JOSEPH STEFFES, ASLA, LEED AP

Mr. Steffes joined MESA in 2013 and now has over 20 years of collective professional experience in a variety of market sectors including higher-education, hospitality, parks, healthcare, and senior living. Notable projects under Joe’s leadership include the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas which has garnered eight design awards over the past five years. The project is the first independent, residential hospice care center in Dallas. Also under Joe’s guidance is the design and implementation of the LEED certified, University of North Texas at Dallas Student Learning and Success Center. This project is unique in that the design utilizes the principles and methods of Pattern Language to strengthen and improve the campus core and connect it with the new development. In addition to the traditional design process, Joe was instrumental in the creation of an award-winning design film that communicated how Pattern Language influenced the overall building and site design.

Joe’s leadership goes beyond the daily design and management of projects. He is recognized for his consistent mentorship of junior staff members, and his expertise for a variety of firm-wide needs related to project management, office operations, and technology solutions that are beneficial to the future of the firm.

Joe received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University in 2001, followed by his Graduate Certificate of Business Administration in 2011. He is a licensed Landscape Architect in Texas and Kansas, a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), and Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board (CLARB).

DAVID NEWMAN, ASLA

Since joining MESA in 2014, Mr. Newman has managed a number of complex design projects across a broad client base. Most recently, David has taken leadership of the firm’s Urban Design market sector. His knowledge and expertise have been instrumental in the successful design and implementation of several projects associated with the City of Ennis Downtown Master Plan. In particular, the Downtown Streetscape Improvements project has earned numerous awards and accolades including a 2021 Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects Texas Chapter, a 2020 Urban Design Award from the Greater Dallas Planning Council, and a 2020 President’s Award from the Texas Downtown Association. David is also leading the efforts to revitalize the highway corridor for a 3-mile stretch of S.H. 26 in Colleyville, Texas. The new design transforms a state highway improvement project into a civic amenity and destination, while connecting the City of Colleyville to the natural environment and surrounding communities.

David takes a hands-on approach while overseeing the construction of his projects, paying the utmost attention to detail, design, and quality of construction methods and materials to ensure that each project is executed to its fullest potential.

David received his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University in 2008. He is a licensed Landscape Architect in the State of Texas and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Main Street America, and the Texas Downtown Association (TDA).