Meet the Authors: ASLA’s STEM Literacy by Design 

On Thursday, August 8 - 1:00pm EST, three ASLA members will discuss their journey as landscape architects and children’s book authors. Their books are among the growing collection of children’s books in ASLA’s STEM Literacy by Design initiative to fuel the steady growth of women in the profession. Hear how they infused their passion for landscape architecture into creative works of literary art and get tips on how you can get started writing your own children's book.  

Registration is required. 

Presenters: 

• Ann English, PLA, ASLA, LEED® AP BD+C, A is for Aquifer 
• Xiao Cui, ASLA, Emma's Dream Job: Landscape Architecture 
• Baldev and Maria Lamba, ASLA, Green Green: A Community Gardening Story  

STEM Literacy by Design is intended to encourage young girls to explore landscape architecture using fun, poetic, and colorful stories about adventurous girls who find their passion, courage, and "Girl Power" in the great outdoors. The initiative creates an environment that inspires readers to grow in their understanding of their communities, the natural environment, and their role as stewards of the land, while "Girl Power" promotes the importance of self-esteem for young girls and women.   

To date, over 20 ASLA Chapters and a growing community of ASLA members signed on to partner with their local elementary schools to deliver story time readings of the books and host design charrettes with participating students.  

About the Authors    

Xiao Cui, ASLA 

Xiao Cui's artistic journey began at a young age, growing up as the daughter of a graphic designer in China. Her passion for arts and design has been a lifelong pursuit. After successfully earning her graduate degree in Environmental Design in China, Xiao embarked on a bold adventure by relocating to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in landscape architecture at Iowa State University.  

As an international designer, Xiao is committed to fostering connections among diverse communities and celebrating cultural richness through her innovative design concepts. Her diverse background, spanning the realms of art and landscape architecture, has consistently fueled her creative spirit. It is this very creativity that has driven her to undertake a distinctive project - the creation of a children's storybook titled "Emma’s Dream Job – Landscape Architect." Her aim is to help young children discover their passions from a tender age, much like her own family did for her.   

Presently, Xiao Cui works at LandDesign and calls Dallas, Texas her home.  

Ann English, PLA, ASLA, LEED® AP BD+C 

Ann English, PLA, ASLA, LEED® AP BD+C is a landscape architect currently focused on green infrastructure. Ms. English is both a designer and teacher who has worked in the private, non-profit and governmental sectors. She is passionate about plants, and how to design and evaluate plant performance in the environments in which they are planted. She also loves water in all its forms. Her degrees are in American History, Regional Planning and Landscape Architecture. A is for Aquifer is her first book.  

Baldev Lamba, ASLA 

Baldev Lamba is principal of Lamba Associates, landscape architects and an Associate Professor at Temple University. He earned his MLA from the University of Pennsylvania and his B.Arch. from the Delhi University in India.   

Lamba’s notable practice accomplishments include the international award-winning First Ladies Water Garden in Washington D.C.; the Excellence in Research and Creative Work Award from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture; his of highly acclaimed and award-winning series of Pop-Up Parks in his hometown, Doylestown, PA.  and the publication of GREEN GREEN, a children’s picture book.      

As an educator, Lamba has spearheaded a number of award-winning exhibits at the Philadelphia Flower Show, which have won awards from regional and national organizations in the categories of design, environment, conservation, horticultural excellence, and exceptional educational merit. His design studios, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels, have also received numerous awards and recognitions.  

Lamba’s recent leadership extends to serving as President of the PA-DE, Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, as past Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at Temple University.   

Please direct questions about the webinar or Career Discovery and Diversity to Lisa J. Jennings at ljennings@asla.org.