DWYLA 25th Anniversary Look Book | Selected Commercial Works
SELECTED WORKS
COMMUNITY | CULTURE | HOSPITALITY
PRESENTED BY
Our design philosophy centers on highlighting the beauty and significance of nature in every project we undertake. Each project presents a unique opportunity to craft environments that deeply resonate with people and enrich their lives. We aim to create spaces that inspire individuals to reconnect with the essentials of life and the natural world. In our fast-paced modern era, this sense of reconnection has become more critical than ever.
We believe that landscape architecture is a dynamic creative process that investigates the interconnected relationships between architecture, interiors, and the natural systems of a site. This exploration inspires innovative design solutions that embody purpose and beauty - enriching our environment, elevating our quality of life, and uplifting the human spirit.
DWY Landscape Architects
David W. Young, ASLA
COMMUNITY
Barefoot Beach Club
Pelican Isle
Epoch Condominiums
Ocean III
Cancer Support Community
Walker’s Cay CULTURE
Ringling Museum of Art
Center of Asian Art
The Naples Players HOSPITALITY
Bayshore Wine
Sarasota Modern
Bird Key Yacht Club
Longboat Key Club Recognition
First Built Commission - Modern Garden 1999 - ASLA Award of Merit
DWY Landscape Architects is a comprehensive design and planning firm committed to creating modern, sustainable, and visually compelling outdoor spaces. We believe great landscape architecture is where nature, art, and architecture come together to enhance how people live, work, and connect to their environment and each other. Every project we undertake is tailored to the unique qualities of the site and the goals of our clients - ensuring a thoughtful balance between aesthetics, functionality, resiliency, and value.
With over 35 years of professional experience, David W. Young founded DWY Landscape Architects in 1999 with a clear vision: Landscape architecture can do more than shape spaces—it can actually improve the built and natural systems of a site and therefore the human experience. Under David’s leadership, the firm has won over 30 prestigious awards for design excellence and sustainability with the belief that good design is not arbitrary but the result of thoughtful, creative problem solving that enhances both the built and natural environments that impact everyday life.
DWY brings this philosophy to a diverse portfolio of commercial, hospitality, institutional and residential projects, seamlessly integrating sustainable design principles throughout. By blending architectural sensibilities with regional context, site-specific potential, and client-driven goals, DWY consistently delivers designs that feel balanced, purposeful, and deeply connected to their regional environment.
BAREFOOT BEACH CLUB
LOCATION: Bonita Springs, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Pool and Recreation Deck, Member-Guest Restroom & Gulf-View Pavilion, and Climate-Resilient Landscape Restoration
After the devastation of Hurricane Ian, Barefoot Beach Club in Bonita Springs partnered with DWY Landscape Architects to design a stunning resort-style pool, offering a serene retreat while seamlessly integrating with the beachfront environment.
DWYLA led a series of community meetings to ensure the revitalization reflected the residents’ vision. These collaborative sessions helped define priorities for shared amenities, balancing luxury with functionality. Advanced 3D visualizations played a key role in the master planning process, allowing residents to fully experience the design before implementation. This immersive approach streamlined decision-making and built consensus within the community.
Beyond aesthetics, DWY embedded coastal resiliency into every element—native plantings for dune stabilization, strategic grading for storm mitigation, and durable hardscapes for longevity. The result is a refined, storm-ready sanctuary that redefines coastal living for Barefoot Beach Club’s future.
Conceptual Design Study | Pool & Recreation Deck Layout
Conceptual Design Study | Recreation Deck Elevation Study
Conceptual Design Study | Dune Reconstruction and Site Restoration
Conceptual Design Rendering | Pool & Recreation Deck with shaded lounges, cabanas, and resort-inspired outdoor living spaces
Conceptual Design Rendering | Pool & Recreation Deck within coastal dune
THE RESIDENCES AT PELICAN ISLE
LOCATION: Naples, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Climate-Resilient
Landscape Restoration
In 2023, DWY Landscape Architects was hired to update the Pelican Isle Master Plan after dealing with significant losses due to Hurricane Ian.
The 9.5 acre project consisted of existing canopy trees and palm trees that were largely left intact, however, much of the understory, shrub and groundcover planting had been destroyed. DWY’s focus was to supplement the existing canopy with new more salt and wind tolerant native species thereby creating a more resilient overall layer of canopy. Next DWY designed shrub, accent and groundcover areas that would be tolerant of future storm events. Additionally, by using a largely native plant palette, DWY reduced the use of potable water used for irrigation by 50% and overall maintenance by 35%.
