Amy Whitesides

Amy Whitesides serves as a Design Critic in Landscape Architecture at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design (GSD), teaching courses including Climate By Design, Core III Design Studio, and a field-based seminar on tree crops and resilient regional food systems. As a registered landscape architect with over 10 years of professional practice, she specializes in transforming urban landscapes for resilience against environmental risks.

Her academic background features a Master in Landscape Architecture from Harvard GSD, a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies (Magna Cum Laude), and a graduate certificate in Scientific Illustration, all from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Research centers on deconstructing landscapes of historic extraction and creating alternative models for collective action through agroforestry—the intentional integration of agriculture and tree crops for economic, social, and ecological benefits. Her work defines design's role in fostering multi-scalar reciprocities between people, plants, animals, and fungi while advancing environmental stewardship.

Professional recognition includes:

• ASLA Honor Award
• World Landscape Architecture Award of Excellence
• APA Sustainability & Resiliency Award
• Multiple BSLA awards of Merit
• ASLA Award of Merit and ASLA honor award
• Tsao Family Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome
• Landscape Architecture Foundation Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership

Amy has taught at the University of Toronto and Northeastern University, advising students through design studios that address climate adaptation. Her research is supported by competitive fellowships including the Landscape Architecture Foundation Fellowship. Previously as Director of Resilience at Stoss Landscape Urbanism, she led award-winning projects like Climate Ready East Boston, Boston’s Urban Forest Plan, and the Blueway concept for the New England Aquarium.

She actively promotes waterfront access as Board Member of the Charles River Swimming Club and maintains a consulting practice focused on long-term landscape and social change for environmental risk adaptation.