ASLA UTAH OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

October 31, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**Landscape Forms - Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Nov. 6th 2024 - 12:00pm ASLA UT Office 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

**Dear LAREy AMA Webinar** **Wednesday, November 13, 11:00am, MST** L.A.R.E. candidates can get questions answered by LA Professionals before December exam. **ASLA members Free** & **$20 for non-members**. **REGISTER HERE**

**Luckydog Recreation - Lunch & Learn Wednesday, December 4th 2024 - 12:00pm ASLA UT Office 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

————-—SAVE THE DATE ————-—— ASLA Utah 2025 Annual Conference Dixie Convention Center, St. George, Utah! Friday, April 11th, 2025

Leadership Express - Landscape Architecture: From many points of view

Lars Erickson, ASLA Utah President

Hello, ASLA Utah!

I’m fresh off ASLA National meetings in Washington D.C.. What an eye-opening experience it was to see the amazing level of effort our national leadership puts into organizing our professional association. Ever since that trip, it’s been a busy transition into the role of current President. I appreciate all that Paul Stead and Jake Powell have done over the past few years. More so now than ever. I applaud our current Chapter leadership, both past and present as Utah was identified several times for the efforts, they see our Chapter making! As a chapter we’ve got a lot to be excited about and a lot more to accomplish.

The Utah Chapter Executive Committee is meeting soon to strategically plan the next year, we have a great group of leaders who all want to add value for the membership and strengthen the practice of landscape architecture in the State of Utah. We’ll be focused on the Chapter’s Strategic Plan pursuits of:

Awareness & Advocacy – Raising the visibility and influence of the profession
Membership Services & Support – Increasing membership and expanding engagement
Supporting the Future of the Profession – Growing the profession and mentoring the next generation of Landscape Architects
Governance & Management – Providing informed, strategic leadership for the Chapter
Strategic Action Plans - Focusing on Environmental Stewardship and Diversity and Inclusion

A year ago I was challenged to define what our profession is. That began a thought process I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. I’ve come to the realization that our individual paths in this profession coalesce to define what Landscape Architecture really is. Each of our viewpoints add to the vista. I’ve realized that to understand the profession I need to better understand who you are as a professional. I believe that our true strength comes from our differences and abilities to pursue collaborative solutions to real world problems. I’m excited to start this conversation with you as Utah Chapter President. I look forward to understanding you and the profession of Landscape Architecture better!

Licensure Summit Recap

Jake Powell - Past President

ASLA National invited the Utah Chapter to present at the Council of Landscape Architecture Licensing Board (CLARB) and American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2024 Joint Licensure Summit. This summit brings together ASLA members, and licensing board members to discuss relevant and pressing challenges related to the profession and licensure. I was asked to attend and present on the recent outreach and legislative efforts of the ASLA Utah Chapter. To keep the Utah Chapter up to date I wanted to provide a report on the event and share some general thoughts.

The 2024 conference theme was “Empowering Opportunity” and the conference provided ample opportunities to connect with other chapter members from across the U.S. and Canada, and learn about national efforts to protect and enhance licensure. One of the general themes from the presentations and my conversations with other attendees was a concerning reminder that there remains a growing political contingent and a host of very vocal and well-organized organizations calling for, among other things, the elimination of licensure and education credentials within a broad range of professions.

I suppose that this effort may be well-meaning in its theoretical underpinnings, as these groups say their efforts are intended to eliminate perceived barriers to a workforce that is in demand and can reasonably engage in the work. However, their actions represent a concerning threat to a profession like landscape architecture, whose licensure provides assurances that those responsible for designing the physical environment are qualified, competent, and committed to doing so within a credo of ethics, professionalism, and safety.

The de-licensing rhetoric is not only growing nationwide, it is growing in the Intermountain West. We should not be surprised when this kind of language begins to pop up in Utah politics and subsequent policies

A clear message was that the profession of landscape architecture must continue to be proactive at a national level, and State Chapters must make a concerted effort to share the impact of their work with elected officials and policymakers. We need to continue to support the validity and importance of licensure for landscape architecture and other professions (allied or not). Also, we need to ensure that professionals in Utah no longer humbly and quietly do good work and let it speak for itself. You must step out of the shadows of your work and let people know that qualified, dedicated, highly trained professionals living and contributing to your community are the workforce that visualizes, collaborates, and executes the projects that are changing Utah for the better.

