Kathleen Anglo, ASLA, PLA, SITES AP, is the newly appointed Director of Landscape Architecture at HGA, where she will continue to build on the firm’s tradition of creating context-specific landscapes that draw inspiration from the surrounding natural and built environment.
She previously held leadership roles with both design firms and government agencies, including the City of St. Paul. Much of her work is in the public realm, engaging diverse insights in the planning process to enhance public spaces, promote environmental stewardship, and contribute to community pride.
In the following, Kathleen highlights her plans for HGA’s landscape department, her favorite projects, and what inspires her in nature.
Kathleen Anglo
Director of Landscape Architecture
Welcome. What excites you about your new role?
What excites me is HGA’s brand reputation in the design industry and the opportunity to work holistically with landscape architects, architects, engineers, thought leaders, and researchers. HGA’s depth of expertise has contributed to such rich and thoughtful projects throughout the firm’s history. I’m looking forward to being part of that design legacy and creating a positive impact in our communities.
How do you envision the relationship between architecture and landscapes?
As a partnership. While no two projects are the same, I envision a collaborative process building on HGA’s commitment to holistic design, considering how the building and landscape play off each other within the variables of an existing context. It’s often a circuitous path to get to the best solution.
I always hope someone feels a sense of awe, or wonder, or peace when visiting a landscape.
Kathleen Anglo
Director of Landscape Architecture
View of Central Park/Line Knipst (CC)
How do you build community consensus?
As designers, we want to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives. Are we unintentionally excluding some groups? Especially within the public realm, a landscape is for everyone, and we need to consider all users and balance priorities.
You’ve designed landscapes for public and private clients. Do you have a personal best?
My personal best comes from two perspectives. One, it created a positive community impact. And two, it enhanced my current hometown of Stillwater, Minnesota.
Chestnut Street Plaza, located within a historic district between Main Street and the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, transformed a downtown street into a pedestrian plaza that has become a civic destination. The opportunity came when the Department of Transportation built a new bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin over the St. Croix River. Designed with TKDA, the plaza creates an entry experience to a new ‘loop trail’ that stretches across the Lift Bridge, into Wisconsin, along the river bluff, and finally reconnects with the new bridge leading back into town from Wisconsin.
I have walked, run, and biked that loop many times since it opened in 2023. It’s great to see a civic space that honors the character of the historic downtown yet provides amenities that create a welcoming space for visitors, residents, and businesses.
And what about an outdoor space not your own?
That’s a tough question because I love so many outdoor spaces. But straight off, I really admire Ted Lee’s work here. He has thoughtfully incorporated new memorials into the Minnesota State Capitol Mall that have added to the historic narrative. The Military Family Tribute and Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial are beautiful and moving spaces. He’s completely passionate about his work.
Outside that, Central Park in New York City offers so many things, from the Great Lawn to ballfields, hiking trails, plazas and promenades, regional plantings, and even little hideaways. And then there’s the zoo. It’s just amazing that a space can make you forget you’re in the middle of one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
Do you have a favorite outdoor activity?
I’m an avid hiker, so I love Minnesota’s state parks. I hike with a group of women regularly and we plan a hiking adventure every year. A couple years ago we hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim in about 10 hours. It was quite a humbling experience, but I love the sense of accomplishment. Let me know if you’re considering it!
What do you hope someone experiences from a landscaped environment?
I always hope someone feels a sense of awe, or wonder, or peace when visiting a landscape. Maybe they visit for recreation, sports, relaxation, or meditation. I just hope wherever they go, for whatever reason, the environment they are in provides what they need at that moment in their life.
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