We are happy to announce our work family is growing! Ethan Mintzer and Joyce Chang have recently joined our team. Ethan brings over 5 years of experience on a variety of both public and private projects including his experience in 3D modeling programs: Revit and Lumion. Joyce, a recent graduate from Temple University, was this year’s recipient of the Student Certificate of Honor from the American Society of Landscape Architects. We are thrilled to have them both on board!
Happy Arbor Day! /
Happy Arbor Day! To celebrate, Sikora Wells Appel planted a Franklinia alatamaha, commonly known as the Franklin Tree, at the Children’s Sculpture Zoo in Haddonfield, NJ. This beautiful native tree with fragrant, white blooms was discovered by John Bartram in 1765 and was cultivated in Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia, the oldest surviving botanical garden in North America. The tree has been extinct in the wild since 1803. Planting a Franklin Tree today helps with the conservation of the species and continues the education about an amazing story of local rich botanical history.
We're hiring! /
We are seeking a talented project designer to join our team and grow with us. The desired candidate will have 3-4 years’ experience, with exceptional graphic skills, be able to demonstrate initiative, and love working in a collaborative studio environment. Candidates should be proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and SketchUp or Rhino. A BLA or MLA from an accredited program is required.
Our studio is located in a historic building surrounded by gardens in Haddonfield, New Jersey and is directly accessible from Center City by a 20-minute train ride (the PATCO Haddonfield station is approximately 100 yards from our office).
Qualified candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and portfolio (or link to a web portfolio) to Kristen Stone at info@sikora-wa.com. Portfolios should not exceed 10MB. For more information about the firm, please visit www.sikora-wa.com.
Temple University LA Senior Design Studio Visits Upper Darby /
Temple University Senior Landscape Architecture Design Studio visits Upper Darby for their final semester project. Adjunct Professors Eric Tamulonis and Joe Sikora guide students on a walking tour of the downtown as they explore and study opportunities to improve Upper Darby’s public realm.
Williamson Park Town Center /
Working closely with Select Morrisville LLC/ The J.W. McGrath Organization and a group of talented design professionals, our office has been developing plans for the redevelopment of an existing 38-acre site located in Morrisville, PA along the Delaware River. Conceptual plans for this $125M riverfront project named Williamson Park Town Square were presented at a recent Morrisville Council meeting. Components of this neighborhood placemaking project include retail shops, restaurants, a boutique hotel, urgent care, grocery store and luxury apartment buildings. Amenities for the apartment buildings include roof decks with outdoor pools and furnishings, fitness centers, a river trail system, a veteran’s memorial park space, and 16-acres of open green space and amphitheater for outdoor activities. Read full article here
Happy Arbor Day! /
As many of us celebrate Arbor Day this year a little closer to home than we normally would, we wanted to share some of the beautiful trees from our own yards and neighborhoods. #happyarborday #arbordayathome #arborday2020
Trenton Taxation Building /
Trenton Taxation Building. This new eight-story, 200,000 sf Taxation Building designed by Ballinger is located on an existing developed site in the heart of Trenton, NJ. Situated directly adjacent to the existing Labor Building, the facades of the old and new buildings form a space for the new pedestrian plaza to be experienced and enjoyed by employees and visitors.
Sikora Wells Appel Working Remotely /
To our clients, colleagues, and friends: As we navigate through this unknown time, Sikora Wells Appel is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been working remotely since March 16th, and we will continue until further notice.
Sikora Wells Appel is equipped with all the remote technology necessary to allow us to keep working and collaborating with both internal and external teams. We remain committed to delivering outstanding work and continuing to meet all timelines for each of our clients.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We greatly appreciate your understanding during this challenging time and wish you all the best.
Mixed-Use Development in Passiac, NJ /
The Brook Haven Mixed-Use development is a project located in Passaic, New Jersey. The project is based around the adaptive reuse of an old Canning facility to create a hub that will set the precedence for Kosher shopping.
STAR Labyrinth /
Photo credit: Bancroft Construction
STAR Labyrinth is located at the University of Delaware STAR Campus - College of Health Sciences building. Nestled at the north end of the building, the hardscape labyrinth is surrounded by beautiful, lush plantings creating a peaceful space for reflection. The labyrinth is dedicated to the “silent teachers” who donated to UD’s Anatomical Gift Program.
