Elijah Ball is San Francisco based urban designer specializing in campus planning, landscape design, and community engagement. He aims to create lively, functional spaces that enhance urban living and community connections.
Educational Background + Early Career
Elijah holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University (2020) and a B.A. in Urban Planning and Geography, with a Political Science minor from San Francisco State University (2016). His academic training has provided a foundation for understanding the intersections between urban design, environmental sustainability, and public policy. While at Cornell, Elijah focused his research on urban ecology, community-driven design, and climate-responsive strategies, all of which influence his approach to campus planning and public space design.
In addition to his formal education, Elijah’s early career experiences shaped his approach to the built environment. He worked with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development in Boston on a research initiative to improve indoor air quality in affordable housing, which sparked his interest in how design can improve public health. Elijah’s time in New York City also introduced him to urban mobility policy as he collaborated with the NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Department of Sanitation to improve goods movement in the city.
These experiences encouraged Elijah to pursue work that bridges urban policy, community engagement, and landscape architecture.
Professional Experience
Since moving to San Francisco in 2021, Elijah has worked as an urban designer at Page Sutherland Page , where he was involved in a range of large-scale campus master planning and landscape architecture projects. He brings a strategic approach to the design of campuses, open spaces, and community spaces, emphasizing sustainability, equity, and user experience.
Elijah’s work includes the design and planning of major university campuses, including the University of North Carolina, Charlotte – Campus Master Plan, Stetson University – Campus Master Plan, California State University Stanislaus (Stockton Campus) – Campus Master Plan, and University of San Francisco – Institutional Master Plan. These projects involve long-term strategies for development and integration of open spaces into dense, urban campuses. Elijah’s ability to blend academic goals with community needs is central to his role in guiding these projects.
Elijah has also worked on public open space projects while at Wallace, Roberts, and Todd including the renovation of Oakland’s Estuary Park and the design of Fresno’s Mariposa Plaza, which focus on improving community access, social cohesion, and ecological resilience. His work emphasizes creating places that foster interaction and engagement while integrating the surrounding urban context and ecological systems.
In recognition of his expertise, Elijah was recently tapped to serve on the advisory council for the Cornell Landscape Architecture Department. In this role, he helps guide the department’s direction, mentoring students and advising faculty on how to better integrate practical urban design challenges with academic research.
Notable Projects
Elijah’s portfolio spans several significant campus and public space projects, with a focus on making urban environments more equitable, resilient, and inclusive. Some of his most notable projects include:
University of North Carolina, Charlotte – Campus Master Plan
Stetson University – Campus Master Plan
California State University Stanislaus (Stockton Campus) – Campus Master Plan
University of San Francisco – Institutional Master Plan
Oakland Estuary Park – Renovation & Expansion
San Joaquin River Parkway, Western Reaches – Access & Activation Plan
City of Tulare Parks & Recreation – Master Plan
Fresno Mariposa Plaza Design – Fresno, CA
Elijah also served as a design intern with various firms, including RKLA Studio in New York, Marta Fry Landscape Associates in San Francisco and Studio Bryan Hanes in Philadelphia, where he gained experience on smaller-scale projects focused on the integration of landscape elements into urban environments.
Community Advocacy: Green Lower Nob Hill
In addition to his professional practice, Elijah is deeply involved in the Green Lower Nob Hill advocacy campaign, launched through his neighborhood association to promote better open space and community activation in the dense Lower Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. The campaign’s mission is to enhance the livability and quality of life for residents by activating underutilized spaces and creating more public green spaces. Through this initiative, Elijah is working with local residents to create an Open Space Framework and Activation Plan that will serve as a community-driven vision for the neighborhood’s future.
This initiative is focused on creating spaces that reflect the voices of Lower Nob Hill residents. The neighborhood principles emphasize a collaborative process based on open dialogue, empathy, and thoughtful feedback from all involved. The goal is to develop a set of shared principles and clear goals to guide future development in the neighborhood. These principles ensure that design decisions reflect local needs and values, promoting inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.
Competitions, Installations, + Residential Design
In addition to his ongoing professional projects, Elijah has also participated in various design competitions and residential installations. Notable mentions include:
Upstate Archipelago – Reimagine the Canals Competition, finalist
Sarah Sze, Fallen Sky – Planting and topography study at Storm King Art Center, 2021
Glenwood Brewerytown – Rooftop Design, Philadelphia, PA
These projects demonstrate Elijah’s ability to approach design challenges with creativity and innovation, applying his skills to both competitive environments and public art installations.