Gail Wittwer-Laird

Principal, Director of Starr Whitehouse Hudson

With almost two decades of experience in municipal government, Landscape Architect Gail Wittwer-Laird brings deep knowledge of public realm design to Starr Whitehouse. Her 18-year tenure with NYC Park included such positions as Deputy Administrator for Riverside Park, Director of Greenstreets, Senior Designer for Capital Projects, and Design Director for Staten Island Capital Projects. While at NYC Parks, Gail led high-profile efforts like early construction at Freshkills Park and the $29 million design-build contract for Peter Minuit Plaza, a collaboration with NYC DOT and the MTA.

Expanding her foothold to the upstate region, Gail opened Starr Whitehouse’s Hudson Studio in 2020 to help State agencies, municipal governments, and communities from Long Island to Niagara Falls adapt historic parks and downtowns to new ecological and social needs. A passionate gardener, her in-depth knowledge of plants and talent for fundraising has led to the completion of civically grounded and beautiful open spaces. Gail is an award-winning designer who has been named a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome and recognized for her work on the Irish Hunger Memorial, CaVaLa Park, and other projects.