by Madeline Kirschner
Co-founded by visionary owner Lynn Wolff, Copley Wolff Landscape Architecture stands as a testament to the evolving influence of women in AEC professions. It is exciting to reflect on the significant transformation of the firm in sync with the shifting dynamics of the design and architecture sector.
Lynn Wolff
Wolff’s established design methodology forms the bedrock of the firm, with her legacy continuing to shape its ethos. Despite the absence of direct collaboration with current female team members, Lynn’s innovative problem-solving is deeply admired. Lynn’s built mark is still celebrated on projects such as the Wharf District Parks along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Boston Common’s Frog Pond.
An evolution began in September 2016 with the addition of a new team member and current principal, Christine Wilson. Notably, there was a lack of women in leadership positions. At that time, Copley Wolff had a modest representation of women within its 14-member team, with six women in various roles including three landscape architects/designers at the entry level, marketing director, accountant, and office manager. Fast forward to the present, and the transformation is obvious. Women now outnumber men, with 13 females among the 20 employees, bringing more diverse design perspectives and better representing the clients the firm serves. Currently, we can boast women at all staff levels: two principals, three associates, and two promoted Landscape Level 2 designers.
A happy hour event
Acknowledging the importance of both recruitment and retention, the firm actively supports and nurtures the professional growth of female leaders throughout their careers. Mentorship and friendship within the office demonstrate for the younger generation how women can navigate unique challenges and opportunities in their personal and professional development. We see modeled before us how women in our field interact confidently with clients and colleagues professionally, but with individual style and personality. We learn from each other’s experiences in what remains a male-dominated industry. We help each other approach problem solving with empathy and enthusiasm. Copley Wolff is actively involved in supporting the larger nonprofit, Women in Landscape Architecture (WxLA). The firm is in its second year of membership, a proven model benefiting staff at all levels.
Reflecting on this evolution evokes a palpable sense of pride and satisfaction within the firm. Imagining Lynn’s reaction, we cannot help but believe that she would be immensely pleased to witness the vibrant spectrum of talent and perspectives that women have brought into the organization. The zest, color, and emotion injected into the firm’s designed landscapes stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of a woman who set the stage for a more inclusive and dynamic future for women in the construction profession. As with Lynn, female leaders in our field serve as role models, inspiring the next generation of women to pursue new paths for successful careers in landscape architecture and construction. While we share a longing to have experienced Lynn’s influence and joy firsthand, we also share a gratitude for the road she helped pave as we continue to improve the built world around us.
Madeline Kirschner is a landscape designer at Copley Wolff Landscape Architecture.
