Barbara’s enthusiasm for landscape architecture and urban design is contagious, and her portfolio demonstrates strength in all areas of landscape architecture and urban design. As a skilled and seasoned practitioner, she is committed to creating powerful places that resonate over time. As founder of Swift Company, Barbara is known for her collaborative skills, strategic thinking, and design excellence in diverse circumstances from urban systems to wild landscapes. Barbara’s innovative work has been acknowledged with multiple awards and fellowships with Centrum, the European Ceramic Work Centre, Bullitt Foundation, and the Runstad Center. Her commitment is evidenced in years of service with the Seattle Design Commission, Seattle Arts Commission, and the ARCADE Journal.
Barbara Swift, FASLA
biography–
education+
University of Washington, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1976
Independent Study, Kyoto Japan, 1973-1974
accreditation+
Licensed Landscape Architect, Washington, Wyoming, Oregon and Idaho States
activities+
American Society of Landscape Architects, Fellow
Seattle American Institute of Architects, Honorary Member
University of Washington Department of Landscape Architecture Professional Advisory Committee, Past Chair
City Design, City of Seattle Urban Design Office, Co-Founder
University of Washington Runstad Department Advisory Board, 2019-Present
American Architecture League, American Round Table – Dynamic Landscapes Grant, 2020-2022
Bullitt Foundation Shared Right of Way Grant, 2018-2020
University of Washington Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies 2015/2016 Affiliate Fellow
ARCADE Journal, Editorial Committee, Guest Editor, 2000-2014
Washington State Capital Campus Design Advisory Committee, Past Chair, 2000-2013
Seattle Design Festival 2011, Honorary Chair
Seattle Waterfront Redevelopment Committee, Member, 2003-2007
European Ceramic Work Centre, Fellowship, 2006
Seattle Design Commission, Chair, 1994-1998
Seattle Arts Commission, Chair, 1981-1986
Passions: Travel, Writing, Climate Adaptation, Applied Research
selected projects+
Discovery Park | Seattle, WA
Maple Valley Library | Maple Valley, WA
Seattle Memorial Stadium Renovation | Seattle, WA
400 Fairview | Seattle, WA
Troy Block | Seattle, WA
Sound Transit Federal Way, Everett, Lynnwood Link Extensions | Puget Sound Region, WA
Oregon State University Cascades Campus Master Plan, Campus Reclamation, Ray Hall, Campus Infrastructure, Student Center | Bend, Oregon
2+U | Seattle, WA
Climate Pledge Arena | Seattle, WA
Sound Transit U Link, North Link and East Link Stations | Seattle, WA
University of Washington School of Fisheries | Seattle, WA
Seattle Public Utilities South Transfer Station + Recycling Center | Seattle, WA
Grand Teton National Park Craig Thomas Discovery + Visitor Center | Moose, WY
Ballard Library and Neighborhood Service Center | Seattle, WA
Ballard Commons | Seattle, WA
Alaskan Way Viaduct Pike Place Market Lid TSL Study | Seattle, WA