Justin Azevedo

Justin Azevedo is a landscape architect, educator, artist, and the Principal of The Design Laboratory, based in Tempe, Arizona. His work focuses on shaping  environments across the that prioritize people, comfort, and long-term success. With a background in both landscape architecture and construction, he approaches projects with a strong focus on what can actually be built, while still pushing for thoughtful, memorable design. His work spans public spaces, active transportation, shade strategies, and placemaking efforts that respond directly to the challenges and opportunities of living in the desert.

At Arizona State University, Justin teaches across a wide range of course types including studio, lab, technical courses, seminars, and independent studies. His teaching is grounded in real-world application and a belief that design should be experienced, tested, and communicated clearly. Students in his courses regularly work with real clients, real sites, and real constraints, building the skills needed to move ideas from concept into something actionable. His classes are fast-paced, collaborative, and focused on helping students find their voice while developing the tools to back it up.

Justin’s approach to teaching is rooted in the idea that design is ultimately about people and place. He challenges students to think beyond aesthetics and consider how their work performs, how it gets built, and how it holds up over time. Whether through drawing, modeling, or storytelling, his courses emphasize strong graphics, clear thinking, and the ability to communicate ideas in a way that resonates.

Beyond the classroom and practice, Justin is actively involved in the profession, serving as the Central Section Chair (and past President) for the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and contributing to initiatives focused on urban shade, tree systems, and public space design across the region. He brings an energetic and hands-on approach to everything he does, with a focus on pushing ideas forward while keeping them grounded in reality.