50 YEARS+
Florida Chapter  

 

William H. Baker, FASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I’m originally from Oskaloosa, Iowa. I received my LA degree in 1964 from the University of Florida in Gainesville. How did you begin your career journey in Landscape architecture? My first professional position was as Assistant County Planner in Palm Beach County to help set up the new Planning Department. After that I joined the United States Air Force, working as an Officer in the Engineering and Construction arena. I initially served on active duty 4 years, stationed in Oregon for 2 years, in Vietnam for one year, and in Maine for one year. Then I settled in Orlando, Florida in 1969,working with an established Landscape Architect, Thomas H. Wallis, Jr. who had opened his one man office in 1961. We established a partnership in 1970 and worked together, with many great associates, until 2001, when he retired. Our firm, Wallis Baker Associates, was fortunate enough to serve hundreds of clients on many commercial, governmental and residential projects. Our principal office was in Winter Park, Florida and we established a second office location in Vero Beach, Florida. I continued my firm after Tom retired, working until 2005. During my Landscape Architecture career, I also continued a parallel path, serving a total of 23 years in the Air Force Reserve.  What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? There are many issues to face, but I think the most important thing is to continue focusing on doing fine quality design that helps to solve our client’s challenges. It is so easy to become ‘bogged down’ in the confusion of today’s world - we need to SIMPLIFY our lives and design solutions wherever and whenever we can! What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 51 years? Many, many wonderful friends, coworkers and associates! Through my ASLA years I was privileged to assist on many Florida Chapter projects and to encourage others to join and get involved. Working on the Chapter Executive Committee, and then as Vice President, then President, then Trustee, led to wonderful experiences both at the Chapter and National levels! What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? ASLA needs each Landscape Architect, each new idea, each infusion of creativity and energy!! We are SO MUCH stronger together! Plus, it’s just FUN - so do it!!! What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? As you can, and as your energy and time allows, begin adding your voice and your presence and your ideas to this, YOUR professional home - and be patient! You are in this for the long haul, so enjoy all the varied opportunities that will come your way! What is your favorite project in your career and why? I’m not sure there is a true ‘favorite’! My firm, my fantastic business partner, Tom Wallis, and all the wonderful associates we had through the years, were privileged to work on so many varied commissions - botanical gardens, a major international airport, an important convention center, sizable office parks, commercial buildings of all types, educational facilities, a variety of theme parks, hotels, governmental structures, military facilities in the United States and overseas, cemeteries in five states, condominiums, and single family residences, large and small. Each project was special and important - and a learning opportunity for all of us in the office! What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? My feeling is that landscape architects can bring a real cohesion to each endeavor, and help our clients and allied professionals find common sense solutions to the various challenges ahead while truly enjoying the process we all navigate. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 51 years with ASLA? Landscape Architecture is a profession to celebrate, a profession to enjoy, and a profession to be proud of! It is a profession that helps to lead mankind into a positive future. I am so proud to have been a small participant in this fine profession!!

40 YEARS+
Kentucky Chapter  

 

