ted aretakis, PLA, ASLA
ASSOCIATE

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Rutgers University ‘15

Mr. Aretakis is recognized as a qualified and responsive landscape architect. As an associate with the firm he is involved with design, project management, construction documentation, and construction period services. He excels at proactive communications with clients and the project team, managing and coordinating with subconsultants, evaluating and updating project schedules, developing cost estimates, value engineering, and reviewing drawings and specifications across disciplines. He is experienced in community outreach including in-person and online presentations, and public design charettes.  Mr. Aretakis has successfully managed projects requiring extensive government agency review at the local, state, and federal levels.

Ted contributes a range of technical and visual skills to the firm, with an emphasis on the environmental impacts of design. His approach looks to reference ecosystems, balancing the demands of the built environment with a planting palette composed largely of native plants. He strives to find creative solutions to constructability challenges, working as an advocate for his clients while seeking a collaborative dynamic with consultants and contractors.

Mr. Aretakis is the lead designer and project manager for the new multipurpose play area at Challenge Playground for NYC Parks. The play space is jointly operated with the adjacent Marathon School, which focuses on disabled students. The goal of the design is to expand accessible play opportunities while creating flexible spaces for seating and relaxation, running/ walking, and open play areas. The design substantially increases permeability and adds shade trees throughout to increase comfort and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Existing street trees adjacent to the play space will benefit from expanded tree pits.

Ted is leading the management and design for the reconstruction of public park malls at Allen and Pike Streets in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The project is a collaboration between MKW, NYC Parks, and NYC DOT. The project entails the expansion of existing street malls to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety while adding considerable soil volume to planting beds to expand the existing tree canopy.

Mr. Aretakis played a key role in the development of the master plan for Highbridge Park in Manhattan. The award-winning master plan for the 130-acre park documents existing and historic conditions of the park/open space and presents an analysis and set of recommendations for the rich urban woodland and built spaces.

Ted has hands-on planting experience, serving as the Director of Landscape Management for the Friends of Riverview-Fisk Park in Jersey City. In this volunteer role he leads planting design and works hands on removing invasive species and installing new plantings. He also provides education and outreach to park volunteers on sustainable landscape practices.