Another topic discussed at length was the national push for states to begin adopting CLARB’s universal standards for licensure. This effort is intended to align landscape architecture licensing requirements across states and create a standardized process for reciprocity. In CLARB’ Universal Standard successfully passing the Landscape Architects Registration Exam (L.A.R.E) will remain a requirement, however, the standard would not only allow graduates from an LAAB Accredited University with a specified number of years of experience but also alternative combinations of education and experience to similarly achieve licensure. This effort is intended to provide multiple paths to licensure without lowering the standards or rigor that ensures professional competence. After this conference, I am convinced that Utah’s Licensing Board should begin conversations with practitioners and CLARB representatives to conceive a path toward alignment with this new national standard.

It was an honor to represent the ASLA Utah Chapter and share the great efforts happening in the State of Utah!

Awards Dinner Slide Show

Thank you to UNILOCK for Sponsoring such a fun evening! Congratulations to all Award Winners!

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

September 27, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**BERLINER - Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Oct. 2nd, 2024 - 12:00pm ASLA UT Office 280 S 400 W, #150, SLC** **REGISTER HERE**

**ASLA Utah 2024 Awards Event Thursday, October 24th, 5:30-8:30pm LARK x Co Connection Studio 1603 Stratford Avenue, Salt Lake City.** **REGISTER HERE**

**ASLA National Conference 2024 October 6-9, Washington DC.** **MORE INFO HERE**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

A few of these include:

HB343 Design Professional Services Procurement Amendments: This bill allows state departments such as DFCM to hire landscape architects as prime contractors. This was a huge win for landscape architects.

HB542/HB534 1st Substitute, Boards and Commissions Modifications: The ASLA Utah Chapter Executive Committee and Dave worked with the legislature to combine the Landscape Architecture and Architecture State DOPL Board. The new combined DOPL Board begins October 1, 2024. It was made clear that had we not engaged, the board likely would have been eliminated and brought into another larger construction trades “super board.” Instead, this combined board gives us a louder voice both on any licensure issues that arise in our profession, and the opportunity for input regarding landscape architecture to the Department of Professional Licensing.

There are other bills pertaining to licensure, such as HB58, and HB11 regarding irrigation, and other relevant items that Dave is keeping tabs on. He provides regular updates to the executive committee so that we can stay involved with what is happening on Capitol Hill. We continue to work behind the scenes to protect what we have and rally to improve the stance of landscape architecture in Utah.

This partnership with Dave Kallas has provided significant value to the LA professionals practicing in Utah, and I am glad for the insight this gives us into the legislature. Working in local government I see firsthand how slow things can move and I am really impressed with the progress that has been made on the items we have pursued.

As I step into the position of ASLA Chapter Past President, I can’t help but reflect on this past year. It’s truly an honor to be able to work with everyone at ASLA Utah. We have such a great community, and the Executive Committee is fantastic. Lars Erickson will be stepping into the roll of ASLA Chapter President. I have really enjoyed getting to know him better this last year, and I am excited for his insight as he takes the helm.

Please make an effort to thank Jake Powell, Lars Erickson, Adam Castor, Bryce Ward, Tyler Smithson, Jenny Sonntag, Ladd Schiess, Thomas Eddington, Josh Quigley, and Tanner Snow, and the rest of the sub-committee members for the time and effort they give to make all our lives that much better.

Bo Midgley

**Who are you and where are you from?** My name is Bo Midgley, I am a Senior in the Landscape architecture program at Utah State University. I had no idea what landscape architecture was until I took the intro course. When I took the hand graphics class I fell in love with the work and it has been a passion of mine since.

Why are you interested landscape architecture? I love seeing a project grow. I love to see a blank piece of paper turn into a master plan, and I love the whole process in between.

What is your favorite thing about LA studio? Collaborating with others. Getting their opinions or perspectives on a project to get the best design possible.

What is your favorite hobby? Football. During football season it becomes most of my life. For the last three years I have helped coach a little league football team for Logan High School. I love watching, playing, and coaching football.

What do you find inspiring? I find other peoples work inspiring. I love to see how other people approach a situation or problem and how the respond to it.

**What LA project do you find inspiring?** I think the LA project that stands out to me is the Wasatch House by Loci.

I remember my Freshman year we had a guest lecture from Michael Budge and he shared that project with us. I found it really inspiring and wanted to contribute to a project like that. I think the LA project that stands out to me is the Wasatch House from Loci. That was the project that made me want to become a landscape architect. I remember my Freshman year we had a guest lecture from Michael Budge and he shared that project with us. I found it really inspiring and wanted to contribute to a project like that.

