Words of Wisdom for Our 2025 Landscape Architecture Graduates

May 6, 2025

by Chloe Gillespie, Associate ASLA, Gina Ford, FASLA, PLA, Joe Imamura, PhD, FASLA, Ron Henderson, FASLA, José Leal, ASLA, PLA, Craig Klomp, Associate ASLA, and Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA

images: courtesy of Chloe Gillespie, Gina Ford, Ron Henderson, Craig Klomp, and Joe Imamura

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Look at you grow! You have made it to this major milestone and are getting your landscape architecture degree! We are all so proud of you! All of your hard work, late nights, and countless hours are paying off. Now it is time to let your creative dreams come true and start your next chapter. Whether you are starting at a firm, going into the public sector, starting grad school, or something in between, this is your time to imagine and reimagine what your future will be! To help get you started, the ASLA Student Support and Engagement committee has collected some Words of Wisdom to share with you from recent graduates and seasoned professionals. We hope these words of wisdom inspire you to continue to seek greatness as you emerge into young professionals.

Congratulations again, Class of 2025! Keep being amazing!

Here are three things I wish I knew sooner in my career (but am really glad I know now):

Be you. There is truly only one you. I promise: the things that make you YOU are the same things that will make you a great landscape architect. This work takes all kinds of people and skills…the showboats and introverts…the sharp pencils and the thick pens…the writers and the artists…the peacekeepers and the activists. Understand that you have a role to play, and be real and honest with yourself and others about what that might be. Lean into you.

Go get it. Leslie Odom Jr, the original Aaron Burr from the musical Hamilton, desperately wanted to play the part but knew it was an uphill climb. He was not friends with or part of the inner circle of Lin Manuel Miranda. He doggedly chased the role, read deeply, worked hard. He said, “You have to walk toward the thing that makes you feel alive.” Whatever it is that makes your heart warm or your mind engage, follow that with all your might.

Your Talent is Your Power. Remember that—no matter what the economic or cultural context—you are not beholden to any person or firm. Think of your talent like it’s your greatest capital (because it is!). Use your spending power on people, companies, and projects that are a wise use of this critical resource. Put your power and your energy into workplaces that share your values. Find leaders and sponsors that inspire you and bring out your best work. Seek projects that bring you joy or a sense of purpose. Don’t settle for less than that.

Gina Ford, FASLA, PLA

Harvard Graduate School of Design, MLA Class of 2003

Principal, Landscape Architect, and Co-Founder at Agency Landscape + Planning

image: courtesy of Gina Ford

Right after graduation, I was offered a job with the federal government. Public service was not a career path I ever imagined, but it turned out to be far more exciting and interesting than I ever expected. The experience taught me to be open to opportunities and take risk; it’s okay to make mistakes because you can always pivot and carve a new path. In fact, everyone’s career path is different, so why not carve your own?! Develop and cultivate your brand; know your strengths and lean into what you’re good at. Find your passion and things that interest you outside the profession; it’ll widen your perspective and add another dimension to what you offer. And, as you get older, know that it’s okay for your dreams and goals to change; mine have! Lastly, surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Remember, it doesn’t matter if it’s one year or ten years, every job is temporary, so keep reimagining your future and the kind of positive impact you want to have on people, places, and the world around you. Stay curious. You got this!

Joe Imamura, PhD, FASLA, AIA, FAICP

Texas Tech University, Class of 2000, 2012, 2016

Special Delegate of the Architect of the Capitol

Design Diplomacy, Denmark / image: © Ty Stange, courtesy of Joe Imamura

My first professional position after my undergraduate degree was working with Professors Esmee and Jaime Bellalta, and other recent graduates, on the renovation of a closed public school into a day care center for the children of immigrant farm workers. I learned that modest work can be monumental in purpose. A trick I have learned to keep moving forward is, I say "yes" (or what others may say as "ok, what the heck"). When opportunities lie before me, I am inclined to say yes, why not!?, rather than consider obstacles or complexities. My career has been an adventure! A lasting piece of advice is: make opportunities for the friends and colleagues with whom you want to work, and you build a constellation of teams and rewarding friendships around the world.

