About

Education

Masters of Landscape Architecture
Kansas State University, 2011

Bachelor of Science in
Landscape Architecture

South Dakota State University, 2008

registration

Professional Landscape Architect
MO | 2018025949

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Landscape Architects
2011 - Present

American Society of Landscape Architects St. Louis, Chapter
2015 - Present
Past President

Urban Land Institute (ULI)
2011 - 2015
Mission Advancement Committee &
Young Leaders Group (YLG) Committee

Over-The-Rhine Brewery District Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation
2013 - 2015
Member

Urban Awakenings: Neighborhood Revitalization Symposium(s)
2013-Present
Co-Coordinator, Moderator,
& Marketing Leader

Professional Development, Accolades & Certifications

Council or Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB)
2014-Present
Certified Landscape Architect

Urban Land Institute - Cincinnati
2012-2013
Emerging Leaders Class 1 Graduate

Cincinnati USA Chamber of Commerce
2014-2015
Cincy Next Leadership Development
Class 1 Graduate

TOOLS & SKILLS

AutoCAD • Adobe Creative Suite • Revit • Bluebeam • ArcGIS • SketchUp • Lumion • Hand sketching + conceptual visualization • Interdisciplinary coordination • Public process facilitation • Cost estimation • Construction administration / observation.

BIO

Cory is a systems-thinking Landscape Architect whose work lives at the intersection of planning, urban design, engineering, and implementation. With more than 15 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams across a wide range of project types, from streetscapes, civic landscapes, greenways, campuses, and complex public realm environments, he brings a uniquely holistic understanding of how ideas move from concept to construction.

He sees design as an act of interpretation. Drawing from deep observation, public engagement, and the nuances of social and ecological behavior, Cory translates complex community needs and environmental systems into spaces that people intuitively understand and enjoy. His work is grounded in the belief that landscape architects hold a powerful responsibility: to rethink the physical environment in ways that foster social equity, resilience, and long-term adaptability.

Cory’s hybrid leadership background, combining design excellence, project management, and strategic thinking, allows him to guide teams with clarity and intention. He defines roles, empowers specialists, and cultivates a culture of shared problem-solving rather than simple problem identification. Whether coordinating with engineers, working through municipal approvals, or facilitating public workshops, he ensures that every element of the project aligns with its vision, values, and real-world constraints.

Today, Cory leads complex public and private projects across the St. Louis region and beyond. He remains most proud not of awards or accolades, but of the moment a space is built and he can observe people begin to make it their own.

Leadership Approach

Cory’s leadership approach is rooted in clarity, collaboration, and strategic thinking. He works to create environments where multidisciplinary teams understand their roles, feel supported, and can contribute their best ideas. Drawing from both design and business-development experience, he balances creative ambition with practical decision-making, ensuring that projects move forward with purpose and momentum. He prioritizes transparent communication, early alignment of expectations, and thoughtful coordination with clients, agencies, and stakeholders. Above all, Cory leads with a systems mindset, connecting design intent to implementation realities and guiding teams toward solutions that are both innovative and achievable.

Experience 

SWT Design | St. Louis, MO
Project Manager + Senior Associate
May 2024 – Present

In this role, Cory leads the design and delivery of civic, commercial, and public-realm projects throughout the greater St. Louis region. He coordinated multidisciplinary teams across all phases of work, from master planning through construction administration, and established clear roles to support efficient and collaborative project delivery. His responsibilities included agency coordination, regulatory reviews, public engagement, and cost estimating for complex urban projects. Cory provided systems-level oversight that aligned design intent with engineering, infrastructure, and implementation realities.

SWT Design | St. Louis, MO
Director of Marketing & Business Development
November 2021 – 2024

Cory directed firm-wide marketing, positioning, and business-development strategies across three design studios. He strengthened brand visibility, proposal development, and strategic partnerships while elevating the firm’s storytelling, graphics, and communication of design value. This experience continues to inform his leadership approach by reinforcing the importance of strategic thinking, clarity, and communication in design practice.

HOK | St. Louis, MO
Landscape Architect + Associate
2016 – 2021

At HOK, Cory managed and co-led multidisciplinary teams on national and international projects across civic, healthcare, higher-education, sports, and federal sectors. He directed project delivery from concept through construction, overseeing zoning and code reviews, construction administration, and complex coordination efforts. He also guided visualization and design-narrative development for large-scale, high-visibility projects.

Bayer Becker | Cincinnati, OH
Landscape Architect
2011 – 2016

During his time at Bayer Becker, Cory delivered comprehensive site-design services including conceptual planning, schematic design, graphics, construction documentation, and construction-phase support. He managed client relationships and served as design lead and project manager on a broad range of project types and scales. This early role built the technical foundation of his practice, including cost estimating, specifications, permitting, materials research, and urban analysis.