 Thomas J. Nieman, FASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I was born and reared on a landscape nursery in Cincinnati, Ohio and lived in a old farm house with no central heating and water only in the kitchen sink. From those auspicious beginnings I received a BLA from Ohio State (1966), an MLA from U. Mass (1968) and a PhD in Environmental Psychology form Southern Illinois U. (1972). I began practicing landscape architecture in the mid 1960s, was licensed in 1974, and joined ASLA in 1975. After four years at SUNY Syracuse, my wife, two little kiddies, and I came to the U. of Kentucky in 1977 to teach where I spent 39 glorious years in that pursuit. How did you begin your career journey in Landscape architecture? Growing up in the landscape business with a first generation Cincinnati German plants family, I learned that plants and soil were everything. Watching my mother, who had no formal training, draw up plans for projects that my dad and the crews installed intrigued me. In fact, I periodically got in trouble for making changes to her work when she was away from the board. A horticulture professor from Ohio State, who was doing research on our nursery, suggested that I might want to consider Landscape Architecture at Ohio State. Being a country kid, the thought of going to a major university was terrifying, but being a stubborn and determined ( not smart) I went and ultimately prevailed. Was it fun and enjoyable, hell no! It was a bitch. However, the idea of creating landscapes out of the soil and plants that I grew up with along with the profound idea that I might be able to teach was unfathomable. Now, after 45 years as an academic and 50 years as a practitioner, I realized, "Yes I can."  What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? For me landscape architecture has changed. The Olmstedian concept of land, unfortunately, is all but gone. Urban development has taken over the land at a rampant pace and the profession does not appear able to adapt in a way that recognizes the importance of the land and the changes to the land as related to ecosystem derogation and climatic change. It is critical, if we are to survive, that landscape architecture regain its relationship to the land and the environment as a whole. What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 48 years? ASLA membership has been an interesting experience, not all good, but certainly not all bad. What have I gained? The answer is simple, the process, however, was much more difficult: "Don't bitch about something if you are not willing to step up and do something about it." Membership takes time, it takes energy, involvement is not always (hardly ever) recognized. And, you certainly do not get 100% agreement, even when you are right (or at least think you are). You only get out of it what you put into it. No one gives you anything. If you can live with that, ASLA is the place to be. Ask any involved ASLA member, l bet they would agree. None of them do it for the glory. What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? I became a member of ASLA early in my career, even when I felt I could not afford it. I had no idea what it was. I thought it would be a great help in my career aspirations. It wasn't.. I was hoping it would lead me to an understanding of the concept of the profession. It didn't do that either. What a bummer. So what did it do? It introduced me to a profession that was national and, much to my surprise, international. It made me want to get involved as I learned that involvement was the key to opening the doors to the things that the ASLA was not providing. It is not that ASLA wasn't willing be my mentor. No, they did not even know I existed. Sticking my neck out, l went out of my way to meet people like Bill Swain, Don Austin, Stuart Dawson, Ed Stone, Walter Chambers, Bill Johnson, and Ervin Zube, to name a few. Then, the light came on. These people were ASLA. ASLA is "PEOPLE.". That being the case, did I not also want to be ASLA? Hell yes, I did! What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? The profession, like life, is only what you make of it. It can be boring and unproductive or it can be exhilarating, exciting and extremely rewarding. What do you want it to be? For me personally, the profession was and still is a hoot. As the climate and society change the profession changes. The way we look at land now is totally different than the views of the 1960s. For example, people are beginning to view burial in an ecological sense. I am developing two "green" cemeteries, new for Kentucky as well as me. What is your favorite project in your career and why? Living in Lexington, Kentucky, the thoroughbred horse capital of the world, has not only allowed me to teach but it has provided the opportunity to plan, lay out, and develop thoroughbred horse farms. Working on properties of many acres, sometimes over a 1000, to plan roads, fences, barns and houses has been amazing. In Lexington they say: "You cannot have a million dollar horse on a ten cent landscape." In addition, horse farms are virtually the last landscapes to be developed in the Ohnstedian tradition. Not a day goes by that I don't think about that and ask: "What would Olmsted think of my work?" Laugh I suppose. 

What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? Landscape architects, for the most part, provide an approach to the land and the users of the land, both people and animals, that is ecologically sound while socially desirable. We neither take more than we should nor do we let anything behind. At least that is the way l see it. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 48 years with ASLA? For me, then and now, I can truthfully say I have never "had a job." Being active and involved in the profession as a professor, site designer, and advocate has been a dream, not a job. Since 1977, l have consistently been involved with some aspect of ASLA on a volunteer basis. Three years ago I was presented the "Service to the Society''award. I am still very active with the LARE and getting young people licensed. While I am now in my 80s, I have no intention of slowing down. Why would I?

20 YEARS+
Illinois Chapter  

 

Jack J. Pizzo, ASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I have been an Illinois resident my entire life. Licensed 9/16/1992. How did you begin your career journey in Landscape architecture? As a practitioner after my undergrad, I worked under several talented landscape architects. When licensure came along, I supported it fully. When it was passed, I applied and was granted a license. My journey started in traditional landscape work, but I knew that natural systems, ecosystems, were my passion. 35 years ago, I started my company that does ecosystem restoration and management. I also have a native plant nursery. What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? I think it is awareness and value of our work. The spaces people love and enjoy whether built or natural have been designed in part or whole by LA’s. The public supports what we do. We need to make sure they know each and every time they interact with a space that it was or is a LA that helped create it. Second would be how we contribute to reversing global climate change. Healthy and managed natural systems are the answer. What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 20 years? Professionalism. ASLA provides the framework and organization for all of us to continually move our profession forward. What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? A rising tide raises all boats. When we work together to advance and protect the profession, we make more opportunities as well as diversify the opportunities. There is strength in numbers. We also seek. What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? Know your history for those who do not study it are doomed to repeat it. Also you might hear “think outside the box”. Refuse to believe that there is a box. All thoughts are valid. At the time they may not be practical but they create new directions for thought. What is your favorite project in your career and why? Would you like to submit/share a picture of it? We have restored so many ecosystems it’s hard to choose. Each square foot is ecologically unique. If I had to choose one, it would be a private residence in Southwest Michigan. We restored Beech-Maple Savanna, Oak Hickory Savanna, Bluffs, Ravines, Dry Prairie, Streambanks and Wetlands all on the same property. The owners love the amazing diversity of plants and animals. See above. What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? Connections! We connect people to each other and people to places. We create or enhance ways for people to engage with their environment. We work on the square-foot and all the way to the horizon. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 20 years with ASLA? Learn more about nature. Work with the natural world not against it. Nature always wins.

