Ben Baker, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP
Manager, Landscape Architecture
Ben Baker was hired in 2013 to expand Wightman’s professional services to include landscape architecture. Since then, landscape architecture has played an important part in several key projects including the award-winning streetscape in Dowagiac. As landscape architecture manager, Ben applies his more than 15 years of experience to master plans, streetscapes, playgrounds, parks and recreation, site plans, commercial landscape plans, and placemaking. He is a LEED accredited professional knowledgeable about green infrastructure, including the design of more than 150,000 sq. ft. of green roof plantings. Ben also leads Wightman’s internal GREEN team to incorporate sustainability into the workplace.
Areas of Focus
- Landscape Architecture
- Non-motorized transportation
- Parks & recreation
- Green infrastructure
- Recreation planning
- Streetscapes
Expertise
Education
B.L.A. with High Honors
Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
Professional Training & Registrations
- Professional Landscape Architect in Michigan, Indiana and Illinois
- LEED Accredited Professional
- Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Best Practice Training Series
- Various Leadership Trainings including: Emotional Intelligence, Crucial Conversations, Catalyst University as well as others.
Awards
Personal Awards:
- Moody on the Market 40 under 40 for Michigan's Great Southwest, 2018
- Michigan Chapter of ASLA Distinguished Member, 2018
- Michigan ASLA Student Honor Award, 2004
- Cornerstone Alliance Green Business Award, 2016
Project Awards:
- Dowagiac Commercial Street: MML and MDOT Better Streets, Better Michigan Award
- Randolph-Franklin Pocket Park (IL-ASLA Honor Award, 2011)
- The University of Chicago Law School Reflecting Pool Renovation (IL-ASLA President’s Award, 2009)
- Gold Star Families Memorial and Park, The Chicago Police Memorial (IL-ASLA Honor Award, 2008)
- The Gary Greenlink (IL-ASLA Merit Award, 2005)
- Ben also worked on the Cheney Mansion Master Plan for the Park District of Oak Park, the first phase of improvements, focusing on accessibility, received an IL-ASLA Merit Award in 2012
Affiliations & Memberships
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Michigan, Chapter President and volunteer
- National Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Committee member and volunteer
- St. Joseph Charter Township Planning Commission
- Steelhead Triathlon Volunteer
- 4H leader
- Parking Day volunteer -coordinator
- AYSO soccer coach
- Special Olympics Coach
- Brown School PTO involvement and volunteer
- Volunteer at Water Street Glassworks
- Volunteer at Road to Life Church and member of the worship team
- Involvement and presenter at many of the local Sustainable Business Forum events.
Personal Note
I enjoy the outdoors, working around the house and learning new things. I’ve been brewing beer for over 10 years and have been crowned the Wightman Brew-off Champion in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019. I also enjoy playing music, especially the guitar and banjo. My wife and I have two great children and a flock of chickens.
