Celebrating Global Milestones: HM Design’s Recent Achievements

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Over the past year, HM Design, led by Kenyan Landscape Architect Hitesh Mehta, has continued to make an indelible mark on the global stage through award-winning projects, thought leadership, and pioneering workshops.

International Awards & Recognition

In a remarkable achievement, HM Design received the Award of Excellence for Site Analysis and Planning of the Ramganga Reserve and Ecolodge in the Corbett National Park Buffer Zone, India. Out of 40 entries across five award categories, only four projects were recognized with this top honor, underscoring the firm’s exceptional commitment to conservation-focused planning.

Hitesh Mehta FASLA FRIBA FAAK Associate AIA, holding the award at the annual FLASLA Gala + Awards

HM Design also shone at the United Nations Headquarters in New York this May, where the firm received two international planning awards from the Global Human Settlements (SCHGS) Awards. With the SDGs serving as a rigorous selection framework, only 8 projects were recognized out of 50 submissions. HM Design proudly secured two of these with:

• Reserva Rio Tenorio, Costa Rica – a conservation community planned with a wildlife corridor for jaguars, tapirs, pumas, and ocelots.

• No’onkotiak Resource Center, Kenya – developed with the local Maasai community, ACC, and AET, this project advances conservation, supports community livelihoods, and enhances visitor interpretation.

Hitesh Mehta FASLA FRIBA FAAK Associate AIA, receiving the award for Reserva Rio Tenorio.

Together, these projects embody holistic approaches to long-term ecological stewardship, ensuring natural heritage is preserved for future generations while promoting sustainable community development.

Adding to these accolades, the ASLA Climate Action Plan 2022–2025 Booklet received the ASAE Power of Associations 2025 Silver Award. Hitesh Mehta served on the advisory committee that shaped this groundbreaking plan, reaffirming his role as a global advocate for climate-conscious design.

The Cover of the Climate Action Plan booklet.

Honoring a Legacy

Earlier this year, Hitesh delivered a tribute presentation in Sydney to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Paul Pholeros, one of Australia’s most renowned environmental architects. Hitesh had collaborated with Paul on several projects, including the internationally acclaimed Crosswaters Ecolodge and Spa, which he presented to a sold-out audience in support of Paul’s foundation.

Hitesh Mehta delivering the tribute presentation in Sydney Harbor, Australia.

Advancing Knowledge & Practice

Beyond awards and tributes, HM Design is also committed to advancing professional knowledge. In May, the firm hosted its first Ecolodge Planning and Design Workshop in South America, held in Georgetown, Guyana—marking an important milestone in expanding ecolodge planning expertise to new regions.

Hitesh conducting his workshop with indigenous communities in Guyana.

Looking Ahead

From global conservation awards to knowledge-sharing platforms and collaborations that honor legacies, HM Design continues to lead by example in demonstrating how landscape architecture can merge ecological preservation with community development.

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