In a year characterized by groundbreaking technological advancements and an increasing commitment to sustainability, Jie Dai, a prominent landscape designer in Chicago, has been at the helm of creating spaces that align with the shifting priorities of communities and the environment. Reflecting on her work in 2024, Dai offers thoughtful insights into how these pivotal trends have shaped her projects, her mentoring efforts, and the ever-evolving design industry.

A standout achievement was the continued acclaim for River Park at The Mart, a collaborative project in which Dai played a significant role. This endeavor exemplifies Dai’s commitment to designing spaces that foster connection while addressing urban needs. Nestled along the Chicago River, the park combines eco-friendly materials with thoughtfully crafted elements like river-facing benches and curated green spaces.

“This project wasn’t just about creating a beautiful park—it was about addressing how urban spaces can bring people together while being mindful of their environmental footprint,” Dai explained. “We used sustainable materials and prioritized flexibility so the park could adapt to different uses throughout the year.” The park’s ability to balance aesthetic appeal with practical sustainability was especially celebrated during NeoCon 2024, where it served as the perfect backdrop for the design industry’s biggest conversations about adaptive spaces.

Dai’s impact this year went beyond her own designs as she stepped into key mentorship roles, reflecting a broader industry focus on nurturing diverse talent. At the 2024 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and Skills Conference (SLSC) in Jacksonville, Florida, state-level qualifier for the SkillsUSA Championship, she served as the judge for the Architecture Drafting and Technical Drafting competitions, which challenged students to solve real-world design problems and/or showcase their drafting skills under tight time constraints.

“What stood out to me was how these young designers are already thinking about sustainability and inclusivity in their work,” Dai said. “They’re not just following trends—they’re pushing them forward.” Her role wasn’t just about evaluating design skills and technical precision; it was about encouraging participants to think critically about how their designs could serve broader communities. Her contribution to the contests’ future career success was invaluable.

In March 2024, Dai participated in AND+D’s portfolio review event, where she worked with API designers in architecture and related fields. The event underscored a growing industry trend: the emphasis on diverse perspectives and collaboration. As the sole landscape designer on the panel, Dai brought a unique lens to the review, helping participants see how landscape design could enhance their broader architectural visions. “The industry is increasingly collaborative,” she said. “No matter your specialty, understanding how to work across disciplines is becoming essential.”

This inclusivity extended to her judging role at the 2024 Ohio Invention Convention Competition, including both regional and state final competitions, where she evaluated projects from young innovators. Dai noted how their creativity often stemmed from personal experiences, a reminder of the importance of grounding design in a people-centered approach and fostering humanistic care.

Looking at the design industry as a whole, Dai observed two dominant trends: the integration of technology and the prioritization of sustainable practices. “Technology, like AI and digital modeling, is transforming how we approach projects, but it’s also making us rethink what’s possible,” she noted. “At the same time, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s a baseline expectation.” Dai highlighted how these trends are converging to create smarter, more resilient designs. For example, adaptive reuse and modular designs are gaining traction as cities look for ways to reduce waste and maximize efficiency.

“There’s a real focus on creating spaces that can evolve with changing needs,” she said. “Whether it’s a park, a building, or a public installation, the ability to adapt is becoming a hallmark of good design.”

For Jie Dai, 2024 was a year of innovation, mentorship, and meaningful contributions to the design community. As she looks to the future, she remains optimistic about the role of design in addressing global challenges. “Design is about solving problems, but it’s also about imagining possibilities,” she said. “I’m inspired by how the industry is evolving, and I’m excited to continue creating spaces that connect people, respect the planet, and inspire change.”

Dai’s work and jury experiences underscores her ability to navigate the complexities of modern design while staying grounded in the timeless principles of connection and sustainability. Her vision reflects not just where the industry is today, but where it’s headed.