40 YEARS+
Florida Chapter

 

Richard (Rick) R. Conant, FASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I am a native Floridian and grew up in Ocala, Florida. I received my BLA from the University of Florida and began my career in 1973. I was hired by a firm that was only five years old, I was the rookie among five other professionals. Today I am the Owner and President of a 10-person firm that began for me 50 years ago.  How did you begin your career journey in Landscape Architecture? My original goal was to be an Architect. After a short interview at University of Florida with the Dean of Architecture he thought Landscape Architecture may be a better fit. I was introduced to Landscape Architecture by Dean Herrick Smith. After three hours of talking, I knew exactly what I wanted to become, a Landscape Architect. What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? The need for more people to pursue landscape architecture as a career.  What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 46 years? Being a member of ASLA has kept me up to date on how the profession was emerging. New trends, technology, materials, and products through the magazine were a great resource. More importantly, it was always introducing new professionals that brought new ideas and philosophy to the table. During my time of leadership as chapter president and trustee, ASLA staff was always there to support us through licensure battles and important critical issue; they have always been a great resource. The National Conferences I have attended over the years have not only been educational but have provided long friendships, connections, and memories. What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? Being connected to your profession is critically important. Connecting in service to the Society is invaluable to your professional growth and personal contacts. What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? Remain flexible and open to the diverse opportunities that landscape architecture can provide. Over the last 50 years the expansion of new ideas, theories, practice, and applications has opened new doors for landscape architects. Find a place where your skills apply naturally and become the best designer you can. Be intuitive and anticipate how you apply your skills. Connect and collaborate when designing and do it face to face. What is your favorite project in your career and why? Over the past 50 years, I have designed or directed thousands of projects: international airports, community parks, corporate headquarters, international resorts, themed entertainment, educational campuses, public facilities, and residential communities. Among all of these, I have enjoyed the design challenges and client interaction on the projects I have completed with Pulte Homes over the last 10 years. Having completed over 80 projects, each one being different and unique to its site and community. The satisfaction that you have designed amenities and landscapes that will provide identity, aesthetic relief, and a sense of place for the residents of each community is rewarding.  What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? We are the bridge between architecture and civil engineering. Landscape architects make excellent team leaders because we understand the land and can complement the architecture. We must understand and respect how all design disciplines fit into the overall site development and blend our work seamlessly. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 46 years with ASLA? Having worked in the same firm for 50 years may seem isolated to the diversity that one may find practicing in a multitude of firms. My diversity has been the employees and partners that I have had over these years. Each one has brought in different views, skills, and perspective. I am very proud of the legacy of professional talent that has been part of Foster Conant & Associates and have gone on to be successful themselves. In addition, my involvement in ASLA has been my way to connect with other firms and professionals to share and learn.

St. Louis Chapter

 

