Stephen Hackney founded SWH Landscape Architecture in 2011 and serves as managing principal. For over twenty years he has been crafting thoughtful landscapes throughout the region for clients both residential and commercial. His passion for designing environments of distinction has allowed Stephen to build an extensive body of work and as a result of his leadership, SWH has attracted a diverse and talented team. Stephen received his Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky, graduating with distinction. 

James has built his expertise over the course of an extensive and impressive career. Prior to joining SWH, James worked for a Ft. Lauderdale-based firm where he contributed his design acumen to luxury and boutique resorts throughout the world. Renowned for his ability to convey complex and innovative ideas through illustrative drawings and graphics, he excels at all facets of project management and design. James is a native of Lexington and earned his Bachelors of Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky. When he isn’t drawing his next masterpiece, he spends time with his wife and three children and explores the region’s waterways in his kayak looking for the best places to fish.

Braden Meadows received his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Landscape Architecture with distinction from the University of Georgia and is pursuing a Juris Doctorate from the UGA School of Law. He has project experience in high-end residential, commercial, and community planning projects across the southeast. With his design-oriented business acumen, he is helping to lead business development as SWH expands its footprint across the Southeast. When not working at SWH, you might find him leading fly-fishing trips as a professional guide.

Genya brings a depth of planning and design experience to the SWH team ranging from custom residential to mixed-use commercial development. A skilled problem-solver, he appreciates the challenge of designing complex sites befitting each client’s lifestyle and aesthetic. A childhood passion for drawing and a love for the natural world led him to earn his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia. In his free time, Genya enjoys camping throughout the southeast with his wife.

Dave has more than 30 years of in-depth professional experience in all phases and complexities of landscape architecture, urban design, master planning, campus planning, and commercial development in Southern California and East Tennessee.

In California, Dave worked for a prominent landscape architecture firm specializing in high-profile residential estates and gardens in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. Over the years, he developed and honed his ability to craft unique estate gardens layered with bespoke details and aesthetics.

His driving passion has always been to make beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces with thoughtful and sensitive site design. As a senior landscape architect, he has enjoyed the responsibility of working on an extensive portfolio of project types and scales.

Dave spends his free time traveling, exploring nature, and spending time with his wife.

David brings to SWH a broad set of skills he developed throughout a diverse career. His experience includes real estate sales, project management, and 11 years in the US Navy as a photojournalist, marketer, and graphic designer. His time in the service and traveling abroad has given him a unique perspective and a disciplined, thoughtful approach to design. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and was named the 2020 National Undergraduate Olmsted Scholar. David was born and raised in Nashville, TN, where, from an early age, he developed a passion for the outdoors. Outside of the studio, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, photography, and golf.

Having graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Caroline began her professional career in Tampa, Florida. She has experience in residential design as well as community planning, theming, and branding support. She made the move to Tennessee to pursue her passion for designing timeless and valuable landscapes with SWH. As the daughter of two architects, a love for thoughtful detailing and intimate outdoor spaces was instilled in her from a young age. Her roots on the South Georgia coast contribute to her adoration for nature and spending time outside. Outside of work, Caroline loves to travel on the weekends or explore the nearby mountains with her dog.

Barrett graduated from the University of Georgia in 2020 with a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture and has roots in both Tennessee and Georgia. He has a passion for the region, and the native ecosystems it encompasses. Barrett started his career developing large master planned communities in South Florida and is excited to bring that experience to the table in the world of residential design. Barrett is an avid traveler and spends his weekends exploring the mountains and all else that East Tennessee has to offer.

As an alumnus of the University of Georgia’s College of Environment + Design landscape architecture program, Kiet boasts a myriad of expertise, both digital and analog. Upon commencement from college, he began his professional career honing his skills at a boutique landscape architecture firm specializing in high-end residential design. With project completions throughout the Southeast’s most sought-after neighborhoods and communities, Kiet aspires to create timeless and uniquely personalized spaces while building relationships with industry professionals and new clients. His enthusiasm for design compels him to create unique spaces rich in both detail and composition. When he’s not refining his skills as a landscape designer, Kiet enjoys spending his time tending to his various houseplants, building Lego sets, playing videogames, and exploring the best local dining establishments. 

Chris, a native of East Tennessee, comes to SWH with over 15 years of experience in landscape design and construction. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Plant Sciences, concentrating in landscape design. In 2018, Chris returned to UT to realize his career goal of becoming a landscape architect—graduating with a Master of Landscape Architecture degree. After graduation, he became a project manager for large commercial projects, overseeing all aspects of landscape design and construction. In his free time, Chris likes camping; spending time with his wife and two children; and following the Vols in all sports.

Sherri supports the team in general operations, and is in charge of marketing, project management, and customer relations. She completed her Bachelor’s of Marketing at Mississippi State University and is a passionate traveler who spends her leisure time hiking, biking, and kayaking with her active family.