ASLA Central States Announces Winners of 2026 Awards Program
RDG Planning & Design has been recognized for work that celebrates and raises the standards of landscape architecture practice.
The Central States Region of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has recognized RDG Planning & Design with two 2026 Chapter Awards. These awards celebrate and broaden professional boundaries, increase public awareness of the role of landscape architects, raise the standards of the discipline and recognize organizations and individuals who demonstrate superior skill in the practice of landscape architecture. The two projects recognized include Plaza de la Raza (Merit Award, Unbuilt) and the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision & Action Plan (Honor Award, Planning & Analysis).
Plaza de la Raza is a transformative public plaza and park project that reimagines a city-owned parking lot into a vibrant civic destination in the heart of South Omaha, Nebraska. Designed by RDG in partnership with South Omaha–based nonprofits Canopy South and the Latino Economic Development Council, the project advances a shared vision for cultural celebration, economic vitality and long-term community impact.
The plaza honors South Omaha’s layered immigrant history, often called Nebraska’s “Ellis Island,” while embracing its evolving 21st-century identity. Reflecting the neighborhood’s strong Mexican heritage and Latino-owned business community, the design features welcoming plaza spaces, custom shade structures, integrated play and topographic treatment, and a central performance space that connects to businesses along South 24th Street.
The Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision & Action Plan charts a bold, community-driven path for economic recovery and long-term vitality for the city of Des Moines, Iowa, following the COVID-19 pandemic. RDG led a multidisciplinary team including fellow consultants, Bâton Global and Civitas Consultants. The plan was developed by the Greater Des Moines Partnership with collaboration from 9 local partners.
Guided by five key goals — welcoming neighborhoods, inclusive arts, strong development markets, vibrant outdoor experiences and connected mobility — the plan introduces six transformative initiatives, including the Green Ring, Skywalk Reimagined and the Inner Circle concepts. Since its adoption in 2023, the city has seen the development of new residential conversions, art installations, park connections and diverse vendor programs, leading to a 5% increase in foot traffic. With major projects like 515 Walnut Tower, Pro Iowa Stadium and ICON Water Trails underway, Des Moines is redefining its future through connection, creativity and inclusion.
ASLA Central States encompasses six individual chapters: Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska/Dakotas, Oklahoma, Prairie Gateway and St. Louis. Judges for the annual awards program review project submissions from across these chapters, evaluating each project based on its overall quality and impact, with an emphasis on how well the work integrates strong design or analytical thinking with a thoughtful response to context, a clear commitment to environmental responsibility and a meaningful contribution to both the public and the profession. This year’s honorees were recognized at the ASLA Central States Conference Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 17th, 2026, in St. Louis.