LAEP Project Spotlight: A Student Analysis and Planning Award Winner

Tyler Smithson - VP of Membership & Member Services

We're excited to highlight an exceptional project from USU's LAEP department that will be receiving an award during this October's Awards Event in the student analysis and planning category. This project showcases the impressive graphic design skills and sophisticated understanding demonstrated by our talented students.

PARK’ing DAY FUN

Josh Quigley - VP of Visibility & Public Affairs

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH AUGUST NEWSLETTER

August 22, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH AUGUST 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**BioGrass Sod Farms Lunch & Learn Wednesday, Sept. 18th, 12:00pm WHERE: 8630 S. Redwood Rd West Jordan UT 84088**

**PARK’ing DAY 2024 Friday, Sept. 20th, 10am - 6pm WHERE: 9th & 9th, Salt Lake City**

**SAVE THE DATE ASLA Utah 2024 Awards Event Thursday, October 24th, 5:30-8:30pm More details soon**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

If you are interested in getting involved with ASLA Utah Chapter contact: Tyler Smithson, @tyleraslautah@gmail.com

Inspiration from England

Geoff Ellis - ASLA Utah Memorial Fund Manager

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to England to attend the Chelsea Flower Show, the world’s premier horticultural exhibition. The displays, some of them installed at a cost of more than $100,000 each, were truly impressive and well worth seeing, although the crowds were an experience that I’m not eager to repeat. We also visited some of the most famous gardens in the southern and central parts of the country. England is renowned for its gardening tradition, and the places we saw did not disappoint.

At one end of the spectrum was Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. It represents landscape design on the grandest of scales, where an entire lake was created out of farm fields, and hundreds of acres were converted into a rolling, pastoral landscape just to provide a suitable setting for a Baroque palace of gigantic proportions. Formal gardens, vast meadows, lush forests, and miles of tree-lined promenades were planted to emphasize the importance of the estate.

At the other end of the spectrum was Barnsley House, with a relatively modest garden of four acres. It is a horticultural gem by the 20 th -century author and gardener Rosemary Verey. She began as an amateur knowing very little about garden design but soon demonstrated an instinctive talent that not only brought admirers but also commissions to design gardens for King Charles and Elton John. She combined garden styles in a thoughtful way that creates a harmonious setting rather than a clashing hodge-podge, and she popularized the idea of making herb gardens and even vegetable gardens into something ornamental rather than hiding them away.

Sissinghurst Garden offered insights not only into garden design but also the darker side of history and the brighter side of human relationships. Originally a grand Elizabethan castle, it was later used as a prisoner-of-war camp. By the time the writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicholson bought it in 1930, it was in ruins and the courtyards were full of rubbish. Yet they saw its potential and went to work creating something more beautiful and unique than they could ever have created in a more convenient empty field. He provided a firm, orderly, architectural vision for the garden, while she filled it with exuberant masses of flowers, shrubs, and vines, giving life and richness to the design. Dark green hedges and ancient brick walls divide the garden into outdoor rooms, each with a distinctive theme, such as the White Garden, the Purple Border, the Rose Garden, and the Cottage Garden. Creating Sissinghurst was a shared passion for this odd couple (you can find out more about them in the book “Portrait of a Marriage” or the television series of the same name), reflecting their unconventional yet loving marriage.

We also visited Hidcote, a beautiful estate that provided the original inspiration for outdoor garden “rooms,” and Hever Castle, the ancestral home of Anne Boleyn. Both of these places have a U.S. connection, as it was wealthy Americans who restored them in the early 20 th century and brought them to their present glory. Our tour was rounded out by Kiftsgate, Kew Gardens, Wisley Garden, Batsford Arboretum, and King Charles’ Royal Gardens at Highgrove, where we were not allowed to take photos because of security reasons. All of these places were well worth seeing, and we drooled over the lupines, foxgloves, clematis, and other flowers growing to a perfection we can only dream of in the desert.

In Utah we are not blessed with the abundant rainfall and mild climate of England, nor do we have romantic ruins and castles with hundreds of years of history. Therefore it would be difficult to create truly authentic English gardens here. Nevertheless, there is much to learn from them, such as a sense of form and color, a responsiveness to the constraints and opportunities of a site, a love of plants both for their own sake and what they can contribute to a design, and a willingness to let garden plants thrive and look their best in the locations that best suit them.

