Master the seamless integration of design and construction to streamline workflows, control project budgets, and transform your creative concepts into spectacular built environments.
This webinar explores the landscape design-build model as a dynamic alternative to traditional practice within landscape architecture. Moving beyond the separation of design and construction, the design-build approach keeps practitioners directly engaged with clients and projects from concept through completion. Participants will examine how this continuous involvement strengthens communication, trust, and design responsiveness while also deepening practical knowledge of materials, detailing, grading, planting, and construction sequencing.
The session highlights how hands-on building experience enhances design thinking, improves coordination with trades, and leads to more resilient, context-sensitive landscapes. Ultimately, it offers insight into how integrating design and construction can expand professional capability, strengthen community relationships, and deliver more meaningful built outcomes.
Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at DAL-AC
Corey Dawson is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture within the Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences. He is a licensed landscape architect, certified arborist, and received his PhD from the University of Western Ontario. His research involves GIS applications to evaluate how landscape design and river restoration approaches are simplifying naturally complex systems and encourages nature-based solutions for more resilient surface water management. Currently, three papers relating to his doctoral research on river restoration design are in preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Corey has presented at conferences including AGU and Environcon and has been published in Landscapes/Paysages Magazine. He received a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. While completing his Master’s degree, he started a design/build business which included projects ranging from municipal planting design to residential stone work. Corey believes a hands-on approach to teaching landscape construction and installation is an excellent opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive and practical understanding of landscape architecture.
