Ernest C. Wong, PLA, FASLA, APA
Founder and Principal
Ernest C. Wong, Founder and Principal of Site Design Group, is a Landscape Architect whose career reflects a commitment to enhancing quality of life through design excellence, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.
A strong proponent of civic engagement and community leadership, Ernie serves on the boards of numerous service organizations and professional juries, including the Driehaus Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design, City Parks Alliance, several Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the Near South Planning Board. Since joining the Commission on Chicago Landmarks in 2007, he has served as the Chair since 2021.
In addition to his professional practice, Ernie is a trusted advisor, frequent lecturer, and recipient of numerous honors recognizing his contributions to the profession and the communities he serves. In 2024, he delivered his first TEDx talk in Chicago, sharing perspectives on design, community, and the power of the built environment.
In his spare time, he is focused on downsizing his collection of arbitrary stuff, giving his assortment of knives to close friends and family, and finding a worthy competitor to Harold’s Chicken Shack (dark half with hot sauce on).
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1985, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
Professional Landscape Architect, State of Illinois
AAPI LEAD, Member and Advisor
American Society of Landscape Architects, Fellow
American Planning Association, Member
Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Board Chair
Chicago Architecture Center, Various Committees
Chicago Botanic Garden, Board of Directors
Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Various Committees
Chinatown Parking Lot Corporation, Board of Directors
Chinese American Service League, Board Emeritus
City Parks Alliance, Board of Directors
Commission on Chicago Landmarks, Chair and Commissioner
Driehaus Foundation, Board of Directors
Economic Club of Chicago, Member
Lambda Alpha International, Member
Mayors Institute on City Design, Advisor
National Minority Supplier Development Council, Member
Near South Planning Board, Board of Directors
Ping Tom Memorial Park Advisory Council, Advisor
Urban Land Institute, Member