What an amazing experience it was to board a plane in SLC and arrive several hours later in a foreign country! I highly recommend traveling to see gardens in other parts of the country and other parts of the world, if you can. You will come back with fresh ideas and a new perspective on gardening in Utah.

ASLA UTAH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION RESULTS

PRES. ELECT

JESSE ALLEN

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH JUNE/JULY NEWSLETTER

July 25, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH JUNE/JULY 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

2024 ASLA UTAH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION CANDIDATES

PRESIDENT ELECT CANDIDATE ———-JESSE ALLEN

I’m honored to be running for the position of President Elect for the Utah Chapter of ASLA. In the past, I’ve served on the board of the Utah Chapter of American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute and am familiar with the opportunities and challenges facing our profession and broader AEC industry.

My goal is to build upon the hard work of ASLA Utah’s Executive Committee over the last several years by:

continuing to implement the chapter’s strategic planning document
promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration efforts
advocating for increased public understanding and value of the profession.

One of my specific goals is to advocate for landscape architecture services to be acknowledged and added to our State’s standard fee structure for public projects. This fee structure is often referred to as the standard for many local municipalities and government agencies and currently doesn’t include landscape architecture as part of the core services.

I’ve been with GSBS Architects since 2007 and a principal with the firm since 2016. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning from Utah State University in 2004, I went to the dark side and got my Master of Architecture from University of Utah. My time at GSBS has allowed me to work on several significant Salt Lake City landmark projects, such as the redesign of the SLC Main Library Roof, Regent Street Improvement Project, Natural History Museum of Utah, Japantown Concept Design, 20-year plaza plan for the Gallivan Center, and currently the Price Computing and Engineering Building at the University of Utah. Outside of the office, I love to backcountry ski, trail run, and mountain bike. My wife and 3 children love to travel and take cooking classes wherever we go.

**TRUSTEE CANDIDATE - BRYCE WARD**
It has been my honor to serve as a trustee for our chapter, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for reelection. Over the past term, I have dedicated myself to advancing our profession and fostering a collaborative community that thrives on inclusivity and innovation

During my tenure on the board, one of our first achievements was establishing a shared space with AIA. This partnership enhanced opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration, amplifying our collective impact. It has also strengthened our professional network and fostered new growth and design advocacy avenues.

Additionally, thanks to our strategic planning committee, we spearheaded developing and implementing a strategic planning document that has guided our chapter’s growth with clarity and purpose. Looking ahead, my goal is to build upon this foundation by further integrating diversity and inclusion practices. Specifically, I aim to expand opportunities and support systems for women and BIPOC professionals within our field, ensuring that our chapter reflects and embraces the rich diversity of our community.

Furthermore, our advocacy efforts have yielded tangible results, including hiring a lobbyist whose work has been instrumental in keeping part of our licensing advisory board intact and expanding the role of landscape architects in leading state landscape capital improvement projects. This achievement underscores our chapter’s influence and positions us as leaders in shaping the future of our profession statewide. As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities, I am committed to leveraging my experience and leadership to elevate our chapter further. Together, we can strengthen our profession, advocate for meaningful change, and cultivate an inclusive, innovative, and resilient community.

I humbly request your support and the opportunity to continue serving you on the Board of Trustees. Together, let’s build upon our achievements and create a future where landscape architects in Utah thrive.

**SECRETARY CANDIDATE — LADD SCHIESS**
Our profession’s value and licensure have faced challenges in recent years, which has been a wake-up call. Serving as ASLA chapter secretary for the past two years, I have witnessed the importanceof ASLA to our field.

The tireless efforts of our volunteer-run chapter have safeguarded our profession. They prevented us from potentially losing licensure or, at the very least, landscape architect representation on the licensing board. (Let me emphasize that this is all being done byvolunteers and we could use more volunteers.)

I’'m grateful for the hard work and successful outcomes achieved by our chapter. On the Executive Committee, I hope to continue advocating for our profession. I kindly ask for your vote to serve another term as secretary.

For those unfamiliar with me, I’m a landscape architect at G Brown Design, residing in Bountiful. After graduating from USU’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning program in 2005, I pursued a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign two years later. My career has been rewarding, encompassing projects from community design to construction details.

Voting closes 6pm, Friday, August 23, 2024

VOTE HERE

Q & A with Critter Coughlin - He is the newest member of the ASLA UT Membership Sub-Committee!

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. I then went to college at Penn State University studying Landscape Architecture. So I have spent a majority of my time in the Midwest. However my family moved out here to SLC when I was a freshman in college.

