ted aretakis, PLA, ASLA
ASSOCIATE

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Rutgers University ‘15

Mr. Aretakis is recognized as a qualified and responsive landscape architect. As an associate with the firm he is involved with design, project management, construction documentation, and construction period services. He excels at proactive communications with clients and the project team, managing and coordinating with subconsultants, evaluating and updating project schedules, developing cost estimates, value engineering, and reviewing drawings and specifications across disciplines. He is experienced in community outreach including in-person and online presentations, and public design charettes.  Mr. Aretakis has successfully managed projects requiring extensive government agency review at the local, state, and federal levels.

Ted contributes a range of technical and visual skills to the firm, with an emphasis on the environmental impacts of design. His approach looks to reference ecosystems, balancing the demands of the built environment with a planting palette composed largely of native plants. He strives to find creative solutions to constructability challenges, working as an advocate for his clients while seeking a collaborative dynamic with consultants and contractors.

Ted is leading the management and design for the reconstruction of public park malls at Allen and Pike Streets in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The project is a collaboration between MKW, NYC Parks, and NYC DOT. The project entails the expansion of existing street malls to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety while adding considerable soil volume to planting beds to expand the existing tree canopy.

Ted also serves as project manager for Dundee Island Park Phase II. The project site is an old industrial rail line which separates two key parks in the City of Passaic, NJ. The project will cap the contaminated brownfield, unify disjointed green spaces, and reconnect residents of Passaic to the Passaic River through the first phase of the project. A key feature of the project is an extensive network of rain gardens that builds on efforts in Phase I to protect the community from flooding. The work involves permitting with state and federal agencies, coordination between City and County governments, and input from the community.

Mr. Aretakis played a key role in the development of the master plan for Highbridge Park in Manhattan. The award-winning master plan for the 130-acre park documents existing and historic conditions of the park/open space and presents an analysis and set of recommendations for the rich urban woodland and built spaces.

Ted has hands-on planting experience, serving as the Director of Landscape Management for the Friends of Riverview-Fisk Park in Jersey City. In this volunteer role he leads planting design and works hands on removing invasive species and installing new plantings. He also provides education and outreach to park volunteers on sustainable landscape practices.