DREAM BIG with Design

Launched in 2021, DREAM BIG with Design is ASLA's first conference experience for prek-12 student and educator audiences. To date, DREAM BIG with Design events have included two virtual conferences, one in-person conference, and one professional development event for educators: DREAM BIG with Design: TEACHER'S EDITION. Watch the DREAM BIG with Design promotional video and get a glimpse at the virtual program!

Check out the Pre-Conference Highlights below.

Pre-Conference Highlights

In April 2021, ASLA partnered with HHMI Studios and PBS Nature to host a screening of the PBS Nature film, My Garden of a Thousand Bees. The screening was followed by a post-film discussion on Designing for Pollinators with Patricia Algara, ASLA and Clay Bolt, award-winning World Wildlife Fund photographer. In June 2021, ASLA launched DREAM BIG with Minecraft, its first virtual competition for high school students using the popular design and build game played by millions of youth and adult gamers around the world. The competition brought together a diverse community of students from Washington, DC, Miami, FL and New York, NY. View the photo gallery of winning designs. 

hhmi/Tangled Bank Studios/PBS Nature

Watch the post-film discussion.

DREAM BIG with Minecraft

2022 Conference Highlights

In September 2022, ASLA hosted its second PreK-12 Summit with live, interactive sessions that explored the future of landscape architecture, pollinator design, bee conservation, drone technology, and theme park design. Special guests included landscape architects Todd McCurdy, FASLA and Chip Sullivan, FASLA, noted scientist/entomologist Dr. Samuel Ramsey, award-winning World Wildlife Fund photographer Clay Bolt, and award-winning children's musician, Billy Jonas. 

Hard Rock Park, Todd McCurdy, FASLA

Dr. Samuel Ramsey, Entomologist

Designing the Enchanted Forest with Chip Sullivan, FASLA

Clay Bolt, World Wildlife Fund

The Big Idea! Written & Produced by Billy Jonas

Drone Zones with Nahal Sohbati & Eric Arneson, ASLA

2023 DREAM BIG with Design LIVE

In 2023, DREAM BIG with Design debuted in person at ASLA's Annual Conference on Landscape Architecture in the EXPO Hall of the Minneapolis Convention Center. Featured presenters held design charrettes with local students and families. Attendee were also treated to a concert by award-winning children's musician, Billy Jonas. Jonas taught attendees his ASLA-hit song The Big Idea, a story about two children who discover their calling as landscape architects. Members were also introduced to DREAM BIG with Minecraft by developer Zac Jarrard.

LEGOLAND, Florida with Todd McCurdy, FASLA

The Big Idea Sing-Along with Billy Jonas

Disney Paper Parks with Walt Disney Imagineers and MaFe Gonzales, ASLA, Spanish Translator

Enchanted Forest Design with Chip Sullivan, FASLA

Playground Design with Nathan Schleicher, Earthscape/Mischief & Wilde

DREAM BIG with Minecraft Design Guide workshop with Zac Jarrard.

Access video recordings from all DREAM BIG with Design sessions, at no cost, on learn.asla.org.