Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

Join the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago for a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from noon – 1 p.m.at the Barbara J. McGowan Main Office Building, 100 E. Erie St., Chicago

The national theme is “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience,” and the guest speaker is Ernest C. Wong, PLA, FASLA, APA, Founding Principal and President, site design group, ltd.

Ernest C. Wong has been instrumental in the evolution of the firm as a multi-cultural cutting-edge design entity and fostering the landscape architecture profession in Chicago. In managing the firm for 35 years, Site Design Group has established a reputation for creative design solutions, and developing thoughtful, community-oriented urban spaces. A strong proponent of civic and community engagement, he sits on the board of numerous service organizations and professional juries including the Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, City Parks Alliance, and as the Chair of the Chicago Landmarks Commission. In 2021, Ernest was awarded the ASLA Community Service Award and the Daniel H. Burnham Distinguished Service Award from the Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society Ely Chapter.

Ernest C. Wong, PLA, FASLA, APA, Founding Principal and President, site design group, ltd. Watch as Ernie discusses "The life changing power of designing with dirt."

From immigrant parents to successful urban spaces, Ernie Wong weaves a story of struggling to gain his father's acceptance to creating an equitable world through landscape architecture. In doing so, he unveils a powerful truth about what it means to design urban spaces for our future generations, and how it transforms our lives. With reference to current climate and societal challenges, Ernie describes the innovative projects that capture the flavors of changing neighborhoods in Chicago and their futures. Ernie Wong, Founder and Principal of site design group, ltd., has been a leader in landscape architecture for over 33 years. Under his leadership, site design group, ltd. has become known for their creation of creative urban spaces, including Riverwalk East, Pioneer Court, Mary Bartelme Park and Henry Palmisano Park (Stearns Quarry). Wong, a Fellow of the ASLA and Chairman of the Chicago Landmarks Commission, seamlessly blends design excellence with a unique dedication to civic engagement. Through his innovative leadership at site design group, ltd. and numerous not-for-profit organizations, Wong continues to innovate, further shaping the landscape architecture profession while receiving recognition through awards such as the Chicago Tribune's “2010 Chicagoan of the Year”, the 2021 LAI Burnham Award, the 2021 Nat’l ASLA Community Service Award, and the 2022 March of Dimes Professional Services Award. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at

Credit: TEDxChicago Salon

Host or Publisher Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago