Dakota Frederick

Dakota Frederick

Landscape Designer

Dakota Frederick is a landscape designer whose path to Civitas began as an undergraduate at Colorado State University, where an early connection with the firm evolved into a meaningful professional journey.

After serving on the ASLA Awards jury and meeting Civitas principal Scott Jordan, Dakota was invited to intern with the firm while pursuing a master’s degree in urban design at the University of Colorado Denver. That collaboration deepened through her thesis sponsorship and summer internship, ultimately leading to a full-time role.

Dakota approaches design with curiosity, collaboration, and a genuine love for creative problem-solving. She thrives on the diversity of landscape architecture, where every site presents a new challenge and opportunity, and is especially passionate about creating adaptive, resilient landscapes that balance ecological integrity with human experience. Grounded in her Colorado roots and shaped by mentorship from influential educators, Dakota brings both thoughtful perspective and fresh energy to her work.

Outside the studio, she finds inspiration in the outdoors, whether hiking, playing tennis, or pickleball, or practicing yoga. She also enjoys connecting with her community through her involvement with ASLA. Her goal in the years ahead is to become a licensed landscape architect and take on greater leadership within the profession, guiding projects and people with the same openness and enthusiasm that define her approach to design.

Influences

“Growing up in Colorado gave me a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. It’s something that continues to ground and inspire my work. During my time at Colorado State University, I was fortunate to learn from Professor Jane Choi, who became both a mentor and a role model. Her guidance helped shape not just how I think about design, but how I approach collaboration and growth as a professional.”

Education

University of Colorado Denver; Master of Urban Design

Colorado State University; Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture