Dennis Pappas is a landscape architect with a clear mission—make cities greener, healthier, and more livable. For over 20 years, he has worked to transform urban spaces, bringing nature back into crowded streets and communities.
His projects focus on sustainability, smart design, and the idea that green spaces are essential, not just extras.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Dennis saw firsthand how limited green space affected city life. “Parks always felt like a break from the chaos,” he says. “Even a small patch of trees made the neighborhood feel different.” That early awareness shaped his career. He wanted to design spaces that blended the best of urban life with the benefits of nature.
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
From Concrete To Green Design
Dennis Pappas earned his Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University, then pursued a Master’s in Environmental Design at Columbia University. His studies taught him how to design for both people and the environment.
After graduating, he started his career at a boutique firm in Manhattan, working on small-scale projects like courtyards and rooftop gardens. “I learned a lot about balancing beauty with function,” he says. But he wanted to work on larger public spaces. That led him to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, where he helped create parks and urban greenways across the city.
One of his most impactful projects was the Green Neighborhoods Initiative. This program turned underused lots into green spaces, giving communities much-needed parks and gathering spots. “A vacant lot can feel like a dead space,” Dennis says. “But once you add trees, pathways, and places to sit, it becomes part of people’s daily lives.”
Sustainability And Smart Urban Planning
Dennis believes landscape architecture is about more than just making places look nice. It’s about solving real problems. His work includes efforts to reduce urban heat, manage stormwater, and make cities more resilient to climate change.
One of his standout projects is New York’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden. Built to improve air quality and reduce energy use, this space combines native plants, solar panels, and a smart irrigation system. “Rooftops are an opportunity,” Dennis explains. “Instead of wasted space, they can cool buildings, capture rainwater, and create a better environment.”
Dennis also played a key role in the Brooklyn Green Corridor, a project that transformed several city blocks into pedestrian-friendly greenways. These spaces include tree-lined paths, rain gardens, and areas where people can gather. “Cities should be designed for people first,” he says. “If a street only serves cars, it’s missing a big part of its potential.”
The Impact Of Green Spaces
Research shows that access to green spaces improves mental health, reduces stress, and even increases property values. Studies have found that homes near parks are worth up to 20% more, and trees can lower neighborhood temperatures by several degrees in the summer.
“Green spaces pay off in ways people don’t always think about,” Dennis says. “They boost local economies, help the environment, and make cities feel more human.”
One of his key principles is designing for long-term impact. That means using native plants that require less maintenance, choosing materials that last, and making sure designs serve communities for decades. “A good design isn’t just about the present,” he says. “It should still be working for people 50 years from now.”
Looking Ahead
As cities continue to grow, Dennis believes landscape architecture will play an even bigger role in shaping urban life. Climate change, population growth, and infrastructure needs all point to the importance of thoughtful green design.
“The future of cities depends on sustainability,” he says. “We need to plan ahead, not just react to problems as they come up.” He hopes more young designers will enter the field with a focus on practical, forward-thinking solutions. “There’s a huge opportunity for the next generation,” he adds. “Cities need smart, creative thinkers to tackle these challenges.”
When he’s not working, Dennis spends his free time kayaking, birdwatching, and photographing landscapes. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Alex, and their two rescue cats, Ash and Willow.
For Dennis, the goal is simple. “Every green space is a chance to improve lives,” he says. “The more we bring nature into cities, the better they’ll be for everyone.”
IMAGE: UNSPLASH
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