Congratulations to Sarah Chu (MLA ’25) and Hadley Masiel (BLA ’25) on being named 2025 LAF Olmsted Scholars!
They join a national community of 91 student leaders recognized by the Landscape Architecture Foundation for their leadership and commitment to advancing sustainable design.
Sarah has been selected as a national finalist—one of the highest honors in landscape architecture education—reflecting her outstanding contributions to equity, community engagement, and design excellence. She views landscape architecture as a tool for rehabilitation, environmental justice, and design activism, integrating critical mapping, research, and engagement to empower marginalized communities. She has collaborated with community-led initiatives in Seattle’s Duwamish Valley, exploring how the integration of regenerative solutions can improve public health and create more just and resilient futures. She plans to continue working on projects that center community agency, and address environmental and social inequities.
Hadley, UW’s undergraduate nominee, is also being recognized for her strong leadership and service. An active member of UWASLA and a PAC liaison, Hadley has helped coordinate events such as portfolio reviews and has played an important role in supporting student connection and engagement within the department.
They will be honored alongside her peers at the LAF Annual Benefit during the 2025 ASLA Conference in New Orleans this Autumn.
We’re proud to celebrate both of their achievements and the positive impact they continue to make within the College of Built Environments and the broader field of landscape architecture.