ASLA invites landscape architecture students to join Spark Talks: Beyond the Classroom – Bridging Studio to Reality, a dynamic five-part webinar series designed to help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Starting on October 23, these short, engaging conversations bring together emerging professionals—many of whom were students not long ago—to share their experiences, lessons, and insights about transitioning into the workforce.

Each session explores a different facet of post-graduate life. The series begins with “Office Life 101,” a high-level overview of what to expect after graduation, featuring voices from large firms, small studios, and public practice. Next, “Marketing Skills/Business Development” offers a behind-the-scenes look at how professionals attract clients and build business, with insight from leaders at SmithGroup. The third session, “Working with Interdisciplinary Teams” explores collaboration across design disciplines and shares how landscape architects can make their voices heard and thrive in complex project teams. “Project Post-Completion” follows, diving into what happens once a project is built, with Terremoto sharing lessons from their Los Angeles and San Francisco offices about stewardship, funding, and long-term care. Finally, “Life Outside of the Office” wraps up the series with candid conversations about maintaining balance and passion beyond the workday, offering practical advice for sustaining creativity and well-being in a busy professional life.

This series is an invaluable opportunity for students to hear real-world experiences from those who’ve recently made the leap from studio to practice—helping you prepare, connect, and spark inspiration for your own journey beyond the classroom.

Spark Talk: Office Life 101

Date: Thursday, October 23, 1 p.m. ET
Moderator: Carlos Torres de Janon, Associate ASLA, MIG
Speakers:

• Patrick Burns, Associate ASLA, Designer, LandDesign
• Estello  Raganit, ASLA, PLA, Senior Public Space Planner, City of Somerville
• Emily Siler, Associate ASLA, Designer, Genus Landscape Architects

REGISTER

Spark Talk: Marketing Skills/Business Dev
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2 p.m. ET
Moderator: Kenneth Kokroko, ASLA, PLA, University of Arizona
Speakers:

• Michael Johnson, ASLA, PLA, Vice President, SmithGroup
• Jen Miller, CPSM, Director of Business Development, SmithGroup

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Spark Talk: Working with Interdisciplinary Teams
Date: Thursday, November 6, 3 p.m. ET
Moderator: Paige Bernhardt, ASLA, PLA, Ayres Associates
Speakers:

• Susan England, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP, Senior Associate, LandDesign
• Bill Estes, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP, Director of Landscape Architecture, MIG

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Spark Talk: Project Post-Completion
Date: Thursday, November 13, 4 p.m. ET
Moderator: Carlos Torres de Janon
Speakers:

• David Godshall, ASLA, Principal/Owner, Terremotto
• Jennifer Jones, ASLA, Principal, Terremotto
• Kasey Toomey, Terremotto
• Story Wiggins, ASLA, Partner, Terremoto

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Spark Talk: Life Outside of the Office
Date: Thursday, November 20, 5 p.m. ET
Moderator: Emily Pixberg, ASLA, Landscape Designer, Design Workshop
Speakers:

• Eric Becker, ASLA, PLA, Senior Associate, Field Operations
• Kelley Oklesson, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP, Principal, Groundsmith Collective
• Ari Vamos, Landscape Designer, ABLE

REGISTER 

Can’t attend?

No worries, we’ll record all sessions and share them on the ASLA Students video website following the presentations. Don’t wait, sign up for a FREE ASLA Student Membership now!