Kevin Enriquez Named National Olmsted Scholar Finalist 2026
Master of Landscape Architecture candidate Kevin Enriquez is a 2026 Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) National Olmsted Scholar Finalist, one of eight graduate students selected nationwide.
Kevin Enriquez is a graduate student in the LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture. With a background in architecture in his home country, Ecuador, he developed a strong passion for creativity, poetry, and artistic expression. His work focuses on resilient systems and green infrastructure strategies that address water management in vulnerable communities. His research explores how ancestral hydrological knowledge and contemporary landscape design strategies can work together to transform flood risks into opportunities for community resilience. Through his work, Kevin seeks to translate resilient landscape strategies into accessible tools for vulnerable territories.
“From my perspective, landscape architecture is not just about designing spaces, but about imagining and building resilient futures for communities. Being an Olmsted Scholar Finalist serves as a great motivation to continue working toward that vision,” he said.
“This recognition is well deserved,” said Yao Wang, faculty advisor and assistant professor of landscape architecture. “Kevin’s work demonstrates a thoughtful integration of ecological systems, cultural knowledge, and resilient landscape strategies.”
The premier leadership recognition program for landscape architecture students, the LAF Olmsted Scholars Program has “honored and supported students who are using ideas, influence, communication, service, and leadership to advance sustainable design and foster human and societal benefits.” The program recognizes one outstanding student from each accredited landscape architecture program in the U.S. and Canada, along with the jury-selected graduate and undergraduate national winners and finalists.
The winners and finalists were selected from a group of 56 graduate and 41 undergraduate students nominated by their faculty for their exceptional leadership potential. Learn more and see the full group of 2026 LAF Olmsted Scholars.
“I congratulate you on your achievements and welcome you to the community of 1,351 LAF Olmsted Scholars named since the program’s inception in 2008. We appreciate your good work and commitment to the transformative power of landscape architecture,” said Barbara L. Deutsch, FASLA, LAF CEO.
Sabana, by Kevin Enriquez.
About the Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture