We are both proud and wistful to announce the retirement of our esteemed founder, Ken Saiki, effective July 1, 2024.
Ken Saiki established Saiki Design with a vision of creativity, innovation, and excellence that has defined our firm for 35 years. Under his leadership, we have grown from a 1-person studio to the largest landscape architecture-only firm in the State of Wisconsin (we think).
Ken's unique approach to landscape architecture and his belief that "work must be fun" have created an environment at Saiki Design that is both dynamic and nurturing. His philosophy has no manifesto and embodies the essence of design as problem-solving, starting over with nothing but the experience of having tried before, and recognizing that design has no final solution, for it is an iterative process.
While Ken will be deeply missed in his day-to-day role, his legacy will continue to inspire us. His humility and open-minded approach have left an enduring mark on all of us. We are excited to carry forward the principles and passion he instilled in Saiki Design.
Please join us in celebrating Ken's remarkable career and wishing him all the best as he takes a few more strokes off his golf game in his well-deserved retirement.
Ken’s footnote: Just so you all know, I’m de-coupling my work and my life with a smile knowing the company and our little corner of the profession is in exceptionally capable hands with nothing but good things ahead. “We are going where our people take us” is one of our guiding principles, Ben Shirtcliff says, "we’re a shop of renegade designers, a city of creative processes,” as such, the future is unlimited. Happy to get out of the way, watch out, train a’comin’. ks
The work we do and the spaces we create affects peoples’ lives and communities. We have a responsibility to improve our world, to make it better. If we can approach each unique project with forward-thinking design solutions, listen to a diversity of voices and hold sacred our obligation to future generations then we have delivered on our responsibilities as landscape architects.
Our firm has always been composed of self-motivated, supportive, and resilient individuals. Collectively, this has allowed us to thrive in a world of chaos and respond to the forces of change on varying time scales from near-term deadlines to long-term goals. The group of individuals that make up our organization at any given time are the present and the future of the organization. They are, individually and collectively, a measure of our success in fostering a culture of curiosity, courage, compassion, strong work ethic and forward-thinking ideals.
This company was founded on the premise that work can and should be enjoyable. We seek to foster a positive work environment where we find personal reward in projects well-done, with a genuine commitment to arriving at our desks interested and engaged in the work that we are doing. It allows us to see work as a complementary parallel to our personal lives and personal pursuits rather than a detriment to it. The individual attitudes that stem from this state of mind foster a collective sense of intensity, excitement, and collaboration within our office.
Please send inquiries to:
connect@saiki.design
Please send inquiries to: connect@saiki.design
Saiki Design has received numerous awards on projects of all types and scales. We gratefully acknowledge honors from our peers in the American Society of Landscape Architects, American Public Works Association, American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta, the Society of College and University Planners and other organizations and municipalities. Our work has also been featured in trade publications and industry magazines. While our focus remains on doing our best work regardless of the accolades, we are humbled by the recognition.
Bee Branch Creek RestorationGrand Prize and Grand Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies
Olbrich Botanical GardensGarden of Excellence from the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta Lakeshore Nature Preserve Comprehensive PlanAward of Honor from the Society for Campus and University Planning
Best New Multiunit Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2022]
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Sesquicentennial Hall
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
Frautschi Family Learning Center at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Honor Award from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
LEED Platinum Certification Awarded
Hebron Oaks Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Oakwood Village
Best New Health Care Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Merit Award from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
Silver Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Wisconsin Chapter [2022]
Memorial Garden at Exact Sciences
Best Outdoor Landscaping Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
American Council of Engineering Companies State Finalist Project
Special Merit Award in Education, Healthcare and Public from the Wisconsin Ready Mix Concrete Association Concrete Design Award [2022]
MMSD Southside Elementary School Renovation
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
SSM Health South Madison Campus
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
ARDENBest New Mixed Use Development InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best New Cultural/Community Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
NOVO Apartments
Best New Residential Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Abbvie Heliport
Illinois DOT Airport of the Year Award
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Chemistry-BiologyMerit Award from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2018]
Middleton Community Veterans TributeMerit Award from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
Bee Branch Creek Restoration Featured on the cover and in the Sustainability issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News
Award of Honor from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA [2019]
Eddy Award from River Action [2018]
James Lee Witt Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management from the Association of State Floodplain Managers [2018]
Project of the Year Award from the Iowa Floodplain and Stormwater Management Association [2017]
Bell LabsBest New Office Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Wonderground at Madison Children’s Museum
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
The Village Streetscape RedevelopmentAward of Merit from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
Featured in the Streetscapes issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News [2017]
Hotel IndigoBest New Hotel Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2019]
Hamel Music Center
