News Release: Design Workshop Foundation, Landscape Forms and Dowbuilt Collaborate to Support Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park in South Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Design Workshop Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Design Workshop, announced a collaborative effort with Landscape Forms and Dowbuilt to support improvements at Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park, an 8.5-acre public green space in South Los Angeles. The project will bring approximately $130,000 in donated Landscape Forms site furnishings to the park, with Dowbuilt providing all on-site construction coordination and installation support, as part of a broader effort to strengthen a cherished community resource. Construction is expected to begin on Aug. 31 with a goal for completion by Sept. 25. The park will remain open throughout the construction.
The initiative builds on Design Workshop’s 2024 Dr. Charles Fountain Internship Program, during which 10 interns developed a 25-year vision for Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park. Through the Foundation’s leadership, Design Workshop Foundation is providing pro bono planning and design services, Landscape Forms is donating site furnishings, and Dowbuilt is contributing construction expertise through an on-site field team. Dowbuilt will have five field team members on site for eight hours a day over 10 days to coordinate the work, including delivery and safe storage of the furnishings, removal of existing furnishings, pouring concrete pads and installation of the new pieces.
“The Design Workshop Foundation team is focused on using design as a tool to support communities and expand access to meaningful public spaces. Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park is a vital resource for South Los Angeles, and we are grateful to Landscape Forms and Dowbuilt for helping advance a vision that supports connection, stewardship and and long-term benefit for the community,” said Sarah Konradi, Executive Director, Design Workshop Foundation.
Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park offers South Los Angeles residents walking paths, wetlands, picnic areas, educational programming and access to nature in a highly urbanized setting. The current collaboration is intended to reinforce the park’s role as a welcoming, everyday community asset while demonstrating how public, nonprofit and private partners can work together to create change that lasts.
“Places like Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park are community essentials, offering opportunities for people to come together, connect with nature, and foster a sense of belonging. We’re honored to partner with the Design Workshop Foundation and Dowbuilt in supporting a space that will continue to serve the South Los Angeles community for generations,” said Michael Blum, Chief Revenue Officer for Landscape Forms.
Landscape Forms’ contribution aligns with its broader commitment to thoughtfully designed outdoor environments and its platform around artfully connecting nature, people and place.
“We’re proud to play a role in bringing the vision for Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park to life. Projects like this are a reminder that thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship can create places that serve and strengthen their communities for years to come. We’re grateful to be part of a team committed to building a lasting resource for the people of Los Angeles,” said Tommy Howard, Regional Principal, Dowbuilt.
Landscape Forms will share details of its $130,000 donation at its booth during the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Conference, taking place Sept. 15-18 in Los Angeles, offering a timely example of how design, fabrication, construction and community benefit can intersect as landscape architects and allied professionals gather in the city. Together, Design Workshop Foundation, Landscape Forms and Dowbuilt will ensure Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park continues to serve as a meaningful place of connection, restoration and belonging for years to come.
About Design Workshop Foundation
Established as a 501(c)3 in 2002, the mission of the Design Workshop Foundation is to partner with communities to catalyze transformative change through design assistance, capacity building, and education. For additional information visit us at https://designworkshopfoundation.org/.
About Landscape Forms
Landscape Forms is a global leader in shaping premium outdoor spaces, delivering design driven solutions that elevate public and private environments. Today, the company collaborates with leading designers and landscape architects to create enduring environments defined by purpose and connection. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Landscape Forms is supported by a family of brands, including Kornegay Design, Loll Designs, and Summit Furniture, with sales representation spanning five continents.
Landscape Forms’ outdoor solutions have received international recognition and can be found across municipal, transit, corporate, education, recreation, healthcare, and hospitality environments, including installations for well-known organizations such as Harvard University, LinkedIn, Google, Coca Cola, Nike, Hudson River Park’s Pier 26 in New York, Intuit Dome, Ford Experience Center, Adidas, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Uber. A people-first culture and commitment to excellence are reflected not only in the work itself, but also in honors such as Fortune magazine’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production and by Great Place To Work®. For more information, visit www.landscapeforms.com.
About Dowbuilt
Dowbuilt is a national builder with 46 years of experience constructing one-of-a-kind homes in nine regions of the country. Founded in Seattle in 1981, the company partners with leading architects, designers, and private clients to execute ambitious residential designs. With teams in the Pacific Northwest, Northern and Southern California, Hawaii, the Rocky Mountains, Texas, Florida, New England, and New York, Dowbuilt brings experienced project teams and trusted trade partners to every build. For more information, visit www.dowbuilt.com.
