I was delighted to attend the inaugural FutureScape USA in person. This article shares some of my personal highlights from the event, including international best practice, seminar programme and the Pro Landscaper International Awards - North & South America Heat.

Held at the Los Angeles Convention Centre, the two-day event brought together professionals from across the USA landscape sector, combining trade stands, seminars, live demonstrations, networking and awards to establish an exciting new Pro Landscaper platform on the West Coast.

From the outset, I was welcomed with open arms, including the loan of a cowboy hat, courtesy of Edwards Wallace from Midwest Landscaping.  The conversations, the openness of the speakers and the willingness of attendees to share experience created an atmosphere that felt reassuringly familiar to that of the UK.

The trade stands reflected the scale and diversity of the North American market, while also addressing shared global challenges around water, climate, materials and long-term performance. What was particularly reassuring was the way many encouraged conversations rooted in real projects rather than salesmanship, allowing designers, contractors, manufacturers and decision-makers to openly share knowledge and experience.

The seminar programme added real depth, with several sessions expertly chaired by Nina Mason from Pro Landscaper. Across the two days, discussions explored climate resilience, water and firescaping strategies, a daily reality in California - alongside business growth, technology, marketing and the future direction of landscape practice. I just wish I had had more time to attend them.

I particularly enjoyed Josh Blakeley’s seminar (click this link), 2026 Marketing Playbook: Adapting to the AI Revolution, which provided clear, practical guidance on how landscape professionals on both sides of the Atlantic need to embrace AI and new technology to help adapt their marketing strategies in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The networking opportunities led to plenty of informal conversations between sessions. A particularly lovely surprise was a cameo appearance from my old friend Steve McCurdy, founder and owner of Majestic Trees (UK), who happened to be on his annual visit to California with his wife, visiting family and friends.

The NADRA-hosted VIP Lounge became a focal point, hosting curated discussions, informal networking and the celebration of talent through initiatives such as Rising Stars, The Fifty and Meet the Creator.

I was delighted to meet and speak with Michael Beaudry   from NADRA, and to exchange t-shirts; I left with a USA NADRA one, while he departed with a UK #chooselandscape t-shirt.

The presentation of The Fifty was a highlight and rather than focusing solely on projects, it recognised individuals actively shaping the direction of the profession across the United States, from landscape designers and architects to those driving innovation, construction and supply.

Alongside this was the Rising Stars Awards which provided a genuinely uplifting moment. Shining a light on emerging professionals already making an impact, the programme highlighted ambition, innovation and commitment to quality across a broad range of disciplines, reinforcing confidence in the profession’s future.

Pro Landscaper International Awards – North & South America Heat

Click here to see all the shortlisted finalists!

Taking place as part of the inaugural FutureScape USA, the first Pro Landscaper International Awards – North & South America Heat formed a central pillar of the programme. I was honoured to represent the UK and to chair the judging panel.

I was joined by two highly respected American landscape professionals whose perspectives added real depth to the process. Lindsay Ono brought an invaluable understanding of horticultural education, plant performance and community-focused practice from across California and the wider United States.

Francesca Corra, APLD, contributed a garden design-led perspective rooted in water-wise principles, sustainability and residential design experience, alongside a strong appreciation for creativity and garden design with heart. Together, their insights along with mine as a landscape architect ensured robust, balanced deliberations throughout.

What immediately set this awards programme apart was its format. Each shortlisted team presented their project live to the panel, followed by a structured Q&A session. This shifted the emphasis away from imagery on a screen and towards intent, purpose and performance. It allowed us to interrogate why decisions were made, how constraints were handled and how projects were functioning once delivered. My favourite question to ask was: “If you could change one thing now the project is complete, what would it be?"

Across the two days, we reviewed work spanning private residential gardens, conceptual proposals, civic landscapes and large scale hospital, school and library projects. While contexts varied widely, the strongest schemes shared a disciplined clarity, an understanding that good landscape design is often defined as much by what is left out as what is included.

The global final will take place at FutureScape Global in Riyadh, June 2026, where finalists from each region, including our winners from South & North America will present to an international judging panel.

The Residential Project Under $500k category winner reinforced that budget is not a barrier to quality. Resilience in Bloom, designed by Shireen Zia, founder and owner of Ecogardens, showed how a modest site could be elevated through biodiversity-rich planting and a clear, efficient layout.

Strong pollinator value and layered planting delivered both ecological contribution and everyday enjoyment at a small scale. Projects of this nature are still too rare;  yet they should be the norm. The design, and the way it was presented, demonstrated real heart, empathy and integrity.

The Concept Project category highlighted the importance of credibility alongside ambition. Scottsdale Ranch by Michael Bernier Design demonstrated this balance with confidence. Bold planting forms were paired with practical, drought-responsive strategies, resulting in a proposal that felt distinctive yet genuinely buildable.

The CGI illustrations were particularly strong, retaining a hand-drawn quality often lost in digital rendering.

In the Commercial Project category, ASU Hayden Library by Trueform Landscape Architecture Studio  demonstrated how landscape intervention can fundamentally reshape an institutional setting.

Improvements to accessibility, shade and social space transformed an underperforming campus environment into a more resilient, inclusive and engaging place for students and visitors alike; a genuinely world-class project, confidently and clearly presented by Trueform Principal, Todd Briggs.

At the civic scale, Luna Park by Landscape Craft Studio Inc was the winner of the City Landscape Project category. Clear spatial organisation, generous tree cover and well-considered community programming combine to create a welcoming, inclusive green space designed for everyday, cross-generational use.

Principal and founder Jerico Farfan  delivered a thoughtful and assured presentation, using drone footage to great effect to explain the project’s methodical layout, clear circulation and the positive impact the landscape has had on the wider community.

In the Residential Project Over $500k category, Rich Residence by K&D Landscaping stood out for its coherence and restraint. Carefully judged material choices, combined with a boundary strategy that created a borrowed landscape effect with the neighbouring golf course, resulted in a garden that supports flexible, active outdoor living while remaining robust and resilient.

The project was excellently presented with clarity and passion by Justin White (CEO) and Tony Battistella (Director of Growth).

Looking ahead

Pro Landscaper USA, the Pro Landscaper International Awards and FutureScape USA have established a strong foundation in their first year, providing a global platform for sharing best practice, raising standards and celebrating excellence in landscape architecture, design, delivery and aftercare.

Having attended FutureScape UK since its launch, it was genuinely special to witness the launch of FutureScape USA. As a long-standing supporter and ambassador of Pro Landscaper since the magazine was founded by Jim Wilkinson and Lisa Wilkinson over a decade ago, the experience felt deeply personal. There was a real sense of pride in seeing the next chapter unfold, rather like a proud uncle watching on, as a young, dynamic and highly professional team delivered a world-class event over two outstanding days. The confidence, energy and attention to detail on display reflected not only how far the brand has come, but also the strength of the community that now surrounds it.

A final thank you to Jamie Wilkinson,  Nina Mason, and the entire Pro Landscaper and FutureScape team at Eljays44   for inviting me to be part of such a special occasion. I look forward to continuing to support you, promote the profession and inspire the next generation to #chooselandscape.