Pelican Isle now stands as a testament to resilience, blending its coastal heritage with modern, sustainable design that ensures the community’s longevity in the face of future challenges.
Design Development Rendering | Community Entrance from Vanderbilt Beach Road
Design Development Rendering | Waterfront Pool and Marina
EPOCH CONDOMINIUM
LOCATION: Sarasota, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Rooftop Pool and Terrace
Showcasing Outdoor Living, Wellness, and Social Events
DWY’s design, with tropical plantings, an amenity-rich pool deck, and a rooftop terrace, contributes to an aura of privacy, exclusivity, and escape for this new, 18-story ultra-luxurious condominium in downtown Sarasota.
With a goal of creating an inviting and dynamic amenity deck for a range of group sizes, DWY programmed spaces to accommodate outdoor activities, socializing, events with grills, dining and lounging areas, a lap pool, pergolas, and pavilions.
The project’s minimalist design (inspired by the Sarasota School of Architecture) blurs the lines of indoor and outdoor living. The design’s arrival sequence incorporates a streetscape and custom planters at the porte-cochère. The indoor-outdoor experience continues through the thirdfloor pool deck with custom pergolas and seating arrangements that support both flexible, communal, or private gatherings and then extends to the rooftop terrace where residents can enjoy sunset views over Sarasota Bay.
Schematic Design | Roof-top Pool and Amenity Deck
Epoch Sarasota | Completed Rooftop Pool and Terrace
OCEAN III
LOCATION: Miami, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Pool and Terrace
Showcasing Outdoor Living, Wellness, and Social Events
In 2018, DWY was commissioned to design the renovation of Ocean III, a 35-floor tower on Sunny Isles Beach. The condominium association had determined that improvements to the popular amenity pool deck were necessary to compete with many new condominium towers being built in the area.
Working closely with the landscape committee and association board, DWY created a modern sanctuary for the residents that included new large-format paving, landscape, planters, cabanas, and seating areas that brought new life to the dated condominium using a refined material palette and programming that was not previously available.
Designing for the Atlantic coast required balancing luxury with resiliency. Prevailing winds and inevitable storm forces shaped a material palette and layout that are both refined and storm-ready. The result is a modern sanctuary that enhances daily life for residents—where refined design and coastal resiliency come together to deliver comfort, security, and an elevated experience by the water.
Ocean III | Completed Pool and Terrace Amenities
Ocean III | Completed Pool and Terrace Amenities
Design Development | Elevation Study
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
FLORIDA SUNCOAST
LOCATION: Sarasota, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Campus Master Plan
Embracing Restorative Wellness and Patient-Centered Experiences
FL ASLA Environmental Sustainability Honor and Institutional Award of Honor
With a goal to “create an optimal healing environment for people affected by cancer,” and to “protect as much of the undisturbed site as possible,” DWY’s award-winning effort embraced the client’s challenge. The resulting campus master plan interweaves a series of outdoor spaces, each tailored to support the patient’s ever-changing journey throughout their treatment and recovery.
In addition to providing assistance in site selection for the overall campus, DWY spearheaded a series of ‘eco-charrettes,’ fostering stakeholder consensus for the programming elements and desired site amenities.
DWYLA worked closely with the architect to implement Low Impact Development (LID) design strategies. LID is the hallmark of evidence-based design practices used to manage stormwater while protecting natural habitats and fostering healthy communities. The results produced a demonstrative study in sustainable architecture and integrative site design.
The campus remains a powerful site for human development and growth.
WALKER’S CAY
LOCATION: Marco Island, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Landscape Improvements featuring Luxury, Storm-Resilient Plantings, Landscape Lighting, Amenity Deck with Pool and Furnishings
In 2024, DWY Landscape Architects was commissioned to design the landscape and amenity environment for Walkers Cay Luxury Resort & Marina, a new residential community on Marco Island.
The 4.5-acre waterfront property features 45 residences with sweeping views of the Ten Thousand Islands, anchored by a private marina and framed by native mangroves. DWY’s scope includes the full entry arrival sequence with custom water features at the valet entrance, luxury storm-resilient plantings, irrigation, and lighting design.
