Jennifer Nagai, Director / Principal of PFS Studio, has over twenty-five years of professional experience in urban design, large-scale master planning, detailed landscape architecture, and project management. Throughout her career, she has conceptualized and delivered projects that have redefined urban spaces across North America, creating meaningful public environments that resonate with communities.
As Principal, Jennifer has directed many of the firm’s most complex and high-profile commissions, including award-winning projects that have garnered national and international recognition. Her design approach balances technical innovation with contextual sensitivity, creating vibrant spaces that respond thoughtfully to both cultural, social, and environmental goals. Jennifer brings particular insight to reinterpreting historically significant landscapes through a contemporary lens while preserving their essential character. This expertise is evident in her transformative urban projects, including the revitalization of Grange Park adjacent to the Art Gallery of Ontario (recipient of the CSLA National Award of Excellence); the Collaboration Garden at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), which presents new readings of the heritage wall within the a healing garden; and Mirvish Village Park, where she successfully preserved the cultural legacy of the iconic Honest Ed’s site while creating a thoughtfully designed community space for generations to come.
Her design philosophy emphasizes collaborative processes that engage diverse interests, resulting in spaces that authentically reflect community identity while addressing complex urban challenges. Under her leadership, PFS Studio has developed specialized expertise in waterfront revitalization, cultural landscapes, and resilient urban infrastructure. Beyond Jennifer’s project work, she actively shapes the profession through her roles as jury member for design competitions, participation on panels, and service on professional boards. She regularly shares her insights as a speaker at conferences and volunteers her time with professional organizations, helping to mentor the next generation of landscape architects.