Kirk of Copley Wolff Design Group named Building Design + Construction's 40 under 40

According to Copley Wolff Design Group, Cortney Kirk, ASLA, LEED AP, landscape architect, has been named one of Building Design + Construction's 40 under 40. Building Design + Construction's 40 under 40 is a class of 40 individuals who distinguish themselves by their career achievements, service to their professions and communities, and active participation in charitable work. The diverse list of individuals represent the next generation of leadership in the A/E/C industries. "Professionally, Cortney has a distinctive vision on the landscape architecture industry and continues to out-perform herself with each project," said Lynn Wolff, principal of Copley Wolff. Kirk's diverse background, with a heavy influence in film production, was a key factor that helped her earn a spot on this year's list. Since joining Copley Wolff in May 2012 as a project manager and landscape architect, Kirk has played an integral role in all phases of project development from schematic design to construction administration. This past year, Kirk has overseen the simultaneous construction of seven projects within four different states and has had the opportunity to work on a number of projects such as a major campus green, a Temple in Omaha, and a luxury high-rise building in downtown Boston. "I am honored to be recognized alongside some of my most distinguished peers," said Kirk. "Each role in my career has allowed me to reach out, educate, and de-mystify what landscape architecture is, and provides an avenue for me to continue to push and explore my interest in blending film production and landscape architecture." After originally receiving her undergraduate degree in TV, Radio, and Film Production from Syracuse University, Kirk moved to Boston where her interest in landscape design blossomed. Despite pursuing a career in landscape architecture and earning her Master's degree Landscape Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, film production remains an integral part of Kirk's resume. Over the years, she has created several courses at the Boston Architecture College, including two advanced-level, conceptual architecture studios, where students are asked to solve design issues that require both landscape and architectural thinking. The academic realm has not only allowed Kirk to shape young designers and expose them to the importance of landscape architecture, but it has allowed her the freedom to revisit many of her design interests, including the role of film in the design process.