A signature amenity deck crowns the project with a resort-style pool, custom cabanas, curated furnishings, and intercoastal water views—delivering a coastal sanctuary that blends luxury living with the spirit of Marco Island.
Schematic Design | Residential Tower & Marina Site Plan
Schematic
Schematic Design Rendering | Vehicular Approach to Valet Entrance
Schematic Design Rendering | Amenity Deck with Resort-Style Pool
Schematic Design Rendering | Property Frontage Framed by Layered Plantings that Provide Privacy and Arrival Presence
Schematic Design Rendering | Amenity Deck and Marina
Schematic Design Rendering | Waterfront
THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART
LOCATION: Sarasota, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Campus Master Plan, Campiello at Cà d’Zan
FL ASLA Institutional Award of Merit
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (“The Ringling”) is a 66-acre waterfront property that celebrates the legacy of circus owner, entrepreneur, and art collector, John Ringling and his wife, Mable. Comprising the Ringlings’ former winter residence (a Venetian Gothic revival residence known as Cà d’Zan) and the property surrounding it, John Ringling bequeathed the site and his extensive art collection to the State of Florida when he died in 1936.
In 2000, the Florida legislature placed The Ringling under Florida State University’s stewardship. With funding from a generous benefactor, the university commissioned DWY to activate the waterfront campiello and enhance visitors’ outdoor experience.
The master plan enhances guest circulation, strengthens connections between building and grounds, and introduces flexible event and wedding venues, all while balancing historic preservation with modern placemaking and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The Ringling Museum of Art | Completed Campus Master Plan - Campiello at Cà d’Zan
The Ringling Museum of Art | Completed Campus Master Plan - Campiello at Cà d’Zan
THE CENTER FOR ASIAN ART
LOCATION: Sarasota, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Landscape Improvements featuring Luxury, Storm-Resilient Plantings, Landscape Lighting, Pedestrian and Event Plaza
The Center for Asian Art at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is DWYLA’s second commission for this prestigious institution.
Opened in 2016, the 25,000-squarefoot addition draws inspiration from the museum’s expanding Asian art collection, the lush gardens, and the historic finishes of the Ringling estate.
Working in collaboration with Machado Silvetti, DWYLA anchored the new pavilion within the campus, enhancing connectivity while introducing storm-resilient native plantings, improved circulation, and refined outdoor gathering spaces.
The result is a new campus “jewel” , a contemporary campus landmark that bridges heritage and innovation, offering guests a new cultural gateway along Sarasota Bay.
The Ringling Museum of Art | Completed Asian Art Museum
THE NAPLES PLAYERS THEATER
LOCATION: Naples, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Landscape Improvements featuring Luxury, Storm-Resilient Plantings, Living Wall, Landscape Lighting, Pedestrian and Event Plaza, Hardscape
The Naples Players Theater, a cultural landmark in downtown Naples for more than 25 years, has unveiled a $20 million renovation that elevates both its 45,000-square-foot facility and its surrounding public realm.
DWY Landscape Architects shaped this transformation with an immersive landscape that celebrates native Florida while setting a new standard for sustainable, storm-resilient design.
A signature living wall along Eighth Avenue creates a dramatic first impression, while refined walkways and custom lighting extend the theater’s artistic energy into the streetscape.
Together, these enhancements position The Naples Players as a vibrant, future-ready destination at the heart of Naples’ cultural life.
Conceptual Design Rendering | Custom Raw-Edge Benches, Lush Plantings, and Busts of Famous Playwrights Illuminate the Plaza
Conceptual Design Rendering | Intimate Pedestrian Passage Framed by Native Plantings and Atmospheric Lighting
Conceptual Design Rendering | Entry Sequence from Naples Fifth Avenue South
BAYSHORE WINE VENUE
LOCATION: Naples, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Landscape Improvements featuring Luxury, Storm-Resilient Plantings, Hardscape, Landscape Lighting, Pedestrian and Event Plaza
FL ASLA Resort and Entertainment Award of Honor
Bayshore Wine and The Maddox sets a new standard for experiential commercial development in Naples, blending fine wine and culinary tastings with an immersive, garden-inspired setting.
Designed by DWY Landscape Architects, the master plan draws inspiration from the nearby Everglades, weaving native palms, canopy trees, and tropical understory plantings into a lush, arboretum-like experience.
