The Architerra Group

12/16/2025

We’re proud to celebrate Mark Taylor, PLA, ASLA, on receiving the Department Chair Service Award from the University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture Program!

Mark is a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture (UKLA) program - a program that has shaped not only his career, but also the careers of several Architerra team members. Today, Architerra continues that connection with UKLA through alumni on staff and our intern Madelyn, who is currently in her fourth year in the program.

Mark currently serves as Chair of the UKLA Advisory Board, working alongside fellow professionals to evaluate the program’s direction and support its continued growth. Through this role, Mark has had the opportunity to engage with university leadership, faculty, students, and recent graduates — giving back to the program that led him to a profession he deeply cares about.

The award was presented during the program’s first alumni awards ceremony, A Salute to Legacy and Leaders, a special evening recognizing the work and achievements of UKLA alumni. Mark was honored to be among the inaugural group of recipients.

Congratulations to Mark and to all of the award recipients — and thank you for your continued leadership, mentorship, and service to the profession.

11/10/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Dutch Creek Trail is now officially open — connecting to the C-470 Trail and extending access across our regional trail network! 🚴‍♀️🌿

After years of planning and collaborating, the western portion of Dutch Creek Trail was completed this fall. The trail now spans 5.4 miles from Weaver Park (Leawood) westward through the Dutch Creek greenbelts to the edge of Meadows Golf Club, with an 8–10 ft concrete surface designed for walking, biking, and recreation.

As the landscape architect on this project, we are honored to have contributed to a public amenity that emphasizes accessibility, ecological sensitivity, and community connection. This trail is more than a path — it’s a link between neighborhoods, open space, and the broader regional trail system.

Get out and enjoy it — walk, bike, jog, or just sit and take in the views. Please remember trail etiquette: leash your dogs, share the path, and respect nature. We’d love to see your photos or stories! Tag us or use so we can share.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible — from planners, funding partners, construction crews, to community advocates and a huge shout out to Foothills Park & Recreation District. Let’s continue to build trails and spaces that inspire connection!

09/24/2025

We are excited to share that our Village Greens North project was awarded a Merit Award for Design from ASLA Colorado! It’s been an honor to work with the City of Greenwood Village on this project over the last several years in developing the master plan and implementing the project over several phases.

Village Greens North offers a variety of adventure-based recreation opportunities that aren’t otherwise available in the city including a mountain bike skills course, an 18 hole disc golf course, a bouldering pinnacle (by ID Sculpture), a slackline course, and nature play. The project’s natural aesthetic and sculptural elements create a striking and unique environment.

Thanks to ID Sculpture for collaborating on the design of the climbing pinnacle.

09/18/2025

Having worked with the Foothills Park & Recreation District on the master plan for this portion of the Dutch Creek Trail in 2002, the Architerra Group was thrilled to work with the District on the final design of this important regional trail link!

09/08/2025

Michael Talerico, Project Designer at Architerra, became an unexpected hero last week when a snake was found stuck in some sticky debris. With a calm demeanor and a can of nonstick cooking spray in hand, Michael carefully and patiently freed the snake from the sticky situation. Thanks to his quick thinking and compassion for all creatures, the snake was safely released back into the wild—no harm done. Well done, Michael!

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day from Architerra and our crew of Landscape Barkitects!

07/16/2025

Architerra is happy to be partnering with the Highline Canal Conservancy to make improvements on this well-loved trail.

Planning is underway for upgrades to the Canal trail near Del Mar Park (trail miles 50–53), and your input will help decide which improvements come first.

If you live near Highline Villages, Highland Park East or Lyn Knoll, this trail is part of your neighborhood. Help us make it more welcoming, accessible, and safe for everyone.

The survey takes about 10 minutes, and your feedback will directly influence the next phase of work on the trail.

Three participants will be randomly selected to receive a $25 Visa gift card.
Deadline to respond is August 10.
Survey available in English and Spanish.

Now’s the time to speak up and make a difference. Make your voice heard before final planning concludes!

Take the survey now 👇🏼

English - www.surveymonkey.com/r/58NJGPH

Spanish- www.surveymonkey.com/r/CM9LKNT

06/30/2025

Architerra had a great time soaking up the summer sun at the ballpark, proudly cheering on the Rockies—even though the Dodgers took the win. We also got to pick out some Rockies gear at the Dugout Store and Annie went with a Dinger hat!

06/09/2025

We are excited to welcome Halef Gunawan to Architerra! Halef grew up in Indonesia and moved to the United States for college. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture. After college, he worked for Architecture firms in Atlanta, Georgia before moving to Colorado to join the Architerra Group.
With a passion for both running and travel, Halef is on a quest to complete full marathons on all seven continents. Close to home, Halef enjoys hitting the road on spontaneous camper van trips with his partner and their German Shepherd to explore Colorado’s mountains and soak in the state’s natural beauty.

06/09/2025

Architerra has a new student intern for the summer! Madelyn Blankenship is a student at the University of Kentucky, graduating in May of 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture and minor in Community and Leadership Development. She is an executive member of the UKASLA Student Chapter, and a teaching assistant within her department.
Growing up in rural Kentucky, she quickly found her love for the environment and is passionate about creating outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. Madelyn believes community-forward design is essential for impactful work and hopes to continue her professional career doing just that. Outside of landscape architecture, Madelyn enjoys being with her family, friends, and pets, exploring new places, watching sports, and being outdoors.

05/12/2025

Last month, Mark teamed up with Suzanne Moore, Director of Parks & Recreation with the City of Greenwood Village, to present Maintenance Strategies for Unique Park Elements at the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association Spring Workshop. We were excited to highlight several of our collaborative projects with Greenwood Village including the beautiful Village Greens Park North & Goldsmith Gulch. Big thanks to everyone who joined us—it was amazing to see a packed house and share ideas with such a passionate community! .parks.and.recreation

03/26/2025

Spring is here and for many of us, that means baseball season! Our Easton Regional Park project is nearing completion with some great improvements to the baseball field complex including a new baseball field and improved visitor comfort with a new plaza space, shaded spectator areas, improved dugouts, and new shade trees. Play Ball!