Hayden Bertone

Hayden Bertone is a proud third-generation Jupiter, Florida, native and a graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned his degree in Landscape Architecture. Deeply connected to Florida’s diverse ecosystems, Hayden spends much of his free time outdoors—hunting, fishing, paddle boarding, hiking, or mountain biking.

Throughout his academic career, Hayden’s work consistently centered on native plantings, emphasizing ecological sensitivity and site-specific design. His dedication was recognized early on, earning him the award for Best Pin-Up in his first year at UF. His favorite plants include the Redbud tree, Live Oak tree, Myrtle bush, Mangroves, Sabal Palm, Beautyberry, and Coral Honeysuckle.

In 2022, Hayden began collaborating with Nicole Plunkett to reintroduce the Future Landscape Architects of America (FLAA) nonprofit—originally founded by Nicole—back into the University of Florida’s program. He was an active member of the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (SCASLA) for three years, serving as an officer for two, and took great pride in advancing student engagement in the profession.

Hayden’s commitment to expanding his design perspective earned him the Lepp Travel Award in his final semester, granting him $3,500 to explore Europe through a historic lens. His travels across Spain, Portugal, and France included visits to iconic sites such as Parc Güell, the Gardens of Versailles, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Sagrada Família, and other landmark works that have shaped global design history.

In the spring of 2025, Hayden was selected as one of only twelve designers worldwide to participate in the Festival de Jardins in Ponte de Lima, Portugal. This festival is an international garden competition where his entry—inspired by the year’s theme of “peace”—integrated three years of design training with cultural and historical references from the city, creating a meaningful and well-composed garden for the community.

At the heart of Hayden’s design philosophy is a belief in creating projects where people can connect with and appreciate the outdoors. He strives to design public spaces that are not only functional but also immersive, encouraging visitors to slow down, engage with the landscape, and rediscover the joy of being outside. For Hayden, great landscape architecture creates a sense of place and transforms existing spaces into ones that are more vibrant, more inviting, and a little more NATIVE!