LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT CO-HOSTS NEW TELEVISION SERIES

Grounds for Improvement, Featuring Dean Hill, ASLA, Premieres October 2

Washington, DC, September 27, 2004—Landscape architect Dean Hill, ASLA, will co-host Grounds for Improvement, a new series premiering October 2 at 7:00 pm on the DIY Network.

Hill and co-host Jackie Taylor, an avid do-it-yourselfer, travel around the country to help homeowners problem-solve and complete residential landscape projects. Each episode begins by recapping a central character's personal "yard story," then, with guidance from Hill’s personalized design and labor from the homeowner's family and friends, the problems are solved. Grounds for Improvement premieres in primetime on Saturday, October 2 at 7:00 pm, Eastern Time.

A past-president of the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Hill has 14 years of experience in landscape design and construction, particularly in residential design. He is president and principal designer at Terratecture, a landscape architecture firm specializing in the use of native plant material and sculpture in residential and commercial landscapes. Hill earned an undergraduate degree in telecommunications and a Masters degree in landscape architecture, both from Ball State University. He continues his involvement with Ball State, working with students in the landscape architecture design/build studio. Hill also serves on the Professional Advisory Council for Purdue University’s Landscape Architecture Program.

“Working on Grounds for Improvement has been incredibly enjoyable,” says Hill. “All of our homeowners have been very hands-on, but have struggled with translating their vision into a good design.” Hill hopes he has implemented an important educational aspect to the show. “I’ve used products and materials that typical homeowners may not be aware are on the market. We have exposed homeowners to the latest construction techniques for pavers, water features, structures, landscape lighting, and other outdoor materials.” Hill’s designs have also included recycled materials, such as composite decking and timbers, concrete pavers, and segmental retaining walls. “My goal is to show the homeowner how landscape architecture can add enjoyment and value to their residence through quality design.”

As viewers tune in to watch the new show, they can also turn to DIY’s companion website, www.DIYnetwork.com, which will include step-by-step project instructions, tips, and resources, as well as a program guide and list of episodes.

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects representing more than 14,200 members. Landscape architecture is a comprehensive discipline of land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship. Learn more about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.