In 2022 Steve started the playground consulting business Steven Lauzun Landscape Architect, DPC. His areas of expertise include inclusive playground design, STEM playground consulting, park master planning, community design participation and build event leadership, and the application of play area safety and accessibility codes.  He is a guest lecturer and an expert witness.  He creates and presents continuing education sessions for design professionals and consults with owners and designers on complex play area projects.  He has also developed new play area products for one of the nation’s leading playground manufacturers.

Career Highlights & Achievements

·        Founded Parkitects, Inc., a playground design firm in upstate New York.

·        New York State licensed Landscape Architect.

·        Instructor for the Certified Playground Safety Inspector course.

· One of the first fifty Certified Playground Safety Inspectors in the nation.

·        Early member of the ASTM F1487 committee for public playgrounds with a key role in creating the accessibility section and original graphics.

·        Presented over 1,000 professional development hours for landscape architects, engineers and architects.

·        Assisted counsel for the defense on more than a dozen playground injury cases.

·        Developed new play pieces and play components for a leading national play equipment manufacturer.

·        Founding member of the Community-Built Association.

Professional Experience

Parkitects, Inc.

Steve founded Parkitects, Inc. in 1996 and became the upstate New York designer and distributor for Landscape Structures play equipment. Until its sale in 2021, Steve guided Parkitects from a one-person startup to an established, multi-office firm with an emphasis on whole site and complete playground design that integrated structure, landscape and play.

Freelance Playground Designer

In 1995, Steve consulted with the product development team at Landscape Structures. In his year consulting with their R&D team, he helped create many new play components still in use today.

Robert Leathers Architect / Leathers and Associates

In 1988, Steve began working at Robert Leathers Architect as a playground designer and project manager. He designed, managed, and coordinated the construction of countless community-built play structures around the country. While serving as Technical Director, Steve joined the ASTM committee that crafted the first standard for public playgrounds; he subsequently guided the firm towards compliance with these new codes.

City of Orlando, Bureau of Parks

In 1985, Steve began his career as a park & playground designer with the City of Orlando. He was soon promoted to Coordinator for Green-Up Orlando, a program charged with bringing community volunteers and fundraised dollars to various park projects throughout the city. He led the project that created the Orlando All Children’s Playground, which, at the time, was the largest and most innovative inclusive playground ever built by renowned design firm Bob Leathers Architect.

Delhi Township Parks

At the age of fourteen, Steve began working for his hometown parks department as a summer laborer. He built nature trails, installed play equipment and tended the park grounds. As their seasonal supervisor, he continued working in the parks until he graduated from college.

Education

Michigan State University, 1985 — Dual Degree

Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreational Resources with an emphasis in park planning & design.

Bachelor of Science in Horticulture with an emphasis in landscape design.