Engineering Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Ma’iingan Hall
Best New Multiunit Residential Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Science & Animal Biologics Discovery Building
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
University of Wisconsin-Madison Nicholas Recreation Center
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Pump Station 15Performance and Innovation PICES Award from the EPA
Best Outdoor Landscape Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
American Council of Engineering Companies State Finalist Project
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Tennyson Senior Living Community
Best New Multiunit Residential Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Goodman Community Center – Brassworks
Best New Mixed Use Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Suites Residence Hall
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
WisDOT I39/90Reconstruction
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
State Street Library Mall ReconstructionAward of Merit from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
Project of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Chapter American Public Works Association [2016]
Best New Residential Multi-Unit Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
AC Hotel
Best New Hotel Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Madison Municipal Building Renovation
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Platinum Certification Awarded
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Hilldale Shopping Center RenovationDaily Reporter Top Project Award
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2015}
Aprilaire Technology Center
Best Office Renovation from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Seven27Mayor’s Neighborhood Design Award
UW Health at the American CenterBest New Health Care Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Award of Excellence from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA [2015]
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2015]
LEED Gold Certification Awarded [2015]
Ovation 309Best New Mixed Use Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Kenwood Interdisciplinary Research Complex
Project of the Year from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best Green Built Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best New Education Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2015]
LEED Gold Certification Awarded [2015]
UW Health Union Corners
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Silver Certification Awarded
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Dane County Regional Airport Parking Expansion
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Human EcologyAward of Merit from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin Energy InstituteProject of the Year from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best Green-Built Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2012]
University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
University of Wisconsin-Madison Dejope Residence Hall
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
Navitus Health Solutions
Best New Office Development and Medium Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Wisconsin DOT USH 41 / 29System Interchange
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Picnic Point RestorationAward of Honor from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
P&H Mining HeadquartersMilwaukee Mayor's Design Award
State Capitol Park Tree Replacement Plan
Award of Merit from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
The Stream at Edgewood College
Project of the Year from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best Medium Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best Green-Built Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2012]
LEED Gold Certification Awarded [2012]
Lambeau Field Stadium Improvements
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
Green Technology Training Enterprise CenterBest Green-Built Project and Best Small Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
Ken Saiki of Saiki Design
Downtown Community Asset Award from Downtown Madison, Inc.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Davies Student Center
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
University of Wisconsin-Madison LaBahn Arena
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Silver Certification Awarded
Saint John’s On the Lake
Milwaukee Mayor’s Design Award
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2011]
Elizabeth Link Peace Park Award of Honor from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA The Gardens of St. Mary’s HospitalAward of Merit from the Wisconsin Chapter ASLA
Best New Health Care Development or Renovation from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
The Barbara Hochberg Center for Jewish Student Life / UW HillelProject of the Decade from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best Medium Project and from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best New Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
Daily Reporter Top Project Award [2009]First Unitarian SocietyBest Small Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Sage Hall
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
The Salvation Army Kroc Center of Green Bay
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Silver Certification Awarded
Fitchburg Public Library
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
LEED Gold Certification Awarded
The Barbara Hochberg Center for Jewish Student Life / UW HillelProject of the Year from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best Green-Built Project from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Best New Other Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Grand Central Apartments
Best New Residential Development from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Rowland Reading FoundationBest New Office Development or Renovation from InBusiness Commercial Design Awards
Dane County Airport Terminal Building
Engineering Achievement Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers
Wisconsin DOT Rest Areas 11 & 12
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
USDA Forest Products Laboratory Research Facility
Daily Reporter Top Project Award
The Rose Garden at Olbrich Botanical GardensTaliesin Restoration PlanLakeshore Nature Preserve Comprehensive Plan
Capitol Park Rehabilitation Plan
Lake Mills Municipal Building
Century Tel Regional Headquarters
Physicians Insurance Corporation
International Lane Planting and Dane County Regional Airport Entry
The Perennial Garden at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The Sunken Garden at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