Water features, fire tables, and reflecting pools create intimate moments and site-wide ambiance, while sustainable stormwater strategies and lawn-free design reflect a forward-thinking approach to resiliency and maintenance. The result is a destination where hospitality, nature, and community converge.
Located in Sarasota’s Rosemary District, The Sarasota Modern Hotel is an 89-room boutique resort designed in the spirit of the Sarasota School of Architecture.
The project embraces mid-century Florida modernism through its clean architectural lines and seamless connection between indoors and out.
At its heart, a vibrant amenity pool deck serves as the hotel’s social hub, framed by lush tropical planting and oriented to the guest rooms, restaurant, and bar.
DWY Landscape Architects extended this resort-style landscape experience indoors with signature interior planting design, including palms that frame the main hotel entrance and a dramatic living wall at the lobby elevator bank.
The result is a fully immersive guest environment where modern architecture and curated greenery converge to define Sarasota’s most distinctive boutique stay.
Sarasota Modern Hotel | Completed Hospitality
BIRD KEY YACHT CLUB
LOCATION: Sarasota, Florida
PROJECT SCOPE: Pool, Amenity Deck, Bocce & Lawn Games, Landscape Improvements featuring Luxury, StormResilient Plantings, Landscape Lighting, and Hardscape
DWY Landscape Architects partnered with Bird Key Yacht Club to reimagine its waterfront amenities, crafting an environment that blends coastal charm with contemporary luxury.
The transformation introduces a resort-style pool with panoramic water views, elegant outdoor dining terraces, bocce courts, and a flexible event lawn—establishing the club as a vibrant social hub for its members and guests.
Arrival and circulation were also elevated with redesigned parking, lush buffer plantings, and discreetly integrated lifesafety lighting that balances function with ambiance.
Through detailed renderings and photometric studies, DWY presented a clear and compelling vision that won support from members, the local community, and the City of Sarasota.
Today, Bird Key Yacht Club stands as a model of coastal sophistication and forwardthinking design, delivering a resort-caliber experience that elevates member life at the water’s edge.
Conceptual Design Rendering | Pool and Amenity Deck
The Resort at the Longboat Key Club was first opened in 1982 and has become known as a premier beachfront resort with a consistent AAA four-star designation.
With an aging property and increased competition, DWY was commissioned by the president of the master HOA to study potential improvements to ensure the property maintained its status alongside newer luxury resorts.
DWY offered a solution that elevated the entry to create a more fitting sense of arrival, re-imagined the pool amenity deck to better accommodate guests during high occupancy time periods, added private cabanas for increased revenue opportunities and developed a more fitting exterior restaurant experience.
2024
FL ASLA
Award of Honor
Bayshore Food & Wine
Award of Merit
Lido Beach House
SRQ Magazine Home of the Year
Platinum Landscape Design
Shibusa
2022
FL ASLA
Award of Honor
Courtyard Garden
2021
FL ASLA
Award of Merit
Camino Real Gardens
2020
FL ASLA
Award of Merit
Prospect Street
2018
FL ASLA
Award of Honor
Citrus Avenue
Award of Honor
South Warbler
Award of Honor
Blue Ridge Mountain Cottage
Award of Merit
Fish Camp
Award of Merit
Two Palms
2017
Top 50 Coastal Landscape Architects
Ocean Home Magazine
oceanhomemag.com/OH50/
2016
HGTV.com Ultimate Outdoor Awards
Overall Winner & People’s Pick
Coastal Modern
Ocean Home Magazine
Top 50 Coastal Landscape Architects
SRQ Magazine Home of the Year
Thirty Oaks Residence
Platinum Overall Home Between $1M-$2M
Platinum Landscape and Pool
Hidden Harbour
Veranda House
Gold Overall Home Between $1M-$2M
Platinum Sustainability
2015
FL ASLA
Award of Excellence
Thirty Oaks
Award of Merit
Aquadisia
Award of Merit
Palm City Estate
2014 FL ASLA
Award of Merit
The Ringling Waterfront
Enhancement Project
Award of Merit
Florida Urban Residence
2013
SRQ Magazine Home of the Year
Platinum Landscape Design
Florida Urban Residence
Platinum Landscape Design
Coastal Modern
Polk Drive Residence
2012 FL ASLA
Award of Excellence
Coastal Modern
Environmental Sustainability Honor Cancer Support Community