Richard M. Kacenski, ASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? Born and raised in East Saint Louis, Illinois. I practiced as a Landscape Architect for 41 years (retired 8/2021). 2.How did you begin your career journey in Landscape Architecture? Started as an Architecture student (didn’t know landscape architecture was a thing then), was exposed to Ian McHarg’s work and Design with Nature, and Kevin Lynch’s Site Planning while in architecture school that planted the seed. I did not complete my architecture leaving to work in construction and as an engineering draftsman. Heard about the new Landscape Architecture program in the town I was living, and went in to find out about the program. I was signed up before I left. I graduated in May of 1980 with my BLA from the University of Arkansas (Go Hogs!!). What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? The most important issue………sustaining and maintaining the earth, for us particularly through resource design (water, soil, biodiversity….) particularly through use of plants, particularly native plants to preserve plant diversity and so insect, avian….. and our preservation, through providing for pollinators, storm water and waste water management and cleansing. The key will be to provide these sustainable and biodiverse environments in developed urban, public, private and corridor lands as well as agricultural and federal lands. Also, the idea that humans are part of the Earth and not separate or above, our survival is dependent on the survival of the planet and all our fellow creatures. What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 42 years? As an ASLA member I’ve enjoyed the support of the national body particularly through our local chapter, in program and licensure support. Personally the educational programs, LAM magazine, research publications, conferences and continuing education opportunities have been very beneficial, enlightening and appreciated. ASLA has also provided me an opportunity to serve as an LAAB program visitor/reviewer (2000-2012).  What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? Reasons for belonging to ASLA: supporting the profession and our practice through sharing of knowledge and passion with other professionals through out the country and further through the PPN’s, conference workshops and sessions and online CEU courses and presentations; opportunity for participation and leadership on local and national level and the legislative efforts for the environment on both state and national level. As the profession moves forward we will need to be more collaborative both within our profession and with all our allied trades and professions and the ASLA is a key vehicle for that.What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture?  It is a wonderful vocation and avocation to work with the natural environment, particularly plant materials, and make places for people to live in, play in, recreate in and learn to conserve/renew our environment/planet. The field offers so many avenues to pursue and practice our interest and passion for the Earth. The field also offers so many opportunities for collaboration with other designers, scientist , engineers and community partners working on toward the same ends of sustaining and renewing the environment. In addition, I would encourage all new practitioners to think of the future generations and how your projects involve, support and enhance their education of the environment and place.What is your favorite project in your career and why? I was very fortunate to be part of the design team that worked on the renovation of Post-Dispatch Lake and the Grand Basin at Forest Park (St. Louis’ 'Central Park’). Having grown up in the area I enjoyed Forest Park and its great facilities and open spaces. Then to be able to be part of the wonderful renovation work envisioned in the 2005 master plan was such a special gift, a dream fulfilled. (character photo attached) What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? I think what Landscape Architects bring to any project is a multiple variable overview of the site , its components and larger context, including physical, historical and social contexts. (Personal bias, LEED basic site concerns (like no development in the floodplain) should be project no-gos). The site and the communities involved, human/fauna and flora, should be primary concerns as we approach every project and to be that spokesperson for those concerns and to design to find solutions that address those concerns is a key role of a landscape architect on any team. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 42 years with ASLA? To me, being a landscape architect and a member of ASLA are synonymous, Being part of a professional organization that advocates for the Land (as well as its members), from education and advocacy to legislation is very important. Equally important is ASLA’s dedication to support, education and mentorship of the future generations of landscape architects.

Boston Chapter

 

Cynthia W. Smith, FASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I am originally from the Washington DC Metro area having grown up in Bethesda Chevy Chase until age 16 and then moved to Central NY. (My father was General Counsel of the Treasury Department under JFK and Johnson.) In my early years, i was influenced by the tree-lined boulevards of DC the L'Enfant landscape (capitol mall) and places like Rock Creek Park, the Canal and Dumbarton Oaks. most of my career has been spent working (over 40 years) in New England and Boston specifically working as a practitioner beginning at Sasaki, then SWA Group, and finally being a partner in a smaller firm, Halvorson Design which was recently purchased by an interdisciplinary engineering firm. I recently stepped back from the firm and have been serving on a number of local commissions and boards including city of Cambridge Public Planting Commision (Urban Forest); Hubbard Educational Trust, etc. How did you begin your career journey in Landscape architecture? I was a late bloomer and initially started out at the University of Oregon in Eugene as a liberal arts student. I did not find out about Landscape architecture until the summer of my junior year in college there. I was heavily influenced by the beautiful and legible Pacific Northwest landscape, having worked the summer before on a forest fire lookout in the Coast range near Coos Bay. U of O had several amazing faculty and the school at that time was very forward thinking about issues around alternative solar energy, and vernacular architecture and landscape, and placemaking. I later received a Master's Degree from Harvard--Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design. What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? Society's over consumption and human's lack of connectedness to the planet, climate change/sea level rise, and pollution, and imbalance of nature are important issues we need to address as well as global war and the impacts associated with war including landscape degradation, starvation and global poverty issues. What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 41 years? ASLA and my local participation in the New England chapter (BSLA) has provided me with a wonderful community of smart and forward thinking professionals connected as a community to a beautiful landscape. Having served on Committees and Boards and the Executive Committee (President, etc.) at the local level enhanced my professional experience and helped me advance my career as a young professional--and provided a wonderful network of allied professionals and friends. What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? As a young professional, you will have opportunities for serving in leadership positions which will enhance your career and provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the profession. What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? Get involved in your local chapter and you will be rewarded. Although it is expensive to belong, your office may be willing to help pay for your membership, especially if you are actively involved. What is your favorite project in your career and why? One of my favorite projects that I worked on in my mid-Career was Post Office Square. The project was truly transformational for the Financial District of Boston. It is a good example of how a visionary landscape can make a huge difference to a district and for its users. As an early success story, it helped the citizens and leaders of Boston to think big and have a greater vision about the foundational possibilities for the landscapes of Boston. This was applied to other major infrastructure landscapes such as the Big Dig, as well as the waterfront redevelopment of the Harborwalk, Fort Point Channel and the Seaport District. What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? Landscape architects care about both beauty and the interconnectedness of landscapes and spaces. balance--the physical space between buildings, especially the Public Realm landscapes that we inhabit. As generalists, we have an ability to see things at a variety of scales (global to local) and from different viewpoints. We see how the puzzle pieces fit together and also the impacts of our site decisions on the larger landscape and cityscape. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 41 years with ASLA?

