2024 Recipient - Steven G. King

In the mid-1960s, Steve King had an aha moment: a sudden, inspired idea that launched a career and a company — and reimagined an industry. Steve developed “continuous play,” a concept that reshaped how children play. The idea also inspired Landscape Structures, a playground equipment company he co-founded in 1971 with his late wife, Barb. Today, the company’s structures are installed at schools and in neighborhoods worldwide.

Steve is quick to acknowledge the important role Iowa State played in his achievements, as his discovery occurred while he was a student.

Steve’s desire to give back, and his passion for innovation, design, and sustainability, are reflected in two transformative gifts in support of the College of Design: a lead gift for the King Pavilion addition to the design building — which was awarded LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council — and the Barbara King Scholarship for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which inspires students to engage in imaginative research projects that explore the practical applications of design.

These same interests also brought Steve and his wife, Susan “Sam” Boren, together a few years ago and continue to inspire their giving. Steve and Sam’s recent gift to establish the Steve and Susan King Excellence Fund in Landscape Architecture promises to propel the top-ranked program to even greater heights and strengthen its focus on environmental sustainability.

Over time, Steve’s support has helped to shape the College of Design into one of the most respected and most comprehensive design institutions in the country. In addition, it has helped the Department of Landscape Architecture receive regular recognition among the top programs nationally by DesignIntelligence. Steve is a member of the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear Society and Campanile Society.

Published April 2024