By P. Michael Ethridge, ASLA, PLA

The history of ASLA in South Carolina cannot be separated from the many landscape architects who formed the core of the profession in the state. The first landscape architect to practice in South Carolina was Loutrel Winslow Briggs, who was born in New York, opened a practice here in 1929, after visiting the city a couple years prior. He is credited with creating the style of the typical “Charleston Garden.”

The modern practice in South Carolina began to form around the time Briggs opened his office in Charleston. With roots growing out of the agricultural traditions of land grant universities, a modern basis for landscape architecture was created when Kenneth Boyd Simmons returned to South Carolina to open his practice in Columbia, South Carolina after returning from World War II. Kenneth received his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Clemson College and his master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts and Harvard University. He was active from 1946 through 1982. Kenneth was a member of the Southeastern Chapter and served on the membership committee. He also served as chairperson of the national membership committee. He was elevated to Fellow in 1953.  

Another founding professional was Robert Earl Marvin, who started practicing in 1947 after returning to his hometown of Walterboro, South Carolina. Marvin received his bachelor’s degree from Clemson College and a graduate degree from the University of Georgia. He was a regular lecturer on the principles of Landscape Architecture, and active in his practice and mentoring young professionals until his death in 2001. Marvin was elevated to fellow in 1990.

Another Walterboro, SC native, John Edward Pinckney, had a storied career in landscape architecture as well. Edward received his degree in architecture from Clemson University in 1958 and his master’s of landscape architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1960. He founded Comprehensive Land Planning Consultants on Hilton Head Island, SC in 1972 after years teaching in the school of architecture at Clemson.  

The 1970s were a time of rapid growth for landscape architecture in South Carolina. One of the primary forces driving growth was the rapid expansion of resort developments on Hilton Head Island. These three individuals and their respective firms shepherded a generation of professionals in their development and promoted land stewardship through the principles of landscape architecture. Most of the landscape architects in South Carolina practicing today can trace their lineage back to one of these men.  

In 1974, South Carolina received its official recognition as a state chapter. The prior southeast regional designation had varying degrees of participation from the time when Mr. Simmons opened his first practice. Because of the rapid growth, South Carolina now felt it could support its own chapter and bring benefits to its members and the citizens of the state. Among the members who pushed for the establishment of this chapter were F. Wayne Towers and John A. Broadbooks, both from Edward Pinckney’s firm CLPC. Mr. Towers and Mr. Broadbooks both served as initial executive committee members and Mr. Pinckney served an initial three-year term as Trustee. The chapters’s first president was John Kirk. The first secretary was Charles Gorman, Jr.

During this time, there was a massive push to establish title and practice acts at the state level. Charles Godfrey, Jr., chapter exam board chairman along with Mike Ethridge, landscape architect from Greenwood and CLARB board member, lobbied the legislature to pass a state wide registration act for landscape architecture. In 1976 the legislature passed SC Title 40 to protect both the use of the title and the practice of landscape architecture. 

The chapter has grown continuously since 1974, promoting landscape architecture through thousands of members over the years. The chapter officially became recognized by the secretary of state in 2006, when articles of incorporation were filed to form the 501(c)6 non-profit that we know today. The original incorporation papers list Jessica McClung, ASLA as the registered agent. Mrs. McClung, the chapter president in 2006, signed and sealed these documents. Mrs. McClung was also an employee of Robert Marvin and Associates at that time.

The culture of landscape architecture in South Carolina runs deep. By the numbers, a small chapter, but with a dedication to the principles that ASLA ensconces, this chapter is well-positioned to promote landscape architecture for a long time to come.

Some legacy and award-winning projects located in South Carolina include: 

• Finlay Park – Columbia, SC: Robert Marvin Associates
• Harbour Town – Hilton Head Island, SC: Robert Marvin Associates / multiple
• Unity Park – Greenville, SC: MKSK
• Falls Park – Greenville, SC: Arbor Engineering – Tom Keith
• Glencairn Gardens – Rock Hill, SC: Robert Marvin
• Waterfront Park – Charleston, SC: Ed Pinckney Associates
• I’on – Mount Pleasant, SC: Dover Kohl / Duany Plater-Zyberk
• Main Street – Greenville, SC: Lawrence Halprin
• Sea Pines Plantation – Hilton Head Island: Sasaki
• Henry Chambers Waterfront Park- Beaufort, SC: Robert Marvin Associates  

Michael Ethridge, ASLA, PLA,is the current South Carolina Chapter Treasurer.