ABOUT
HWA is a published New York City Design-Build-Maintenance firm specializing in rooftop, terrace, and townhouse gardens. For over 50 years, we have worked collaboratively with a distinguished clientele to develop personalized design solutions for lifestyle and functional outdoor living.
Our talented, multi-disciplinary team includes designers, horticulturists, artisans, and support staff who are committed to the creation of restorative spaces that integrate essential ecological layers into the built environment. Our gardens help improve quality of life with artistry in design and an understanding of native ecology and practical requirements, enhancing our experiences and our connection with nature.
OUR TEAM
Brendan Higgins
Brendan has extensive experience in his role as Landscape Designer at HWA. Prior he worked for Thomas Balsley Associates, a NYC Landscape Architecture firm, Latitude Nord Landscape Architects in Paris, France and as a Landscape Assistant for Groundwork, a British environmental charity that operates closely with private and public groups in the field of urban regeneration. Brendan received a B.A. and Post-Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture from Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, UK.
Tim Vigen
Tim is HWA’s Executive Manager with over fifteen years of experience at the company. In addition to his responsibilities on the Management Team, Tim directs Garden Service and Horticulture, Marketing and PR, and Sales and Quality Control. Before joining HWA, he held executive positions in product development, design, and merchandising for prominent luxury companies. Tim has a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Minnesota, a Masters in Landscape Architecture from the City College Spitzer School of Architecture, and a Horticulture Certificate from the New York Botanic Garden.
Matthew Amos
As part of the HWA Management Team, Matthew directs the Operations and Finance departments and acts as the lead Installation Project Manager. Matthew oversees the estimating process, planning, procurement, delivery, and execution of projects for HWA clients. As the head of Finance, he directs HWA fiscal functions. Matthew has a dynamic business acumen with an extensive background in managing and operating retail garden centers.
Maggie Gyftogiannis
An integral part of the HWA Management Team, Maggie ensures the coordination of operations, sales, and marketing efforts while also managing and implementing IT programs to support company-wide goals. Having come from diverse operations and administrative background and worked in various NYC-based wholesale companies, Maggie brings to HWA experience in account management, business development, vendor relations, fulfillment, and logistics operations. She received her MPA-PPA specializing in Management and Operations from John Jay College.
OUR FOUNDER
Halsted Welles
The founder of HWA, Halsted is a garden designer with a long and successful practice designing and building beautiful urban ecological spaces. His gardens are known for their artistry, design details, and craftsmanship. A horticulturist by upbringing, sculptor and designer by training, he applies his knowledge of natural systems to bring ecological balance to New York City's built environment. Among other institutions, Halsted has studied at both Yale University’s School of Art and Architecture and its School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His professional views have been heard in a number of lectures, critiques, consultations, and classes.
