SWBR promotes Beers and Kasongo Cahill to landscape architecture managers

Rochester, NY SWBR has promoted Marlee Beers, RLA and Shirah Kasongo Cahill, RLA, to landscape architecture managers.

As co-leaders of the landscape architecture department, Beers and Kasongo Cahill will be responsible for strategic planning and departmental growth. Beers will be responsible for staff management, including workload and resource planning, profitability, and documentation standards. Kasongo Cahill will handle business development, staff development, and project design leadership.

Beers joined the firm in 2015. Her work includes mixed-use developments, small-scale complex site designs, affordable housing, urban infill, parks, and schools. In 2022, Beers was named one of Rochester Business Journal’s Leaders in Construction and Real Estate. She earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland.

Kasongo Cahill has been with the firm since 2016. Her portfolio includes urban design and planning, neighborhood design, affordable housing, and senior living. Kasongo Cahill serves on the Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments (SAGE) board of directors, is a past recipient of the organization’s David Green Memorial Award, and a previous Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce IGNITE Future Leader’s Award finalist. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University and Master of Landscape Architecture from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

“We are thrilled to have Marlee and Shirah take on leadership roles,” said SWBR president Tom Gears, AIA. “Their talent, dedication, and commitment to creating sustainable outdoor spaces is invaluable to our expanding landscape architecture practice.”