 30 YEARS+
Texas Chapter

Steven R. Ryba, ASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I was born and raised in Southern New Jersey originally. I have been working within the profession since 1982 to present day. I plan to continue at this point for another year or so (im 67) . It’s a great profession to wind down in as it can be applied at many different levels. How did you begin your career journey in Landscape architecture? I remember the exact location! Sitting at a red light in Marlton, NJ. I had an Ah Ha moment after weeks and months of extensive research looking into the question “what do I want to do?” the hardest question ever. There were no computers and was writing letters, making phone calls and going to the library to flesh out my specific interests… and it hit me! Landscape Architecture. I was working the retail floor of my family’s sporting goods store, a man and his wife walked in to shop. We were chatting and somehow got around to talking about my interests and heading out west, I don’t remember why exactly…he asked; have you ever read Design with Nature by Ian McHarg (as we were outside of the Philadelphia area.) I looked it up and bingo! Being 2 years out of H.S. I had the presence of mind to take control and to change the direction and location of my life. I had to get started with My Plan. It was tuff to get any support in 1976. To be frank…I was not a very good student in H.S. but a good athlete. I was industrious though and to be honest no one really believed in me unless it involved a sport or throwing something. I was a good ball player but a realist. My size and enthusiasm for it wasn’t there. There were many reasons guiding my interest and leaning into LA. I wanted to change the course of my life and be involved in something I believed in. after all I was paying for this…no family support or funds, no scholarship, so it had to count. I wrote to various university for the curriculum. I went to Local community college to get my GPA up and knock out what classes I could that would transfer. I wanted to go west as I had a deep fascination and interest in being around another culture, environment and natural history. I wrote to U of Oklahoma, U of Arizona and Cal. Poly. Needless to say, Cal poly wouldn’t consider anyone who wasn’t a California resident, The U of A and U of Oklahoma accepted me. I chose U of A and set my sites on leaving for Tucson. I wrote and re-wrote outline after outline of ALL the moves / events that would need to take place to do this. I was 18. I had never done anything like this before. I put the plan into action and left that summer. I was scared and uncertain. There’s a lot more to the story …but… No one truly believed me until I started loading 200 lbs of albums and my stereo into my car to leave. It was the best thing I ever did. What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? Humm….I believe there may need to be a paradigm shift in thinking. I believe the natural environment is in trouble. Design…may need to reflects more conservation of natural environment and proposal of re-wilding or putting back! I like the idea of environmental engineering as being a large component in this profession. Emphasis more conservation even at a residential scale. Get some fundamentals back into the curriculum, we are technological captives! The art part of this profession is slipping away. Hand drawing, perspective sketching, lettering….seems archaic but the young ones simply don’t have it or care. Young ones need to learn to earn and not expect. The reality is “Not everyone gets a trophy” . in this world. Learn to listen and try …pay your dues. What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 30 years? Knowing that I was and remained part of an organization that I believed in. we have an obligation to support the profession,. It helps to Stay on top of things, trends, concerns. As time went on asla became more known to others. It’s a club you should be proud of. Plus I like the magazine. What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? Same as above… also Support your profession by joining. It should be a know brainer. I know those who try to say a buck by not joining…but…frankly that’s lame if you’re going to be in the profession. Helps to stay informed What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? Don’t go in “expecting” anything. Be grateful as you begin the journey, stay open to ideas an no complaining!!!! Tune in to “conservation”. It was a boring topic for me at the time I was learning. I believe if I had it to do over again, I would have gravitated mor e towards learning more about it. Also…think of the symbiotic relationships with plant, soil and wildlife…Id like to see all projects start there . What is your favorite project in your career and why? My current one! Of course, there are many others…but Tres Market, Dallas is current and that’s my favorite. Lots of hardscape, challenging site with high visibility and most of all I like the client and they appreciate me. The team has mutual respect for each other and communication if professional and all inclusive. I bend over backwards in a project if its copesetic. Projects where my design input respected. hat in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 30 years with ASLA? It’s a great profession. There are so many off shoots generated form Landscape Architecture. We Do need more conservation…that applies at all levels. Put more emphasis on that…look at re-wilding and try to give back to nature. If you’re the kind of person that wants to do it on you own! Take charge, be professional and be yourself. Pay your dues, get some great experience from a larger firm to hone your skills, then try a smaller office environment to begin the vision you have for yourself…and go for it! Be brave don’t get caught up in doubt ever! It’s like playing a sport you know if it’s a fit and if your any good or not!

