Sophia Meeres

Sophia Meeres serves as Lecturer at University College Dublin's School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy since 2004, directing Master's programs from 2013-2022 and undergraduate landscape architecture programs from 2006-2009. Her dual expertise bridges professional practice and academia, informed by 18 years in international design firms including SOM, Fosters, and BDP.

• BSc Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering: University College London
• MLA Landscape Architecture: University of Edinburgh
• Other: Institute des Hautes Etudes de Défence Nationale (AA-IHEDN)

Her research centers on anthropogenic landscape transformation, with current focus on Irish tree management policy and rural-urban connections. She explores communication methods for illustrating landscape change to communities, emphasizing transparent planning processes and fundamental connections between local/global environments. Recent work examines trees outside forests and develops strategies for rural County Councils.

Publications reveal evolving focus from European urban gardens and allotments to Irish-specific landscape challenges, with significant contributions through EU projects like LE:NOTRE and COST Action TU1201. Her work increasingly addresses climate adaptation through rural tree policies and small town studies.

As active committee member in European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS) and ARENA Architectural Research Network, she connects Irish planning with continental frameworks. Her professional activities include French Ministry of Culture consultancy (2009-2011) and municipal projects in Nice and Alpes Maritimes.

• Principal supervisor for Landscape Architectural THESIS (30 ECTS) and Landscape STUDY modules since 2016
• Coordinator of Nature as Builder, Landscape Research, and Understanding Landscape modules
• Participant in EU-funded LE:NOTRE (2010-2013) and COST Action TU1201 (2013-2016)

Based in UCD's Richview campus, her work integrates studio teaching with policy development, particularly through collaborations with Irish rural councils on tree management strategies and community engagement frameworks.