[ First | Previous | Next | Last ]
Alumni Awards List

KEN PUNCERELLI received an Associate degree from the State University of New York, Delhi campus, and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Design and Construction from Colorado State University. He then came to K-State to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture, as he was interested in a program that not only focused on the practical application of the profession, but one that required a thesis and an original research component as part of the curriculum. He continues to pursue additional education through continuing education coursework from Harvard University.

Ken chose landscape architecture because the profession is so diverse, requiring a wide range of skill sets including "nuts and bolts," civil engineering, architectural design, environmental planning, land use, zoning, and negotiation and conflict resolution skills. He feels the profession allows someone in a leadership role to affect change on a grand scale. Community planning and having a positive impact on how people live, work, and play are very important to Ken, and his work will allow him to leave that legacy.

Within a few years of achieving his master's degree, Ken became principal and founder of Land Architects of Littleton, Colorado. Ken is committed to the profession and to the satisfaction of clients on each and every undertaking of the firm. He serves as a key controller of service quality, and he is unceasing in his efforts to ensure that the firm's excellent reputation is supported by high caliber work and diligent, professional service. When involved in private sector development, Ken continuously views planning and design from a business viewpoint, with the comment that each project should "make the client money and save the client money." In private development, he also has a great understanding of the project from the client's perspective and, thus, he maintains a strong concentration on key client requirements. When working with the firm's public sector clients, Ken practices and enforces a strong commitment to consistency in service and delivery of product quality. Having been involved with a multitude of public agencies during his career, he understands the need to work within the client's parameters, systems and organization to produce an end product that meets the goals of the client and the client's user groups. Ken has worked on many projects, including parks and recreation, urban design and streetscaping, land planning and development, and campus planning and site development.

Ken is a registered landscape architect as well as CLARB certified and a maintains membership or affiliation in the American Society of Landscape Architects, The Home Builders Association, the American Institute of Architects, the Urban Land Institute, the Congress for New Urbanism, and the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association.

Ken also appreciates his long-standing relationships with the K-State faculty who, he says, not only "know their stuff" but also are solid people with a foundation of integrity, passion for what they do, and the gift of knowledge they unselfishly give to their students. One of his most cherished K-State mementos is a letter of commendation, presented to Ken by Professor Dennis Law on behalf of the faculty, recognizing his contributions as a teaching assistant, student and design professional.