MEET THE KWD PRINCIPALS
Read about our Mission, Vision, and Values HERE
Krent Wieland, PLA, ASLA
Founding Principal [FL Registered LA #0001039]
In 1984, after nearly a decade of honing his craft, Krent Wieland launched KWD—originally Krent Wieland Design, Inc.—and never looked back. For over 40 years, his signature style and forward-thinking designs have woven elegance and innovation into the very fabric of Florida’s landscape.
While his work is concentrated in central and southern Florida, Krent’s magic has traveled far and wide, with stunning projects in North Carolina, Texas, Connecticut, and internationally in the Bahamas and Mexico. His portfolio reads like a storybook of architectural wonders, from private estates that feel like hidden paradises to community developments buzzing with life, golf-course retreats that melt into nature, and resorts that redefine luxury.
What sets Krent’s work apart is his meticulous attention to detail, evident in his intricate hardscape designs and masterfully crafted landscape plans. His visionary approach has earned national recognition, gracing the pages of Architectural Digest, Florida Design Magazine, and Luxe Magazine. Over the decades, his groundbreaking designs have been showered with accolades, including the prestigious “Award of Honor” from the American Society of Landscape Architects, multiple Grand Aurora Awards, the Best in American Living Award (Silver and South Atlantic Region Winner for “Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home”), and numerous distinctions from the Florida Nurserymen and Grower’s Association and the Gold Coast Building Association.
At the heart of KWD is a dynamic, collaborative team, nurtured by Krent’s commitment to mentorship, creativity, and respect. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in the design process, fostering a culture where ideas thrive and innovation flourishes. Today, under Krent’s visionary leadership, KWD continues to push boundaries, crafting bespoke design solutions that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Education
Michigan State University – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Amy Wieland-Carlson, MLA, ASLA
Managing Principal/Senior Project Manager
Amy joined KWD in 2015 and has been shaping landscapes—and strategies—ever since! As a Managing Principal and Senior Project Manager, she blends creativity with keen leadership, backed by a Master of Landscape Architecture from Florida International University. But Amy’s talents don’t stop at design—she’s also a whiz at business management, strategic planning, and turning complex data into actionable insights. With a past life in Vermont State Government and the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office of Professional Regulation, she’s mastered the art of organization, budgeting, and policy creation. Whether she’s crafting outdoor spaces or streamlining processes, Amy brings a mix of innovation, precision, and a touch of magic to everything she does!
Education
Florida International University – Master of Landscape Architecture
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- Tau Sigma Delta, FIU Sigma Xi Chapter, Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts
- Award of Merit – Florida ASLA Student Awards
Champlain College-Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies
Champlain College-Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
Florida Atlantic University-Construction Management Certificate
Kristen Walters
Principal/Senior Project Manager
Kris became part of the KWD family in 2000, starting as a drafter in planting design. With a natural knack for all things green and growing, she became a Project Manager in 2002, and by 2022, she had earned the title of Principal. With roots in the landscape nursery and design industry stretching back to 1978, Kris brings a wealth of expertise and an unrivaled passion for Florida’s vibrant plant life. Beloved by clients for her keen eye and unmatched expertise, she is not only an exceptionally skilled Senior Project Manager but also a generous mentor, guiding the next generation of designers with wisdom and care.
Awards
Gold Coast Builders Association Platinum Prism Award Winner – Project Manager of the Year 2023
Dante Cornish
Principal/Senior Project Manager
Dante became a valued member of KWD in 2016, bringing with him an impressive 12 years of landscape architecture expertise and five years of project management experience. His talent and dedication earned him a well-deserved promotion to Principal in 2022. Renowned within the firm as the go-to expert for solving even the trickiest CAD challenges, Dante combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of Florida’s diverse plant life. As an exceptionally skilled and efficient Senior Project Manager, he continues to drive projects forward with precision and creativity. With his sights set on the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, Dante continues to grow, proving that even the best never stop learning.
Education
University of Georgia – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
