PLOT Studio Welcomes New Principal, Ryan Collins
PLOT Studio is proud to announce the addition of Ryan Collins as our newest Principal. Ryan joins the studio with a remarkable portfolio of work, a reputation for design excellence, and a strong commitment to the values that drive our practice. Ryan brings over 29 years of experience in landscape architecture, urban design, and public space. As a recognized leader in the profession, Ryan currently serves on the Board of Directors for Sunrise Rotary, Board of Directors for Conservation Alabama and Conservation Alabama Foundation, Board of Directors for ACE Mentors of Alabama, and the Leadership Advisory Council for CLARB (Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards). Ryan is an active volunteer with Design Alabama and the Hoover Soccer Club.
His experience spans award-winning public realm projects, institutional campuses, multifamily development and complex urban landscapes — always guided by a clear design vision and a commitment to collaboration, ecology, and craft.
Before joining PLOT Studio, Ryan served in senior design and leadership roles at regional firms where he led award-winning projects across the State and Southeast. Among his most recognized works:
Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater (Albertville, AL) – Ryan served as Principal Landscape Architect for this $90m, 130-acre park. The team provided design for the overall park layout and the “park within the park” concept; including the outdoor aquatics center, lazy river, splash pad, baseball fields, softball fields, soccer fields, seven unique playgrounds, dog park, RV camping facility, over 5 miles of trails, and outdoor concert amphitheater for 7,500 people.
MidCity District (Huntsville, AL) – A visionary, mixed-use urban core developed alongside the City of Huntsville. This transformative project reimagines a former big box retail corridor into a dynamic and walkable destination that blends shopping, dining, residential, hospitality and public gathering spaces.
https://www.midcitydistrict.com/
Coastal Gateway Community Park (Gulf Shores, AL) - Ryan served as Principal Landscape Architect to develop the Master Plan for this $150m, 120 acre neighborhood focused park. He oversaw the multi-disciplinary project team as well as facilitated community workshops and charettes with the City’s working group and study committee.
https://www.gulfshoresal.gov/1649/Coastal-Gateway-Community-Park
Ryan is passionate about pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture to address climate change, social justice, and public health. His approach blends deep research with design experimentation, resulting in work that is both grounded and forward-thinking.
“Ryan brings a design rigor and perspective that will strengthen and evolve our studio,” said Matt Phillips, Founding Principal at PLOT Studio. “He’s a leader in our profession who truly understands the complexities of today’s built environment and the impact it must have in shaping our State and beyond — and he’s deeply invested in building relationships with clients, communities, and designers.”
At PLOT, Ryan will lead strategic design initiatives, mentor the next generation of landscape architects, and help guide the studio’s growing portfolio of public space, institutional, and civic work. His addition marks a new and exciting chapter in our firm’s evolution.
Please join us in welcoming Ryan Collins to PLOT Studio.
