Local is a research-based design firm building innovative, resilient, and environmentally just landscapes.

Walter leads resilient infrastructure systems design for all Local projects.

His work includes the Parque del Litoral in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, site of the 2010 Central American Games. This project won the 2010 AIA Honor award in Puerto Rico and is the first implementation of phytoremediation technology at the scale of an entire city.

Walter's current work includes leading the design of projects for the National Parks Service, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Army Corps of Engineers on coastal resilience in New York.

Walter has been recognized in Washington DC by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for “leadership and innovation in the green economy” and taught at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University, the Pratt Institute, and Parsons The New School for Design.

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Tricia is a licensed landscape architect with over twenty years experience working on complex urban sites ranging in scale from the region to a small lot.

Tricia is passionate about delivering projects that embrace complex urban problems where landscape architecture is the agent for positive social and environmental change.

Tricia has taught urban design at Columbia University and landscape architecture studios at City College. She has served as a president for the ASLA-NY chapter and is regularly invited to speak about green infrastructure and landscape urbanism.

Tricia holds a BA in environmental studies from the University of Vermont and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon where she received an ASLA Certificate of Honor.

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Tom is an accomplished executive leader with 28 years of military service managing large, complex national security infrastructure projects.

Tom's projects included managing over $5 billion in annual programs and overseeing over $1.7 billion in operating budgets. His prior experience in the engineering and construction sector include leading teams in culturally diverse environments across Southeast Asia, Asia, Europe, the continental United States, and the Pacific Rim.

Tom is a proven partner, integrator, and tactful negotiator, building relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to deliver critical resilient infrastructure projects to regions devastated by natural and man-made disasters and implement of strategic visions.

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Vincent Di Fusco is a Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) and a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) with over 20 years of experience spanning the public and private sectors.

Vincent oversees all built works driving project deliverables to meet deadlines and stakeholder needs while managing quality control, budgets and schedules.

His current projects include the development and execution of several NYC public libraries and large mixed use developments throughout Miami and NYC.

Vincent's prior experience includes consulting for the Construction Department at NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) on several capital projects and serving as Lead Designer and Project Manager in private practice.

Scott is an urban planner with an expertise in risk-informed planning and design.

He specializes in climate adaptation, urban resilience, and disaster recovery with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and participatory planning and design. His past projects include the Master Plan for the resettlement of Isle de Jean Charles in coastal Louisiana and the Comprehensive Infrastructure master Plan for the Caño Martín Peña district in Puerto Rico.

Scott's prior experience includes serving as a FEMA advisor in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria with a focus on recovery planning, capacity building, and coordination efforts. He has also served as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) where he collaborated with the Office of Community Planning and Development, the Office of the Secretary, and the President’s Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force.

Ishaan leads the design and documentation of a range of project typologies.

His multidisciplinary background in architecture, landscape architecture and music informs his approach of crafting holistic orchestrations of nature and culture across all scales.

Ishaan's prior experience includes collaborating at SCAPE and MVVA where he worked on a mix of residential, rooftop, park and masterplan projects.

Ishaan holds a Masters of Landscape Architecture Degree from the University of Pennsvylania and a B. Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology.

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Yasmine's design process features investigative and exploratory techniques that prioritize socially and ecologically responsible futures.

Her background spans multiple disciplines in urban, architectural and graphic design, ranging in scales and contexts.

Yasmine's prior experience includes collaborating at CAZA in Brooklyn and JCMA in Chicago.

Yasmine received a M.S. in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University in 2022, where she was awarded the GSAPP Prize for Excellence in Urban Design and the Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize for the most outstanding team project. She also holds a a B. Architecture from Virginia Tech where her thesis “on Domesticity and Post-Colonial Imaging” received the Award of Excellence.

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Jack supports the Local team across all fronts while providing expertise in climate and environmental policies.

Jack’s interest in urban design stems from a fascination with the connection between the natural and human-made world. He is passionate about broadening the public’s understanding of green infrastructure and implementing sustainable designs within the public realm.

His prior experience includes biodiversity and water quality research at the Hudson River Wetlab, as well as the non-profit organization Miami Waterkeeper where he conducted environmental policy advocacy and GIS analysis of water pollution issues in Miami-Dade County.

Jack received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Miami.

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