at SDG

    SDG is proud to announce that our senior landscape architect, Brad Smith has been promoted to Partner within the organization. Brad’s creative vision and innovative approaches have consistently pushed the boundaries of design excellence, making a profound impact on our projects, team development, and our firm’s success.  His dedication and leadership have been instrumental in fostering our growth, mentoring young landscape architects, and enriching our company culture.  

    “I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Brad as our new partner at SDG. This marks an exciting new chapter in our journey, and I am delighted to have him on board.  Brad’s expertise, creativity, and passion for landscape architecture are truly inspiring. I am confident that his unique perspective and skills will greatly contribute to our mission of creating beautiful, sustainable, and innovative landscapes. Together, we will continue to transform spaces, making a lasting impact on the environment and the communities we serve.

    At SDG, we believe in the power of collaboration and the strength of a unified team. We are eager to work alongside Brad, learn from his experiences, and achieve new heights together. Brad’s vision and dedication align perfectly with our values, and we are excited about the incredible projects and achievements that lie ahead.

    Once again, welcome to the SDG family. Here’s to a prosperous and inspiring partnership!”

    – Haig Seferian

    As an award-winning landscape architect, Brad’s collaborative approach to projects focuses on creating performance-based landscapes that strengthen the role of landscape architecture and bring together creative and strategic thinking.   In addition to Brad’s extensive professional experience, Brad is currently a sessional instructor at University of Guelph’s Landscape Architecture Program, providing exercises in urban design and master planning to help students understand the integrative design process that considers ecological, technological, socio-economic, human, and aesthetic factors in land development.  Projects focus on land planning, community design, urban design, and public engagement.

    Brad was honoured as the 2023 University of Guelph Alumni Volunteer Award of Excellence recipient.  Brad is also an invited studio design critic at the University of Guelph and has enjoyed the opportunity to engage students in dialogue about design. He mentors several landscape architects as an OALA Advisor, assisting them in becoming full members and fully certified professionals.

    Please join us in welcoming Brad to SDG, where he will undoubtedly lead the firm to new heights!

  • Waterloo Park earns a Best of BEGA 2024 Honorable mention

    We are thrilled to announce that Waterloo Park has earned a Best of BEGA 2024 Honorable Mention for its exceptional lighting design! 🌟 This recognition celebrates our team’s dedication to blending innovation, sustainability, and creativity in transforming the “Jewel of the City” into a safe, welcoming, and visually stunning space.

    Our design highlights the park’s natural beauty, from the illuminated fountains to the gentle reflections along the waterfront. The use of energy-efficient LED technology ensures that Waterloo Park remains a vibrant, eco-friendly haven for the community, day and night. Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this vision to life!

    Check out the link in our bio for more! ( Waterloo Park (bega-us.com))


  • Meet SDG’s New Office Dog!

    Meet Ollie, the newest member of the SDG family! 🐾

    Everyone wants to be a landscape architect, and it’s never too early to start learning. Ollie is already bringing joy and wagging tails to our office. Welcome, Ollie!

  • SDG attends Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for Niagara-on-the-Lake’s new Entry Gateway Feature!

    The SDG team attended the exciting ribbon-cutting ceremony for Niagara-on-the Lake’s new entry gateway feature. This incredible project was made possible by the generosity of the Gerald Kowalchuk Family Fund.  The project first initiated in 2019. Kowalchuk’s vision of a gateway to the historic district, a symbolic representation, a striking first impression, and landscaping excellence has come to life.

    SDG was honored to provide the final design, inspired by Niagara-on-the-Lake’s rich history and heritage. SDG’s Brad Smith said “the inspiration for the long limestone wall with a distinctive arch and the town’s name surrounded by native plants is a nod to the nearby Fort Mississauga and Fort George”.

    A special thanks to the donor, the mayor, and the city staff for making this vision a reality.

  • Haig attends the Toronto Botanical Garden’s Annual General Meeting

    Haig had a wonderful time at the Annual General Meeting for the Toronto Botanical Gardens, where he proudly serves on the Board of Directors. Doris Chee a long time OALA member and past president, opened the meeting with a heartfelt land acknowledgement. It was also inspiring to see the second-year TMU students present their creative work for the entrance to the TBG visitors’ centre.

  • Haig is presenting at the Pillar & Post Garden Tour

    Join us on July 23rd from 11am to 2pm in Niagara-on-the-Lake for the Pillar & Post Garden Tour!

    Haig Seferian will be giving an exclusive presentation on the design, approval, and construction phases of the stunning gardens at the Pillar & Post.

    Special presentations by Oakridge Landscape Contractors, Unilock, Jackson Ponds and the LO Designer Sector Group will also be featured!

    Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from the best in the industry and discover the secrets behind how this incredible garden came together!

    Register now at the Landscape Ontario website. Tickets are $50 per person, and lunch is included. Secure your spot today!

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    #GardenTour #HaigSeferian #PillarAndPost #LandscapeDesign #NiagaraOnTheLake #LandscapeOntario

  • The landscape design at Wallingford Hall residence at McMaster University is complete!

    Exciting news from SDG! The landscape design for Wallingford Hall residence is now complete, the first implementation of the McMaster University Campus Housing Master Plan we started in 2018. This unique, all-female residence houses 75 students across four floors, offering shared washrooms, cozy common rooms, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and even a charming tearoom. We are proud to see Wallingford Hall flourishing in the Residence West Quad!

  • Alyssa graduates from the University of Guelph!

    A huge congratulations to our talented landscape designer, Alyssa McDonald, for graduating from the University of Guelph last week! Alyssa has earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture along with a certificate in Environmental Citizenship.

    We’re incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication, Alyssa! Your passion for creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes is truly inspiring. Here’s to many more green and innovative projects ahead!

  • SDG Participates at the 2024 Bishop’s Charities Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey

    Brad Smith teed off at the 2024 Bishop’s Charities Invitational Golf Tournament at Glen Abbey on June 5, joined by partners from Oakridge Landscape, Ira McDonald Construction, and Toms + McNally Architects—the same talented team behind the Hamilton Golf and Country Club’s stunning patio design. A special thanks to Oakridge for the invite!