Photo credit: Bancroft Construction
Photo credit: Bancroft Construction
Joseph Sikora Speaks at the World Urban Parks Congress in Kazan, Russia /
Joe Sikora was invited to participate in the World Urban Parks Congress held in Kazan, Russia. Over 100 Delegates from around the world joined to discuss issues and ideas with a focus on “Parks and Cities-Development for Sustainability and Health”. Joe’s panel sessions included presentations on providing equity and transforming underutilized urban spaces into more vibrant public spaces. Delegates were also invited to participate in tours of parks in Moscow and Kazan.
Welcome Brandon! /
Brandon graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture and a Minor in Horticulture. He will serve as a Project Manager working on different projects including Mixed-Use Developments, Public Parks, Residential, Commercial, and Adaptive Reuse projects. Prior to joining our firm, Brandon worked at Kimley-Horn and Associates for 4+ years working on both Public and Private projects within the industry. Brandon’s goal is to lead by example through design with a focus on placemaking and low impact development.
$100 M Redevelopment Plan for Williamson Park Town Square /
Working along with J.W. McGrath Organization, Sikora Wells Appel helped develop a concept plan that would transform Williamson Park into a new town center. "The concept is inspired by elements found in three nearby successful town centers - Princeton, Ardmore and Haddonfield." - according to our very own Dan Chieco. Click here to read more about this exciting plan for Morrisville Borough.
RPP Featured on WLA's Website /
Roosevelt Plaza Park was featured on World Landscape Architect’s Website. Click here to read more.
Welcome Xin (Melody) Li! /
We are pleased to announce that Melody has joined our office as an intern this summer. She is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Landscape Architecture program with an anticipated graduation date for the Spring of 2021. Prior to moving to the states, Melody attended Beijing Forestry University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. As a landscape designer, Melody looks for innovations in combination with various disciplines. Welcome Melody!
A Nice Night for A Drone Flight /
Frank Cerami, Owner and Chief Marketing Strategist of Cerami Creative, was at our award-winning Rowan College at Burlington County Quad project last night flying their hi-tech drone to capture video of the site and landscape design. #rcbc #droneimagery #landscapearchitecture #sitedesign #campusdesign #awardwinning
2100 Hamilton /
We’re thrilled to see our 2100 Hamilton project in the March issue of Philly Mag! Located prominently along the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, 2100 Hamilton is a proposed 10 story luxury condominium designed by Cecil Baker + Partners. Built entirely over structure, the site design features an expansive lush meadow garden, outdoor living room with a pergola, fireplace, and suspended lounge chairs, an event plaza, custom seating, and sophisticated water features. This urban oasis will feature stunning views of Center City, the Barnes, Rodin Museum, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art while providing a sophisticated and contemplative space that is both an amenity for the residents and an enhancement to the neighborhood. #landscapearchitecture #architecture #greenroof #roofgarden #horticulture #meadowgarden #design #luxurydesign #philadelphia #benfranklinparkway
How To Take A Snowflake Selfie /
PARTS
Selfie Stick
28 Foot PVC Pole
Two Smart Phones
Stabilizing Ropes
Wood Stake
Velcro Cables
Tarp
8 Employees
TECHNOLOGY
Two Smart Phones
Team Viewer App
Bluetooth Remote Shutter
STEPS
Arrive to work in your finest holiday attire
Construct pole from PVC piping, fasten selfie-stick to end
Using Team Viewer app, access Samsung Galaxy from IPhone on the ground
Place PVC selfie pole on wood stake in ground
Attach stabilizing ropes and velcro cables to support structure (trellis)
Locate center of snowflake
Arrange employees in snowflake pattern
Ensure proper phone camera angle using Team Viewer app
Take photos using Bluetooth remote shutter
Digitally enhance photo
Add Drone to Christmas list
The New Main Entrance Plaza at Villanova Pavilion /
Rendering Image credit: Ewing Cole Architects
The Main Entrance Plaza at the newly renovated Villanova Pavilion. Construction is wrapping up and we're getting the first built glimpses of the original design that started two years ago. The new space elevates the visitor experience and offers seating and outdoor event opportunities for the University and celebrates the history of Villanova Athletics.
Before transformation
After transformation
Before transformation
After transformation
Photo credit: Ewing Cole
Photo credit: Ewing Cole
Photo credit: Advent
Tree Staking at Inspira /
Staking out future trees for the Inspira Hospital project in Mullica Hill, NJ. This 100-acre former peach orchard was reimagined by Sikora Wells Appel from Master Planning into Construction. This vast open space will be home to native wildflower meadow and a naturalistic placement of trees to screen unwanted views and frame desirable ones.