Location: Chicago, IL
Industry: Other
Founded: 2008

Carroll Conway’s path through Hoerr Schaudt reflects a rare blend of determination and heart, shaped by years spent advancing through the organization until assuming the role of President and Partner, where her steady commitment continues to influence every facet of the nationally regarded landscape architecture firm. Her journey began inside a small, ambitious studio, and over time she became an essential force guiding its rise in scale, sophistication and creative reach.

Growth at Hoerr Schaudt accelerated when Conway introduced EOS, bringing unity to planning, talent and delivery. That clarity led to substantial gains in performance and a team that expanded significantly across multiple offices. Each addition to the firm followed her thoughtful evaluation, resulting in a culture defined by curiosity, collaboration and a devotion to craft. Her work strengthened the firm’s structure while preserving its identity, shaped by horticultural expertise and artistic discipline.

Strategic vision guided several major initiatives she championed, including the acquisition and reinvention of a historic building in Chicago’s Fulton Market and the establishment of a presence in Richmond. These efforts broadened the firm’s national reach and reinforced its ability to support diverse project types for partners across industries. Recognition soon followed through numerous awards that celebrated design excellence and innovation across residential, cultural, corporate and civic landscape work.

Conway’s focus on talent development guides much of her leadership approach. She prioritizes mentorship, continual learning and open dialogue, ensuring colleagues have access to evolving methods, ecological insight and technological tools shaping modern practice. Her advancement from an early firm role to senior leadership informs her belief that growth begins with empowering others, and she encourages team members to pursue specialized credentials and broaden their creative fluency.

Her inspiration comes from seeing ideas evolve into living environments that invite connection between individuals and nature. Conway oversees a wide operational spectrum, from financial planning to human resources, marketing and technological integration. She works closely with IT to bring forward new digital capabilities that support designers in exploring concepts with precision. Each responsibility strengthens a foundation that allows creativity to flourish across all studios.

She extends her passion for the profession through board service with The Cultural Landscape Foundation, engaging with leaders advancing discourse on cultural landscapes while contributing her operational insight to advance the organization’s mission. These relationships deepen her understanding of the field and enrich the perspectives she brings back to the firm.

Her recognition as a Titan 100 Honoree reflects her preeminence in shaping teams, defining strategic pathways and elevating a respected practice. Yet Conway’s proudest achievement remains cultivating extraordinary talent. Watching colleagues progress, contribute and thrive across the firm affirms her belief that people energize every landscape the firm creates. That commitment continues to guide her leadership and the future she works to build for Hoerr Schaudt.

Editorial Note: This profile reflects information submitted by the honoree at the time of their Titan 100 recognition. Professional roles and affiliations may have changed since publication.
Super Power:

Leadership, like landscape, thrives on vision, collaboration, and care it’s how we create work that stands the test of time.”