What Does Success Look Like To You? – Dennis Pappas

What Does Success Look Like To You? – Dennis Pappas

Dennis Pappas is a Brooklyn-based landscape architect with over 20 years of experience in creating sustainable and community-centered urban spaces. Growing up in Brooklyn, Dennis developed a deep appreciation for green spaces, which inspired his career dedicated to improving the balance between urban living and nature. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Environmental Design from Columbia University, equipping him with the skills to address complex urban challenges.

Throughout his career, Dennis has worked on transformative projects, including New York City’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden and the Brooklyn Green Corridor, which turned city streets into pedestrian-friendly greenways. His designs focus on sustainability, integrating native plants, managing stormwater, and reducing urban heat. As a Senior Landscape Architect at GreenScape NYC, Dennis continues to lead initiatives that benefit both people and the environment.

Beyond his work, Dennis Pappas enjoys kayaking, bird watching, and photography. He lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Alex, and their two rescue cats, Ash and Willow. Dennis’s guiding principle is simple: every green space is an opportunity to improve lives, foster community connections, and support the environment.

What inspired your focus on integrating biodiversity into urban design?
Growing up in Brooklyn, I was always struck by how disconnected urban areas could feel from nature. The parks I visited as a kid—like Prospect Park—showed me that cities don’t have to be lifeless. Biodiversity became my focus because it’s about more than just plants or pretty landscapes; it’s about creating ecosystems that thrive. Cities have an opportunity to support wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies, even in the densest neighborhoods. A biodiverse space isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional. It filters air, manages water, and creates places where people and nature coexist. That’s what drew me to this mission.

How do you balance historical preservation with modern green design?
It’s a delicate dance. In cities like New York, history is embedded in every corner. When working near a historical site, I start by understanding its story. For example, when designing green spaces around older buildings, I look at materials, architectural styles, and even the plants that might have existed when the site was first developed. Then, I integrate modern sustainable practices—like rain gardens or permeable pavements—without overshadowing the original character. The goal is to honor the past while ensuring the space serves today’s needs.

What role does community engagement play in your projects?
It’s absolutely central. A green space isn’t successful if the community doesn’t feel connected to it. Before breaking ground on any project, I spend time talking to residents, asking about their needs, and understanding how they use their neighborhood. For instance, in one project, community members wanted a space for both quiet reflection and active play for kids. We ended up designing distinct zones within the park, catering to both desires. Listening to people doesn’t just make the project better—it ensures it’s used and loved.

How do you approach designing for climate resilience in a city like New York?
Designing for resilience is about anticipating challenges before they happen. In New York, we deal with flooding, rising temperatures, and unpredictable storms. For waterfront projects, I use green infrastructure like wetlands or rain gardens to absorb stormwater and reduce runoff. For urban heat, I focus on tree canopies and reflective materials. Every decision considers the long-term impact. It’s not enough to build for today—we need spaces that will adapt and thrive decades from now.

What’s the most unexpected challenge you’ve faced in your career?
One of the biggest surprises was a project that was delayed because of public skepticism. It was a green corridor designed to improve walkability and manage stormwater, but some residents worried it would disrupt traffic patterns. It forced me to rethink how I present ideas. We hosted community forums, shared data, and even walked people through how the project would benefit them. That experience taught me that transparency and patience are key in gaining trust and support.

How has technology influenced your approach to landscape architecture?
Technology has completely reshaped the field. Tools like GIS mapping help us analyze sites down to the smallest detail—flood risks, sun exposure, or soil conditions. Drones provide aerial views for planning, and 3D modeling lets us visualize how a space will look and function before we even start. But I also believe in balancing tech with hands-on observation. Walking a site, feeling the wind patterns, and observing how people interact with a space still provide insights no software can replicate.

What advice do you have for young professionals entering the field of landscape architecture?
Stay curious and be ready to learn from everything. This field is as much about people as it is about plants or design. Volunteer for local projects, get involved with community initiatives, and don’t shy away from asking questions. Also, learn to embrace failure. Some of my best designs came from ideas that didn’t work the first time. It’s all part of the process.

What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries in your work?
Every time I see a community come alive because of a project I’ve worked on, it reminds me why I do this. Whether it’s kids laughing in a new park or someone telling me their home feels cooler because of added tree cover, those moments are deeply fulfilling. I’m also driven by the challenge of finding innovative solutions to urban problems. Knowing there’s always more to learn and improve keeps me inspired.

If you weren’t a landscape architect, what career do you think you’d have pursued?
I’ve always been fascinated by storytelling. If I weren’t in landscape architecture, I think I’d be a writer or filmmaker. There’s something about creating narratives—whether it’s through words or visuals—that connects deeply with people. In a way, landscape architecture is storytelling too. Each space tells a story about the people who use it, the environment it serves, and the community it enhances.

What does success look like to you?
Success is seeing the tangible impact of your work. For me, it’s walking through a park I helped design and watching it being used the way we envisioned—or even in ways we didn’t expect. It’s knowing that what I create makes life better for people and supports the environment. On a personal level, success is balance: finding time to pursue what I love outside of work, like kayaking or photography, and spending time with Alex and our two rescue cats. Success isn’t about accolades or recognition—it’s about the lasting difference you make.