20 YEARS+
Minnesota Chapter  

 

Matthew Rentsch, ASLA

Where are you from and how long have you been a landscape architect? I am originally from Brookings, South Dakota. I’ve been working in the profession since 1997 and licensed since 2015. How did you begin your career journey in Landscape architecture? While in school, I worked for a small startup firm, producing sketches and small designs—by hand. We didn’t have Lumion back then! What do you think is the most important issue facing landscape architects today? Non-landscape architects understanding what a landscape architect is and what they do. We are problem-solvers and there is no short list of issues in today’s world, but our profession needs to work more effectively to not just sell that fact to ourselves. We as landscape architects need to continually be out there in the press, social media, and in front of all levels of government, but we need to go beyond that. We need to be the business and real estate developers. We need to be the decision and policymakers. What have you gained by being a member of ASLA for 20 years? Invaluable connections with other professionals, colleagues, and friends. When I first moved to Minneapolis over 23 years ago, I didn’t know any other professionals, and becoming active in the local helped me find “my people”. Serving on the Executive Committee for different terms, including Chapter President, provided me with some great leadership experience. What would you share with others as a reason for belonging to ASLA as a member? If you believe in your profession, you should believe in its organization; support it and it will support you. Get involved and make a change—you might be surprised. What would you share with those new to the profession of landscape architecture? Your career is a journey, and you are in control of it. Ask questions and find a mentor. Be excited! Don’t be intimidated and don’t take it for granted. Remember to occasionally stop along the way and take stock of where you’ve been, embrace the moment where you are at, and dream about where you can go in the future. As one of my college instructors liked to say, “the sky’s the limit!” What is your favorite project in your career and why? This is a difficult question to answer because every project—big or small—has a definitive moment where I feel like I’ve made a positive change for the better and that’s my favorite. That moment might show up as a bee visits a pollinator plant in downtown Minneapolis or I hear a child’s laughter at a playground in rural Minnesota. What in your view is the most important thing that landscape architects provide? A voice for the stakeholder that can’t or won’t be heard. This could be anything: design, nature, wildlife, underserved communities, preservation, etc. I like to think that we have the unique opportunity to look at a project through multiple lenses and ask important or difficult questions that might not otherwise be asked. Is there anything else you would like to share to commemorate your 20 years with ASLA? Looking forward to the next 20 years!

40 YEARS
New York Upstate Chapter
Richard Hawks, FASLA 

30 YEARS
Connecticut Chapter
W. Phillips Barlow, ASLA
Gary Sorge, ASLA

Illinois Chapter
Michael Brunk, ASLA

Rhode Island Chapter
John Fain, ASLA

Texas Chapter 
Alon Kvashny, FASLA

New Members
Arkansas Chapter
Mary Nell Miskin, ASLA

Boston Chapter
Margarita Iglesia, Affiliate ASLA

California Northern Chapter
Miloni M. Mody, ASLA

Colorado and Wyoming Chapter
William Jacobson, Affiliate ASLA

Connecticut Chapter
Kerry Mattie, ASLA

Florida Chapter
Yvette Benarroch, Affiliate ASLA

New Jersey Chapter
Matt Halpin, Affiliate ASLA

New York Chapter
Rachel Claire Wilkins, Affiliate ASLA

New York Upstate Chapter
Louis Therrien, Affiliate ASLA

North Carolina Chapter
Anne Ballweg, ASLA
Anna Edwards New, Associate ASLA
Michael R. Williams, ASLA

Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter
Donald Haas, ASLA

Texas Chapter
Anna Hoffman, ASLA

Utah Chapter
Joshua Quigley, Associate ASLA

Virginia Chapter
Elizabeth Rohde, ASLA

Washington Chapter
David Bader, ASLA
Sai Fang, Affiliate ASLA

Wisconsin Chapter
Jason Stangland, ASLA

International Chapter
Min Liu, International ASLA

Student
Lauren Anderson Pirkle, Student ASLA
Taylor Archer, Student ASLA
Dehn Basham, Student ASLA
Andrew Brewster, Student ASLA
Esmeralda Carrasco, Student ASLA
Katherine Chavez, Student ASLA
Emily Chong, Student ASLA
Brooke Fuller, Student ASLA
Robert James Gunderson, Student ASLA
Kareem Harris, Student ASLA
Bhavana Koralagundi, Student ASLA
Dalton Loveless, Student ASLA
Ryan Moore, Student ASLA
Annamaria Pongratz, Student ASLA
Jade Rhodes, Student ASLA
Grace Samplinski, Student ASLA
Madeline Smith, Student ASLA
Piper Thyden, Student ASLA
Carson Woods, Student ASLA

Student Affiliate
Ashley Curry, Student Affil ASLA
Kamya Khandelwal, Student Affil ASLA
Alpha Marah, Student Affil ASLA
Isabella Paradiso, Student Affil ASLA
Grace Regnier, Student Affil ASLA
Emma Smith, Student Affil ASLA
Jason H. Yuen, Student Affil ASLA 

Student International
Sahar Mohammadpoursahrai, Student Intl ASLA