Ron Henderson, FASLA

University of Notre Dame, B.Arch. Class of 1985 University of Pennsylvania, M.L.A. & M.Arch. Class of 1995

Professor of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism and Director of Research for the Alphawood Arboretum at Illinois Institute of Technology

Orland Grassland Field Trip 2020 / image: courtesy of Ron Henderson

Considering I have been at the same firm since graduating from UC Davis over 26 years ago, a valuable lesson I learned early on from a mentor is to surround yourself with people whose strengths balance out your weaknesses. This advice continues to guide my journey. I do not believe anyone succeeds in isolation. A team of diverse talents, perspectives, and skills makes our work stronger and fosters continuous learning and growth. Personal and collective success is knowing where you bring value, and where others can help you go further.

Never stand still for too long, or you may be cited for loitering. But seriously, I have made it a point to keep moving by seeking out unfamiliar paths and new ways to challenge myself. My main tools for envisioning my future are curiosity, welcoming growth, never accepting ‘no’ as the final answer, and always remembering my past.

Remain yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the now and all these external expectations. But remaining true to who you are is key to long-term success and fulfillment. Remain patient. Things don’t always unfold on our timeline, but trusting the process and giving yourself space to grow can make all the difference. And finally, never lose sight of your vision and mission. I have had distractions, setbacks, and moments when I felt lost, but never losing sight of why I am here ensured that I would continue moving forward with purpose.

José Leal, ASLA, PLA, IA

University of California, Davis, Class of 1999

Principal at MIG

University of California, Davis Graduation in 1999 / image: courtesy of José Leal

To the graduating class: as someone who recently made the transition from student to professional in 2024, I want to share a few reflections as you step into this exciting new chapter. Reimagining the future of landscape architecture begins with patience, humility, and a deep respect for the process. As students, we often carry the ambition to solve big problems and change the world overnight. While that drive is essential, I’ve come to realize that real impact often lies in the smaller, everyday moments—whether it's refining a detail, listening to a community, collaborating with a co-worker, or understanding the subtle language of a site. These moments, though quiet, lay the groundwork for trust, creativity, and long-term vision. Give yourself the grace to grow, to learn from mentors and the land itself, and to understand that meaningful progress takes time. As you move forward, stay true to who you are and remain open to discovery of your values and unique voice. This profession lies at the intersection of art, science, culture, and social responsibility—making room for diverse perspectives, inclusive design, and stories that deserve to be heard. Embracing diversity in background, thought, and experience enriches our processes and deepens our ability to design spaces that truly reflect and serve the full spectrum of our communities. For me, reimagining the future also means honoring the land—not merely as a site to shape, but as a living, breathing presence with its own history and meaning. Whether through ecological restoration, cultural recognition, or practices of reconciliation, we are called to design with empathy and intention. So, take the time to listen—to people, to places, and to the layered stories each landscape holds. There is power in slowing down, asking questions, and remaining present in the process. This is where I believe meaningful, lasting design begins. My advice to you: be patient, trust the journey, embrace the process—and never stop dreaming big.

Craig Klomp, Associate ASLA

University of Guelph, Class of 2024

Landscape Designer at Design Workshop

image: courtesy of Craig Klomp

My first job after graduating from The University of Georgia with a degree in landscape architecture was EDSA and I have been with my company for 29 years. I wish I knew more about the business of design before I graduated. Like most of us, I was fortunate to take a professional practice class at Georgia. Yet, the class focused on resumes, portfolios, how to get a job, etc. We did not get an overview on the business of a design company. I did not know about billable hours, utilization targets, project budgets, proposals, contracts, and receivables. Learning how to read a profit and loss spreadsheet would have been helpful. What I needed was an accounting 101 course to supplement my design studies. Once I became a project manager, our studio principal in charge, project accountant, and mentors taught me how to navigate the nuances of running a successful design studio. So, my advice to students and emerging professionals is to seek knowledge regarding business and accounting. Also, it is never too late to learn something new. For example, I completed a certificate course in Commercial Real Estate Development from Cornell to increase my knowledge regarding real estate financial transactions and now I understand project feasibility as well.

Expanding my knowledge of digital techniques was extremely helpful. My first introduction to design technology was AutoCAD release 12 in 1993 and we have come a long way! Now, we are utilizing Sketchbook Pro by Autodesk to quickly illustrate ideas, Rhino to model complex design scenarios, and REVIT to integrate our work with our design collaborators. Also, resources are abundant. I have an incredible collection of books. Some of my favorite early book resources include Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture by Harris and Dines, Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards by Len Hopper, Site Planning by Kevin Lynch, Grade Easy by Richard Untemann, Manual of Woody Plants by Michael Dirr and Florida, My Eden by Fred Stressau for planting design. Now, my resources are digital too and I utilize asla.org, lafoundation.org, ULI.org, online learning as well as design websites like Dezeen for inspiration.

