Vince Pietrzak Receives Distinguished Practitioner Award

It was an honor to see Appel Osborne's Vince Pietrzak receive the Distinguished Practitioner Award from the New York Upstate Chapter of ASLA. 

Vince has been an integral part of Appel Osborne for over 30 years, with a career spanning more than 40 years. In that time, Vince has remained a dedicated landscape architect who has shaped communities, elevated our profession, and inspired generations of designers. Both his colleagues and clients describe him as a steady, trusted presence; someone who listens carefully, collaborates generously, and who always has your back.

Vince’s work reflects a remarkable breadth of practice. He has guided transformative projects across New York State—from the revitalization of Franklin Square in Syracuse and Lafayette Square in Utica, to decades of improvements at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, to the creation of smaller, more intimate spaces like the Waterville Public Library, as well as and many distinguished residences in and around Syracuse and the Adirondacks.

Vince’s impact extends far beyond the projects themselves. He has been a dedicated advocate for the profession through decades of service to the American Society of Landscape Architects, including multiple leadership roles within the New York Upstate Chapter. He has also generously given his time as a mentor—teaching LARE preparation courses, guest lecturing at SUNY ESF, participating in critiques, portfolio review, and guiding emerging professionals with patience, honesty, and enthusiasm.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Vince has exemplified the very best of landscape architecture: professional excellence, mentorship, leadership, adaptability, and a genuine passion for improving the world around him.

It was a pleasure to celebrate not only his accomplishments, but the integrity, generosity, and dedication with which he has served his clients, his colleagues, his staff, and his community.