25 YEARS
Michigan Chapter
Henry L. Byma, ASLA 

Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter
Mark A. Hackenburg, ASLA
Rachel Sclan Vahey, ASLA 

Potomac Chapter
Victoria S. Bryant, ASLA 

Prairie Gateway Chapter
Darron R. Ammann, ASLA 

Virginia Chapter
Leslie A. News, ASLA 

15 YEARS
New York Upstate Chapter
Geffrey P. Redick, ASLA 

North Carolina Chapter
Nancy Jill Coleman, ASLA 

10 YEARS
Boston Chapter
Scott T. Ridder, ASLA

New York Chapter
Julie Canter, ASLA

Virginia Chapter
Jack Rosenberger, ASLA 

5 YEARS
Alabama Chapter
Casey Ivy, ASLA 

California Northern Chapter
Diana Daisey, Associate ASLA 

Florida Chapter
Peter F. Keenan, ASLA
Laura P. Reyes, ASLA 

Idaho/Montana Chapter
Jyl M. Glancey, ASLA
Alison Tompkins, ASLA 

Louisiana Chapter
William Tietje, ASLA 

New York Upstate Chapter
Taylor Goldthwait, ASLA

Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter
Keyleigh Kern, ASLA 

Potomac Chapter
Anastasia Snejnevski, Associate ASLA 

San Diego Chapter
Jessica Reed, Student ASLA 

Texas Chapter
Grant Huber, ASLA 

New Members
Boston
James Victor Hark, Associate ASLA 

Colorado
Jenny Deichman, Affiliate ASLA
Susan Garland, ASLA 

Florida
Rocio Martinez, ASLA
Jonathon Morton, Affiliate ASLA 

Georgia
Aleisha Chiyoko Gwin, Associate ASLA
Kent Thomas McClure, Affiliate ASLA 

Illinois
Alisa Courey, Associate ASLA 

Indiana
Tony Sellers, Affiliate ASLA 

International Chapter
Kelsey Marie Vitullo, ASLA 

Maryland
Colleen Anglin, Affiliate ASLA 

New Mexico
Veronica Blount, ASLA
Jeremiah Gwin, ASLA 

Ohio
Forbes Lipschitz, ASLA

Potomac
Vanessa Sara Miller, Affiliate ASLA
Eric Schlatter, PLA, ASLA 

San Diego
Suzanne Anderson, Affiliate ASLA 

Texas
Brooke Furrh, ASLA
Daniel Phillip Vaught, ASLA

Student
Marco Estrella, Student ASLA
Rogelio Garcia-Velazquez, Student ASLA
Shubhra Goel, Student ASLA
Erich Jacobi, Student ASLA
Kieran Silva, Student ASLA
Joyce Tong, Student ASLA Student Affiliate
Nada Gatalo, Student Affiliate ASLA
Daniel Johnston, Student Affiliate ASLA
Suprima Joshi, Student Affiliate ASLA
Georgia Kretz, Student Affiliate ASLA
Jazz Masoud, Student Affiliate ASLA
Charles C. Naranjo, Student Affiliate ASLA
Jehlani Williams, Student Affiliate ASLA 

Student International
Manar Alkhabbaz, Student International ASLA
Ma. Camille Frixia Abela Delavin, Student International ASLA
Jiahui Gao, Student International ASLA
HaoYu Guo, Student International ASLA
Fahime Hasanifar, Student International ASLA
Mohsen Kheirmand Parizi, Student International ASLA
Shahla Mohseni, Student International ASLA
Selaluk Rakwong, Student International ASLA
Mostafa Taghizadeh, Student International ASLA
Chun Wah Tang, Student International ASLA
Jie Xiao, Student International ASLA
Sude Yazkan, Student International ASLA
Yinqiu Zhu, Student International ASLA