david hill [asla, leed ap]
founding principal
david.hill [at] hillworks.us
David is a registered architect, registered landscape architect, founder of HILLWORKS, and Associate Professor in the Graduate Landscape Architecture Program at Auburn University (not to mention a proud father of three). This rich relationship between education and practice offers a wide spectrum of opportunities for David to advance disciplinary research. Born and raised in a plant nursery in South Georgia, David developed a deep affinity for plants and an early admiration for the rich, working landscape of the south. After 15 years of experience, this fascination with cultural and productive landscapes continues to impact how David unpacks site histories and explores design opportunities.
Prior to founding HILLWORKS, David helped unearth post-industrial landscapes as an Associate, and later a Principal, of D.I.R.T studio where he managed projects such as Urban Outfitters Headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, Hardberger Park in San Antonio Texas, the Historic Pabst Brewery in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and the Holy Cross Project in New Orleans Louisiana. David’s work through D.I.R.T. and HILLWORKS has received regional and national awards in design and research. David lectures regularly at universities, symposia, and conferences.
David graduated from Georgia Tech in Architecture and earned a Master in Landscape Architecture and Master in Architecture from the University of Virginia.
sadie gurkin chitty
landscape designer
sadie.chitty [at] hillworks.us
As a Birmingham native, Sadie had a front-row seat for the city’s ongoing revitalization and was struck by the impact public greenspace had in bringing life back to a hollowed-out city. She has a passion for the rich complexity of the southern landscape and for the potential of design to serve the native ecologies and local communities of this landscape. She finds herself continually enchanted by the ephemeral qualities of the landscape and the capacity of design to give legibility to these characteristics. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Auburn University
allyssa clements
landscape designer
allyssa [at] hillworks.us
Allyssa hails from the towering pine stands of South Georgia. Her upbringing in the region nurtures a deep admiration for its ever-changing terrain as it contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of the Deep South, instilling within her a perpetual sense of childlike wonder. With a curious eye towards exploring the layered narratives of these spaces, she intends to use design to engage landscapes that interact with the ever-evolving dialogue of the region. Allyssa holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
rachel hamrick perez
landscape designer
rachel.perez [at] hillworks.us
Rachel’s interests in landscape architecture hinge on a life-long fascination with the way landscapes communicate cultural value. A south Alabama native, she is drawn to landscapes shaped by the tread of day-to-day living and is fascinated by the way those landscapes record histories and influence identity. She is excited to use landscape architecture to stimulate connection across a wide range of scales, ultimately encouraging social change, empathy, and resiliency.
Prior to joining Hillworks, Rachel worked on large-scale commercial, municipal, and multi-family residential projects throughout the southeast. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Auburn University.
elizabeth hill
chief everything officer + financial manager
elizabeth.hill [at] hillworks.us
Elizabeth has been with HILLWORKS since the beginning, consistently providing wisdom and financial guidance to the studio. She oversees the financial operations of the practice as well as coordinates client billing and administrative management of all HILLWORKS projects. In addition to sheparding three of the most incredible kids on the planet, Elizabeth has previous work experience with various financial planning and investment houses. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Georgia Tech.
prior HILLWORKS crew members:
Natalia Almonacid
Paulina Arango
Gabriela Arevalo
Maggie Brand
Tatum Debardeleben
Amanda Foran
Molly Hendry
Kelly Homan
Debbie Ku
Will Nix
Alejandro Ramos
Philip Shell
Helena Starnes
Bay Thomas