Kate Orff Closed Now

Early Life and Education

Kate Orff was born in 1971 in Maryland, USA, and grew up with a deep appreciation for the environment. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Political and Social Thought at the University of Virginia before earning a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Her multidisciplinary academic background helped her approach infrastructure challenges with a unique combination of ecological science, urban design, and social engagement.

Founding SCAPE and Design Philosophy

In 2007, Orff founded SCAPE, a landscape architecture and urban design studio based in New York City. Her vision was to create places that not only look beautiful but also actively contribute to environmental restoration and community well-being.
Her philosophy centers around the idea of “living infrastructure” — integrating ecological processes into urban spaces so they can adapt and thrive amid climate change. Instead of relying solely on concrete and steel, she emphasizes wetlands, oyster reefs, and natural vegetation as protective barriers against flooding and erosion.

Breakthrough Projects in Sustainable Infrastructure

One of Orff’s most celebrated projects is Living Breakwaters, located off Staten Island, New York. This project uses engineered oyster reefs to reduce storm surge impacts while simultaneously restoring marine habitats. It became a flagship example of how sustainable infrastructure can blend climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, and community engagement.

Other notable works include the Chattahoochee RiverLands project in Georgia, which reconnects communities to their waterways through a network of parks, trails, and restored river habitats, and Harlem River Greenway, which transforms underutilized urban areas into green public spaces.

Role as an Educator and Thought Leader

Alongside her design practice, Orff is an influential educator. She serves as the Director of the Urban Design Program at Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP). Here, she trains the next generation of architects and planners to prioritize ecological restoration and climate resilience in their work.

Her approach blends theory with real-world projects, giving students the skills to design urban systems that improve both human and ecological health.

Awards and Recognition

Kate Orff was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship (often called the “Genius Grant”) in 2017 for her innovative contributions to landscape architecture and climate-adaptive infrastructure. She has been featured in leading publications like The New York Times, Architectural Record, and National Geographic.

Impact on Sustainable Infrastructure

Orff’s work illustrates that sustainable infrastructure is not just about preventing damage — it’s about creating spaces where people and ecosystems can flourish together. By prioritizing ecological design principles, she has influenced city governments, policy makers, and fellow designers to integrate nature into infrastructure planning from the earliest stages.

Her projects often involve collaboration with ecologists, engineers, and community groups, ensuring that designs are socially inclusive and environmentally restorative.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Kate Orff’s ongoing work continues to set global benchmarks for climate-resilient urban design. She demonstrates that infrastructure can be both functional and regenerative, helping cities face the challenges of rising seas, stronger storms, and biodiversity loss.