MEET THE KWD TEAM
Read about our Mission, Vision, and Values HERE
Principals
Krent Wieland, PLA, ASLA
Founding Principal [FL Registered LA #0001039]
Krent opened KWD, originally Krent Wieland Design, Inc., in 1984 after working for nearly a decade in the field. His distinctive style and innovative designs have enriched the fabric of Florida’s landscape for over 40 years.
Concentrated mostly in central and southern Florida, Krent has also completed projects in North Carolina, Texas, Connecticut, and internationally in the Bahamas and Mexico. Projects range from high-end residential estates to community developments, golf-course communities, and resorts.
His work is typified by close attention to detail which is exemplified in his intricate hardscape designs and masterfully created landscape plans. Nationally published in such publications as Architectural Digest, Florida Design Magazine and Luxe Magazine, Krent’s exceptional designs have also won numerous awards over the last four decades. These awards include an “Award of Honor” from the American Society of Landscape Architects, several Grand Aurora Awards, New Home Building and Design Excellence in the Southeast, the Best in American Living Award: Silver and South Atlantic Region Winner in the category “Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home,” as well as numerous awards from the Florida Nurserymen and Grower’s Association and Gold Coast Building Association.
Krent has fostered a warm and supportive team at KWD, where all employees are encouraged to participate in the design process. A corporate culture of respect, mentoring and education recognizes the contribution made by each team member. Today, KWD, under the direction of Krent, continues as it began, creating one-of-a-kind design solutions that respond to the unique requirements of each client and transforming 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 is currently a Managing Principal and Senior Project Manager. In addition to her Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Florida International Univerisity and experience in the field, Amy also has extensive experience, education, and training in business management, strategic planning, human resources, budgeting, policy creation, data measurement/analysis, and process management as a former administrator in Vermont State Government and the Vermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation.
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
Kris joined KWD in 2000 as a drafter in planting design. She was promoted to Project Manager in 2002, and to Principal in 2022. Kris has extensive knowledge of the landscape nursery and design industry dating back to 1978. Adored and revered by our clients, Kris is known for her attention to detail and abounding knowledge of Florida plant life. She is an incredibly talented Senior Project Manager who regularly takes time to mentor junior staff members.
Awards
Gold Coast Builders Association Platinum Prism Award Winner – Project Manager of the Year 2023
Dante Cornish
Principal
Dante joined KWD in 2016, bringing 12 years of previous landscape architecture experience and 5 years of previous project management experience to the Firm, and was promoted to Principal in 2022. Dante is well known in our Firm for being able to solve almost any CAD problem. He has an excellent knowledge of Florida plant life and is an extremely knowledgeable and efficient Senior Project Manager. He is in the process of taking the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
Education
University of Georgia – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Project Managers
KWD Project Managers are responsible for their assigned projects from conceptual initiation to completion. They oversee the preparation of landscape architectural design plans and documents in keeping with the KWD design philosophy. Due to our long-standing reputation for unique and innovative design; typical design documents include highly detailed architectural plans related to hardscape and landscape design elements. The architectural plans are created by a dedicated team of designers under the direction and oversight of the Project Managers. The Project Managers are also responsible for building and maintaining client relationships that complement the creative, welcoming and dependable core values of KWD.
Son Truong
Senior Project Manager
KWD was pleased to welcome Son to our staff in 2022. He has been creating beautiful outdoor spaces since 2006, and brings with him a high analytical aptitude, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. Son has earned a solid reputation for his ability to resolve complex challenges and project management efficiency.
Education
The University of Georgia – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Landscape Designers
Erika Ledesma-Fierro
Landscape Designer
Erika rejoined KWD in 2016 after returning from Ecuador. She has previous experience working as an architect in Ecuador and has been working in the field of architecture since 1998. Erika has strong skills in the area of CAD hardscape layout and details.
Education
Catholic University of Ecuador – Bachelor of Architecture
Quito’s Construction Chamber – Industrial Safety Certificate
Quito’s Construction Chamber – Construction Management Certificate
Amanda Hart, PLA, ASLA
Landscape Architect – Landscape Designer [FL Registered LA #6667695] [RI Registered LA #0000714]
Amanda rejoined KWD in 2021 and we are thrilled to have her back! She has been working in the field of landscape architecture since 2012, after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts. Amanda is a licensed Landscape Architect in the States of Florida and Rhode Island.
Education
University of Massachusetts (Amherst) – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Alec Russell
Landscape Designer
Alec joined the KWD Design Team in 2024 and has hit the ground running. In addition to his practical experience since graduating SUNY, Alec worked in the field for several years as an undergraduate gaining invaluable practical experience with horticulture, implementation, and the correlation between design and the overall enjoyment of an outdoor space. We are looking forward to the contributions Alec will make at KWD.
Education
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Administrative Staff
Patty Stegman-Biron
Director of Operations & Business Development
Patty joined KWD in 2021. She has decades of experience in sales, marketing, operations and management. Her knowledge gained working at both a large international corporation and a small family-owned business gives her a unique perspective to integrate the KWD brand throughout our industry. In just a short period of time, Patty was able to make a huge impact on our business operations, earning her a promotion to Director of Operations & Business Development in 2022.
Education
Concordia College – Bachelor of Arts
Awards
Gold Coast Builders Association Silver Prism Award Winner – Marketing Professional of the Year 2024
Tesia Jean-Baptiste
Client Relations Coordinator
Tesia joined KWD in 2024 as our newest team member, bringing a cheerful disposition and a meticulous approach to schedule management. With several years of experience, she excels in task prioritization, exceptional customer service, and maintaining a professional, organized work environment. Tesia’s dedication ensures a seamless client experience and allows our award-winning design team to focus on what they do best: creating phenomenal outdoor spaces.
Education
Liberty University – Bachelor of Science
