A practice shaped by place: The early years of PWL Partnership

The practice that would become PWL Partnership was founded in Vancouver in 1976, at a time when the city was beginning to rethink its relationship with its waterfronts, public spaces, and natural landscapes. 

Founding partner Jeff Philips believed landscape architecture could play an important role in shaping a more livable and connected city. From the beginning, the practice focused on the relationship between people, ecology, and the public realm. 

Margot Long joined the firm in 1985. after studying landscape architecture at the University of Oregon and working with Don Vaughan, a pioneering landscape architect in British Columbia. Her passion for designing landscapes that serve both people and the environment helped shape the direction of the practice and continue to influence our work today. 


Shaping a changing city

Over the decades, Vancouver underwent a profound transformation. Industrial waterfronts became parks and public spaces, new neighbourhoods were built along the shoreline, and the city began to embrace a more unified approach to urban design and landscape. 

PWL played a role in many of these changes, contributing to projects that reconnected people to the water, expanded connections to green space, and helped shape the character of the city’s evolving neighbourhoods. 

During this time the firm became Philips Wuori Long, reflecting the partnership between Jeff Philips, Don Wuori, and Margot Long. The studio grew steadily, taking on increasingly complex projects that blended landscape architecture with urban design and planning. 


Growing the practice

As the practice expanded, new partners brought fresh perspectives and expertise.

Leaders including Bruce Hemstock, Chris Sterry, Derek Lee, Grant Brumpton, and Jason Wegman helped grow the firm’s work across parks, waterfronts, campuses, housing communities, and civic spaces. Together, they strengthened the studio’s commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and thoughtful design.

Through these decades of change, the practice remained grounded in a simple idea: landscapes should serve both people and the environment. 


Continuing the journey

Today, PWL is led by partners Margot Long, Grant Brumpton, Derek Lee, and Katya Yushmanova.

Together they bring a mix of long-standing experience and new perspectives, guiding the firm as it continues to evolve in response to changing cities, communities, and climates. 

While our work continues to grow across Canada and beyond, the Pacific Northwest remains central to who we are. The landscapes, ecosystems, and communities of this region continue to shape our approach to design. 

Photo of PWL's current partners. From left to right: Derek Lee, Margot Long, Katya Yushmanova and Grant Brumpton

Looking ahead

As we approach 50 years, we are proud of the landscapes we’ve helped shape and the relationships we’ve built along the way. 
But the work of landscape architecture has never been more important.

Cities are adapting to climate change. Communities are seeking more inclusive public spaces. Indigenous leadership and stewardship are reshaping how we think about land and place. 

These challenges — and opportunities — will define the next chapter of our work. 
We look forward to continuing to design landscapes that support community life, strengthen ecological systems, and contribute to a more resilient future. 

 
A timeline illustrating the journey of PWL. Text on the image says: Our Journey 1976 — A Practice Begins PWL was founded in Vancouver at a moment when the city was beginning to rethink its relationship with the waterfront and public space. From the start, the practice focused on the role landscape architecture could play in shaping a more connected and livable city. 1980s — Reimagining the waterfront As Vancouver’s industrial shoreline began to transform, new opportunities emerged to reconnect people with the water. PWL contributed to early waterfront projects that helped shape the evolving identity of the city and its public spaces. 1990s — Growing a collaborative practice The studio expanded its work across parks, campuses, and civic landscapes. Collaboration with architects, planners, and engineers became central to the practice, allowing the team to take on increasingly complex urban projects. 2000s — Expanding across the region PWL’s work grew beyond Vancouver, taking on projects across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. The practice continued to explore the relationship between landscape, ecology, and public life at multiple scales. 2010s — Expanding internationally During this period, PWL established an office in China, allowing the practice to collaborate on projects internationally and engage with rapidly evolving urban landscapes abroad. The experience broadened the studio’s perspective on landscape architecture and urban design at a global scale. 2010s—2020s — Designing for climate and ecology As cities began to face the realities of climate change, the firm deepened its focus on resilient landscapes, ecological restoration, and nature-based solutions. Projects increasingly addressed water, habitat, and long-term environmental performance. Today — New generation of leadership Today, PWL is led by partners Margot Long, Grant Brumpton, Derek Lee, and Katya Yushmanova. The studio continues to evolve, working alongside communities and collaborators to design landscapes that support ecological health, cultural expression, and vibrant public life. 2026 — 50 years of landscape architecture As we approach five decades of practice, we’re grateful for the partnerships and places that have shaped our work. The next chapter will continue to focus on resilient landscapes, inclusive communities, and the evolving role of landscape architecture in shaping the future of our cities.