Greening the Concrete Jungle: How Dennis Pappas Transforms New York City’s Urban Spaces

Dennis Pappas is a Brooklyn-based landscape architect known for his innovative designs and dedication to sustainable urban spaces. Growing up in New York City, Dennis developed a deep appreciation for nature, which led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell University and a Master’s in Environmental Design from Columbia University. Over two decades, he has made a significant impact on New York’s green spaces, with notable projects such as the Brooklyn Green Corridor and New York’s first carbon-neutral rooftop garden.

Currently a Senior Landscape Architect at GreenScape NYC, Dennis focuses on creating accessible, eco-friendly spaces that benefit communities and support local ecosystems. His work has earned him recognitions, including the Green City Innovator Award from the Urban Green Council and the Community Greening Merit Award from the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative.

Dennis is a member of professional organizations like the New York State Council of Landscape Architects and the Urban Green Council. He holds certifications as a LEED Accredited Professional and Certified Green Roof Professional, underscoring his expertise in sustainable design.

Beyond work, Dennis enjoys kayaking, rock climbing, bird watching, and photography. He shares his life with his partner, Alex Morgan, an urban planner, and their two rescue cats, Ash and Willow. Together, they volunteer with local environmental groups, reflecting their shared commitment to giving back to their community. Dennis’s work is driven by his guiding principle: “Every green space is a chance to breathe new life into the city.”

What inspired you to become a landscape architect? 
Growing up in Brooklyn, I didn’t have a backyard or much green space around me, but I was lucky to have parents who took me to parks and upstate on weekends. Seeing the contrast between the city and nature sparked something in me—I wanted to find a way to blend the two. Landscape architecture seemed like the perfect path to bring more green into urban areas and improve quality of life.

How do you approach designing a new project? 
I always start with the community in mind. I like to dive into who will use the space, what they need, and what the environmental impacts are. I try to bring in as many native plants as possible to support local ecosystems, while focusing on sustainability. For example, our Brooklyn Green Corridor project involved a lot of planning to make sure it could withstand flooding, and we partnered with local nurseries to plant only native species.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? 
Seeing people enjoying the spaces we create. Watching kids play, families picnic, or people relaxing in a park that I helped design is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that I’ve brought something positive and lasting to a community is what keeps me passionate about my work.

Who has influenced you the most in your career? 
My partner, Alex, is a big influence. She’s an urban planner, and we have a lot of overlap in our work. Her perspective often challenges me to think beyond just green design and consider the broader social and economic impact of our projects.

What do you do when you’re not working? 
I’m a big fan of the outdoors, so kayaking, rock climbing, and bird watching are my go-tos. I also love photography—capturing landscapes and cityscapes keeps me grounded and gives me fresh inspiration for my projects. And, of course, I spend time with Alex and our two cats, Ash and Willow.

What advice would you give to someone interested in landscape architecture? 
Stay curious and stay connected. Landscape architecture is as much about people and communities as it is about plants and design. Get involved with local organizations, volunteer, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This field is all about creating spaces that bring people together, so relationships are key.

What’s a motto or guiding principle you live by? 
“Every green space is a chance to breathe new life into the city.” It’s a reminder to stay focused on making each project impactful, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.

What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on? 
The carbon-neutral rooftop garden we created in Manhattan was a big challenge but also incredibly rewarding. It was NYC’s first of its kind, so we were navigating new territory. We had to consider everything from weight load for soil and plants to energy-efficient water systems. Coordinating between engineers, city officials, and environmental specialists was intense, but seeing it completed and knowing it set a standard for green roofs was worth every hurdle.

How do you balance aesthetics with environmental concerns in your designs? 
For me, those two things go hand-in-hand. A design that’s beautiful but unsustainable doesn’t achieve what I aim for. I believe that good aesthetics often emerge naturally from sustainable choices. For example, using native plants not only helps local ecosystems, but they also make the space look more connected to its surroundings. I focus on materials that are both durable and eco-friendly, and designs that flow naturally with the land’s features.

What are your thoughts on the future of urban green spaces? 
I’m optimistic! Cities are recognizing the importance of green spaces for health, climate resilience, and community well-being. I think we’ll see more integration of green infrastructure, like parks designed to handle stormwater and rooftops that double as gardens. The challenge will be balancing development with preservation, but with more community engagement and technology, I think we can create vibrant, sustainable urban environments.

Have you read?
Most Productive Countries in the World.
Most peaceful countries in the world.
Most influential financial centers in the world.
Most Powerful Currencies In The World.