TESSERE, an architecture, engineering and planning practice known for environments where people, animals and nature connect, has announced the appointment of Stacey Ludlum, who joins its zoo and aquarium division as director of design and planning.
The practice is investing in the division's future by expanding its leadership team and enhancing its capabilities in strategic planning, business planning, master planning, concept design, and industry thought leadership.
Supporting the organisation's continued expansion, Ludlum's addition complements TESSERE's multidisciplinary approach to helping zoos and aquariums align conservation impact, animal wellbeing, visitor experience, organisational strategy, operations, and design into integrated, actionable solutions.
"A lifetime of adventurous curiosity has led me to TESSERE, a truly distinctive design firm willing to question convention and continually ask, 'How can we do this better?'" says Ludlum.
"I'm thrilled to join its one-of-a-kind team of former zoo professionals and passionate, multidisciplinary designers who share my belief that the best solutions emerge when strategy, mission, guest experience, and animal wellness are brought into one conversation and when we aren't afraid to do things differently.
"That shared spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and bold thinking has me incredibly excited to see where this next adventure will take us."
Deep understanding
Ludlum brings over two decades of experience in zoo and aquarium planning and design, including 8 years as founder and principal of Felis Consulting, a specialist in strategic planning, business planning, master planning, and concept design for zoos and aquariums.
Before this, she led zoo and aquarium planning and design efforts at PGAV for 16 years.
Her portfolio includes contributions to many of the sector's leading institutions, such as Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Saint Louis Zoo, Georgia Aquarium, SeaWorld, Brookfield Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Louisville Zoo, and many emerging and mid-sized zoological organisations.
Stephanie Stowell, director of zoo and aquarium projects, TESSERE, zoo and aquarium division, says: "I've long respected Stacey's ability to see beyond individual projects and focus on the larger picture of what makes our professional community successful.
"She understands that great zoos and aquariums aren't defined by buildings or exhibits alone, but by the experiences they create, the missions they advance, and the communities they serve.
"We're thrilled to welcome her to TESSERE and excited about what we'll be able to accomplish together for our clients and the future of the zoo and aquarium profession."
Evolving the zoo and aquarium division
Ludlum's appointment marks a key next step in the ongoing expansion and evolution of TESSERE's zoo and aquarium division.
In recent years, the practice has intentionally built a unique team that combines former zoo executives, educators, animal care professionals, architects, landscape architects, planners, and designers.
In contrast to conventional design practices, many team members have firsthand experience working in zoological institutions and understand the operational, conservation, animal care, and visitor-experience challenges that clients face each day.
This allows TESSERE to connect mission, conservation impact, animal well-being, guest experience, operations, and design into a single conversation and help clients confidently move from concept to implementation.
With a practice centred on habitat and exhibit design, TESSERE has continued to extend its capabilities to help organisations address broader organisational challenges.
Today, its work includes animal habitats and guest experiences, strategic and conservation planning, campus master planning, organisational strategy, sustainability integration, behaviour change, and long-range institutional visioning.
Recent projects include the North American River Otter habitat at John Ball Zoo, Giraffe & Friends at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, numerous projects at Zoo Boise, and Tiger Trails at Topeka Zoo, with additional contributions at Topeka Zoo, ZooAtlanta, and other organisations currently underway.
Industry thought leadership
The practice upholds a spirit of curiosity and a readiness to challenge convention, as evidenced in the thought-leadership initiative ECHO.
This programme connects zoo and aquarium leaders with thinkers from other sectors to discuss emerging ideas, question assumptions, and explore new possibilities for impact. Ludlum's appointment further cements this commitment.
As a renowned sector thought leader, longtime author of DesigningZoos.com, regular contributor to blooloop, and blooloop Zoo & Aquarium Influencer, Ludlum brings a respected voice and distinctive perspective to both client projects and industry dialogue.
In her new position, she will lead planning and design visioning efforts across the division, while expanding TESSERE's capabilities in master planning, concept design, business planning, and strategic development.
Ludlum's expertise will help zoological organisations connect long-term mission and organisational strategy with practical, actionable pathways for growth and impact.
TESSERE is an employee-owned architecture, engineering, and planning practice with a multidisciplinary approach that enables attractions to work with a single, integrated team throughout the life of a project.
Following its rebrand from GLMV Architecture, TESSERE's work within the attractions sector continues to grow. The practice seeks to combine conservation, education and memorable visitor experiences, creating destinations that remain relevant and adaptable for decades.
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
