Baker Barrios Architects, one of the most innovative commercial architecture and design firms in the Southeast, is pleased to announce the addition of Richard Jones as Principal + Director of Planning and Landscape Architecture. In his role, Jones will lead planning and design for a variety of architecture projects and support the integration of placemaking into the Baker Barrios Architects’ design philosophy.
Jones has over 20 years of experience in urban design, landscape architecture and planning and has developed deliberate, awarding-projects that combine deep design thinking, sustainability and functionality. He most recently served as the President and Director of Design at Mahan Rykiel Associates for seven years. Jones received a Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland.
“Richard brings an exceptional skill set, unique design vision and a deep commitment to community to the Baker Barrios team,” said Tim Baker, Founding Principal of Baker Barrios Architects. “We are excited to welcome him as we continue to grow our firm’s planning and landscape architecture practice area. We look forward to his leadership as we pursue our mission of developing creative and quality spaces and designs.”
While at Mahan Rykiel Associates, Jones was actively engaged in the Baltimore community. He led the creation of the firm’s Social Impact Studio that, in its mission to pioneer new ways for design firms to engage in issues of social and environmental justice, worked with the Baltimore City School system to create an education initiative that actively encouraged minorities to engage in the sciences, environment and design. Jones’ passion for issues of social and environmental justice have resulted in speaking opportunities at the National ASLA Diversity Summit and the Equity by Design Lecture at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.
Throughout his career, Jones has worked on several award-winning projects domestically and abroad, including the Design with Dredge project, which focused on the innovative reuse of dredge for the Baltimore Harbor and Chesapeake Bay estuary. Jones also led design for several of Baltimore’s most significant open spaces including Eager Park, Pierce’s Park and the newly redesigned Rash Field. His commitment to creating places of significance goes beyond design excellence to encompass community engagement, advocacy and activism and is rooted in the core belief that given the economic, social and environmental challenges of the day, design professionals cannot simply define themselves as architects or landscape architects, but rather should aspire to be architects of the creative process.
When he’s not working, Jones is an avid outdoorsman and can be found hiking, biking, trail running and traveling.
