Assistant Director Deena Bell-Llewellyn Elected to Prestigious American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows
ASLA Fellows are “visionary leaders whose work uplifts communities, restores ecosystems, and advances climate-ready design,” says President Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA
Coral Gables, Florida (June 18, 2025) – The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced the election of Deena Bell-Llewellyn, Coral Gables Assistant Director of Public Works for Greenspace Management as one of 50 ASLA Fellows in 2024. ASLA Fellows are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the landscape architecture profession and society at large. Election to the ASLA Council of Fellows is among the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members and is based on different categories including, works, leadership/management, knowledge and service.
“The 2025 Class of ASLA Fellows reflects the very best of landscape architecture—visionary leaders whose work uplifts communities, restores ecosystems, and advances climate-ready design,” said ASLA President Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA. “Their careers are defined by excellence, service, and a deep commitment to shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and beautiful world. On behalf of the profession, I congratulate this year’s fellows and thank them for raising the bar for what landscape architects can achieve.”
“Each year, the announcement of a new class of ASLA Fellows is a powerful celebration of impact, innovation, and leadership in landscape architecture,” said ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen. “The 2025 Class of Fellows has transformed places and policies, inspired future leaders, and advanced equity, resilience, and beauty in the built and natural world. We are honored to recognize their extraordinary contributions to the profession and to society.” ASLA Fellows will be elevated during a special investiture ceremony at the 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture, which will be held in New Orleans Oct. 10-13.
A Few of Deena’s Accomplishments
Deena Bell’s value as a community leader and her impact on the City of Coral Gables is great and can be seen on the ground with her efforts to establish new practices that ensure sustainable tree and plant growth.
- She directed the removal of 370,000 cubic yards of debris after Hurricane Irma toppled over 1,000 street trees.
- She established a tree debris recycling station, which has allowed the city to use only their self-produced mulch in 400 parks and green spaces.
- Her team developed a perpetual tree succession project, which calls for planting over 1,000 new native and resilient species suitable for the intricate infrastructure of the urban forest.
- Deena was appointed liaison to the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board which has been effective in proposing edits to legislation to encourage more diversity in tree species and the use of native plants to reduce the volume of fertilizer and pesticides running off to local bodies of water.
- Helped ban fertilizers during the summer rainy season in order to reduce the frequency of algae blooms that harm the local aquatic environment. killing coral reefs and hurting the Florida tourism economy.
About ASLA and the ASLA Fund
Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 16,000 members. ASLA Mission: Empowering our members to design a sustainable and equitable world through landscape architecture. ASLA Fund Mission: Investing in global, social, and environmental change through the art and science of landsc
