Celebrated Latina-Owned Landscape Architecture Firm, Studio Siembra, Has Rooted in Des Moines
Studio Siembra, a landscape architecture practice founded by Magdalena Aravena, PLA, ASLA, has recently rooted in the capital city of Iowa. Founded in Denver, Colorado in 2021, Studio Siembra provides dynamic landscape architecture design and community engagement services in the Midwest, and across the United States. This strategic move marks a new chapter for the firm as it embraces the opportunity to support and collaborate with the vibrant communities and aligned professionals in Des Moines, and beyond.
Why Des Moines?
The decision to establish roots in the capital city of Iowa reflects Studio Siembra’s commitment to:
Community Impact: Transforming spaces and empowering communities through thoughtful landscape architecture design and community engagement strategies.
Strategic Growth: Working with local organizations and institutions to continue building with, and for communities in new and different ways.
Equity & Inclusion: Currently the only Latina-owned landscape architecture practice based in Iowa, Studio Siembra offers an opportunity for deeper community engagement with populations that may not be well represented locally, across the state, and within the region. According to a 2024 Report from Capital Crossroads, “By 2050, nearly 50% percent of Greater Des Moines residents will be people of color, up from 19% in 2020,” and “Latinos represent the fastest- growing group by ethnicity, followed by Black residents.” (Capital Crossroads, 2024) Latinx folks currently represent 16% of the population in Des Moines.
“We are excited to immerse ourselves and continue growing in a city that values creativity and innovation as much as we do,” said Founder, Magdalena Aravena, “and to contribute our unique skills and ideas to the local landscapes, communities, and beyond.” Aravena is a landscape architect and bilingual community engagement specialist with over a decade of experience designing inclusive spaces and empowering diverse communities throughout the country, including work in major cities like Chicago, Denver, and Atlanta. Through her work with Studio Siembra, she has partnered with residents, stakeholders, and municipalities to ensure community voices are at the heart of transformative public spaces.
For media and other interested parties: Studio Siembra’s new office in Downtown Des Moines will be open in May 2025 for visits and informational interviews by appointment. To arrange a meeting please send a request to: info@studio-siembra.com.
Magdalena and Andrea - Studio Siembra Graphic Designer and Spanish Specialist - at a recent Des Moines AM Rotary Breakfast.
Contact:
Jenny Frenkel
info@studio-siembra.com
808-699-6075
About Studio Siembra:
Studio Siembra is a landscape architecture firm founded and led by Magdalena Aravena, PLA, ASLA. The practice is supported by a diverse network of established professional advisors and collaborators throughout the country working together to sow seeds of optimism, resilience, and beauty. Since 2021, the firm’s mission has been based on the belief and passion that everyone should have access to, and be able to enjoy outdoor environments which succeed in both form and function.
Magdalena is a licensed landscape architect in Iowa, Colorado and Indiana – inquiries for work outside of these states are welcome and encouraged. Vamos a sembrar!