Finally, the best trick I utilized in the early days of my career I affectionately called the “Gray Hair” phenomena. Simply, using the word “I” never entered my vocabulary in design conversations. It has always been about “we” and why, how, and what the team was delivering. Consistently leveraging the experience of my colleagues went a long way. Instant credibility was always achieved when I would mention that both Ed Stone and Joe Lalli provided their expertise in the design process. Collaboration is the key and knowing what you do not know goes a long way to learning something new.

As a creative, I have always found ways to explore many aspects of design. Pursuing my interest in design has been intertwined in my daily life. I love to spend time in art galleries and museums, check out concerts and music performances, and attend plays and musicals. I started drawing and painting at a young age as an outlet to express my creativity. It is very therapeutic and calming. Also, I have been reading (fiction and non-fiction) more frequently to incorporate inspiration to amplify my artwork and give me insights towards lifelong learning. And listening to music has been the foundation that keeps me grounded. Much of this pursuit was solidified growing up in a creative and musical household. My parents constantly played music around the house and that music is still a part of my lexicon. However, it is essential to make space for yourself to pursue your interests. As I always say, “you do you” and enjoy every aspect of life. So, I just keep exploring art, music, film, books, photography, food, landscape architecture, architecture, interior design, graphic design, cultures, and travel. Remember, there is so much inspiration around us in nature to move us forward. Your interests matter. Make sure you protect your creative soul and keep exploring. It is up to us to “design” the life we want to live.

Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA

University of Georgia, Class of 1997

Principal at EDSA

Congratulations again on your graduation! As you transition from being a student to an emerging professional landscape architect, we want to make sure you continue to enjoy ASLA membership benefits. The next membership level: ASLA Associate Membership is only $75 your first year! And as you embark on your journey to become a licensed landscape architect, please know that as an Associate Member you will receive a variety of discounts on the LARE prep courses, and you will also receive a discount to attend the ASLA 2025 Conference on Landscape Architecture in New Orleans.

Register for ASLA Associate Membership >

As a member of the next generation of landscape architects, you should also know about two other ASLA membership aspects. First, if you will be joining a firm, we strongly encourage you to inquire about having your firm cover your ASLA membership fee. Many large and small firms provide this benefit to their employees. Second, we know from member testimonials that they can enhance their ASLA membership experience by actively participating in their local chapter. So, please remember to select the most appropriate chapter based on your place of work or residence.

As you embark on your next adventure into the professional realm, please know we are all rooting for you and are always willing to help you out in your times of need! You’ve got this! Go take the world by storm!

All the best,

Chloe Gillespie, Associate ASLA

Kansas State University, Class of 2023

Landscaper at Country Landscapes

And the rest of the ASLA Student Support and Engagement Committee:

  • Paige Bernhardt, ASLA – Committee Chair
  • Adam De Foor-White, ASLA
  • Emily Pixberg
  • April Beal, Student ASLA
  • Pamela Blough, FASLA
  • Pamela Brief, ASLA
  • Yuk Cheang, Student ASLA
  • Lilian Crawford, Student ASLA
  • Jhoanna Farray, Student ASLA
  • Chloe Gillespie, Associate ASLA
  • Laurie Hall, ASLA
  • Jaye Hoyte Hayes, Student ASLA
  • Marius Igitangaza Ngabo, Student ASLA
  • Kenneth Kokroko
  • Courtney Malden, Student Affiliate ASLA
  • Lingli Meng, Student ASLA
  • Daniel Moreno, Student ASLA
  • Amira Slocum, Student ASLA
  • Carlos Torres de Janon, Associate ASLA
  • Alexa Warren, Student ASLA
  • Ethan Wu, ASLA
  • Jin Xiaodong, Student ASLA
  • Ashley Steffens, ASLA, FCELA, ASLA Vice President of Education
  • Kris Pritchard, Hon. ASLA, Director, Accreditation and Education

For more, see the ASLA Student Support and Engagement Committee's 2024 Words of Wisdom and 2023 Words of Wisdom.