Colliers Engineering & Design is proud to announce that the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum project in Branchport, New York, has received a Merit Award in the Un-built Works (Design) category from the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The project also earned a Climate Action Green Ribbon, recognizing its commitment to sustainability and climate-conscious design.
Presented during the 2026 New York Upstate ASLA Annual Reception & Awards Celebration, the awards recognize excellence in landscape architecture and design. This year’s submissions were evaluated on criteria including environmental responsibility and sustainability, design quality, functionality, public and environmental benefit, and clarity of communication.
Located on a 13-acre site at the north end of Keuka Lake, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum is dedicated to inspiring appreciation and stewardship of the cultural heritage and ecosystems of the Finger Lakes Region. Colliers Engineering & Design provided site design, master planning, 3D modeling and construction documentation to help bring the museum’s vision to life.
More than a museum, the project is envisioned as a living demonstration of climate-conscious design. Through the integration of renewable energy, native ecosystems, green infrastructure and accessible outdoor experiences, the design showcases how thoughtful planning can strengthen environmental stewardship while creating meaningful connections between people and place.
The museum’s phased design responds to today’s most pressing environmental challenges by weaving climate mitigation, resiliency, biodiversity and environmental equity throughout the site. Solar panels generate on-site renewable energy, while educational exhibits encourage environmental literacy and regional stewardship. Native plantings support local pollinators and wildlife, rock formations interpret the glacial history of the Finger Lakes, and ADA-accessible pathways create an inclusive visitor experience for all. Green infrastructure improvements further protect the health of Sugar Creek and Keuka Lake by helping manage stormwater runoff across the campus.
The project reflects the collaborative expertise of professionals across multiple disciplines at Colliers Engineering & Design. The award-winning team included:
- Thomas Robinson, RLA, LEED AP, Design Manager – Landscape Architecture
- Eric Shaw, Geographic Discipline Leader, Landscape Architecture
- Hanna Quigley, Assistant Project Manager, Planning
- Jeanette Petti, Planning Specialist, Planning
- Minerva Jang, Designer II, Architecture
- Mathew Simbari, Landscape Architect, Landscape Architecture
Taken together, the Saunders Finger Lakes Museum is more than a cultural institution. It is a demonstration project for what climate-conscious design looks like when pursued with intention, integration and a deep sense of place.