Joanne Hiromura Elevated to Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects

SYRACUSE, NY – Ashley McGraw Architects has named Joanne Hiromura as Principal, bringing the firm’s leadership team to nine Principals. Hiromura has more than 43 years of experience in landscape architecture, with a specialization in designing outdoor environments for children. Her deep expertise and fresh perspective will further strengthen the firm’s leadership. 

“We’re excited to welcome Joanne as a Principal at Ashley McGraw Architects,” said Matt Broderick, President and CEO. “Joanne’s passion for creating inspiring outdoor spaces for children is clear in everything she does, whether she’s revitalizing schoolyards, reimagining childcare centers, or designing vibrant public parks. But her expertise goes well beyond play environments—her thoughtful approach to site design brings fresh perspective to campus and neighborhood planning, elevating entire communities and schools. We’re confident that Joanne’s vision will have a positive impact across all our core markets, strengthening our work in New York, New England, and the Mid-Atlantic.” 

As Senior Landscape Architect for Ashley McGraw, Hiromura is responsible for the full range of landscape architectural services in the design of outdoor environments for people of all ages. Her work focuses on designing play, including for special populations through therapeutic and sensory garden spaces. Her broad portfolio of design work includes outdoor play and recreation spaces in public parks, schools, childcare centers, and nonprofit institutions. Her notable project portfolio includes the Ragon Institute Early Education Center, Cunningham Park Play Garden (Milton, MA), Discovery Meadows Child Development Center Playgrounds at AstraZeneca, Penn State Child Care Center at Hort Woods, and the Botanic Garden Children’s Center at Harvard University. 

Since Ashley McGraw acquired studioMLA Architects in July 2024 – where Hiromura had spent over 14 years - Hiromura has continued to advance the firm’s mission of creating vibrant, community-centered spaces. “The past year has been an illuminating and rewarding time,” said Hiromura. “I am honored to join the leadership team and look forward to working together to create expanded opportunities for growth while ensuring the continuity of high-quality design to enrich the lives of our communities.” 

Hiromura earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon (1980). She is a registered landscape architect in Massachusetts, California, and Virginia with pending registration in New York and Washington, DC. Additionally, she is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). 

Ragon Institute Early Education Center | Cambridge, MA

Penn State Child Care Center at Hort Woods | State College, PA

Discovery Meadows Child Development Center Playgrounds at AstraZeneca | Gaithersburg, MD