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.

CORE TEAM

Tim Vigen

Co-Owner & CEO

Tim oversees Garden Service and Horticulture, Marketing and Public Relations, Sales, and Quality Control. Prior to joining HWA, he held executive positions in product development, design, and merchandising for prominent luxury companies. Tim earned a B.A. in Marketing from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Landscape Architecture from the City College Spitzer School of Architecture, and a Horticulture Certificate from the New York Botanical Garden.

Matthew Amos

Co-Owner & COO

Matthew directs HWA's Operations and Finance departments and serves as the lead Installation Project Manager. He oversees the estimating process, planning, procurement, delivery, and execution of projects for HWA clients, while directing the company's fiscal functions. Matthew brings extensive business experience and a strong background in managing and operating retail garden centers.

Maggie Gyftogiannis

Co-Owner & CAO

Maggie manages the coordination of operations, sales, and marketing while leading the company's administrative functions and information technology initiatives that support organization-wide goals. With a diverse background in operations and administration across several NYC-based wholesale companies, she brings expertise in account management, business development, vendor relations, fulfillment, and logistics. She earned her MPA-PPA with a specialization in Management and Operations from John Jay College.

Brendan Higgins

Landscape Designer

Brendan has extensive experience in landscape architecture and design in his role as Landscape Designer at HWA. Over the years, he has cultivated the aesthetic acumen of his craft through his work with HWA founder Halsted Welles. He is also well versed in the technical aspects of urban garden design and the construction methods required to bring those designs to life. Before joining HWA, Brendan worked for Thomas Balsley Associates, a New York City landscape architecture firm; Latitude Nord Landscape Architects in Paris, France; and Groundwork, a British environmental charity that partners with public and private organizations on urban regeneration initiatives. He earned a B.A. and a Postgraduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture from Leeds Metropolitan University in Leeds, United Kingdom.

OUR FOUNDER

Halsted Welles

As the founder of HWA, Halsted built a lasting and successful practice designing and building beautiful urban ecological gardens recognized for their artistry, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. A horticulturist by upbringing and a sculptor and designer by training, he applied his understanding of natural systems to create ecological balance within New York City's built environment. Halsted studied at Yale University's School of Art and Architecture and its School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His professional perspectives have been shared through lectures, critiques, consultations, and classes. Today, he continues to pursue his ecological interests on the East End of Long Island.