What led you to landscape architecture? I was drawn to Landscape Architecture through my love of design and nature. I’ve always loved art and design as well as spending time outdoors taking advantage of the beauty of nature and when I started looking at majors at Penn State, it really seemed like a great fit.

What is your favorite part of your practice? I think my favorite part of the practice is the wide range of projects that Landscape Architecture encompasses. Everyday seems to bring new and exciting projects on all different scales, one day could be focused on a residential landscape plan and the very next could be focused on a master plan for a new development. I also get to have the responsibility of creating 3D models and renderings of some of our projects, which is very exciting. I really enjoy being able to bring a project to life digitally with an artistic representation of what the finished product could look like.

What is your favorite hobby? One of my favorite hobbies is probably skiing. I try to get out to the mountains just about every weekend of the season. I have been coming out here to SLC to visit family for as long as I can remember and I think this is where my love for skiing and snowboarding started, which made my move out here for work very easy.

What do you find inspiring? I find a lot of inspiration just in the natural environments here in Utah. The mountainous landscapes surrounding the valley provide a constant stream of possibilities for inspirational ideas. I also find a lot of inspiration from my coworkers in the office. There is a lot of talent in my office and I can always rely on someone here to help with some creative ideas or even just helping me learn new techniques and strategies.

**Describe a notable landscape architecture project you were involved in:** I have been lucky enough to take part in quite a lot of projects since starting in June. One notable project that comes to mind would be Olympia, a large master planned community in Herriman.

I have worked on aspects such as planting plans, irrigation plans, and site renderings. Coming from school in the Midwest, I did not have much background in Irrigation planning or much familiarity with native Utah plants, so this project has been both fun and a great learning opportunity for me to experience new sections of Landscape Architecture. The site renderings include things such as a community park art wall, and roundabout art monuments that take inspiration from national park elements.

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH MAY NEWSLETTER

May 25, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH MAY 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**VORTEX** **- LA CES Lunch** & **Learn Comprehensive Approach to Heat Management** **JUNE 11THh, 2024 |** **12:00PM MST** ASLA UT Offices 280 S 400 W **REGISTER HERE**

**CALL FOR ENTRIES - Professional Awards Program Deadline July 1st, 5:00pm** **CLICK HERE** **for more information**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Open Positions: President Elect, VP of Membership & Member Services, Secretary, Trustee

**CONTACT: LARS ERICKSON , ASLA UT President Elect @Lars.Erickson@kimley-horn.com to nominate yourself or someone else.**

What are a few interesting things about you? I grew up in Richfield, Utah, a small town near the middle of our state. I’m a retired 30-year Army veteran. I enlisted at a young age and served as a terrain analyst (geospatial engineer), preventative medicine specialist (public health), cannon crewmember, paralegal specialist, and human resource specialist.

What led you to landscape architecture? When I travel, I love to visit parks, arboretums, botanical gardens, and various designed landscapes. In my younger days, when stationed in Germany for almost three years, I visited many formal gardens of the Renaissance and more modern parks from Italy over to England. I particularly enjoy the English romantic landscapes and the more natural-looking parks designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in the United States.

What is your favorite part of your practice? One of my favorite parts of my practice is that I enjoy educating others in tree selection, incorporating tree diversity metrics into urban greenspaces, and using tree planting designs. I gave a presentation on tree selection at the 2024 Utah Nursery and Landscape Association (UNLA) Green Conference. My presentation caters to landscape design professionals, urban foresters, or anyone who may plant a tree. I talk about lessons learned from our tree history, the need for tree diversity, tree diversity metrics, and greenspace plans for the long term and future generations. I also address important factors of tree selection and a method for comparing trees to overcome personal biases and be more objective about matching the right tree to the planting site.

What is your favorite hobby? Some people like fantasy football. My favorite hobby is building a tree database of over 70 fields I use for tree selection, looking at survival factors, aesthetics, and architectural value. When I finish school, I will use my tree database to help with tree planting designs in urban greenspaces, following tree diversity metrics and using my horticultural knowledge to match the right tree to the planting site.

What do you find inspiring? What I find inspiring is designing greenspaces, using tree planting specifications, and using a diversity of trees in the tree planting scheme by following tree diversity metrics like Dr. Frank Santamour’s 10-20-30 formula. Trees are the backbone of greenspaces. Sadly, overplanting a particular species is a common practice. Using specific tree species can help conserve water because they use ten times less water than grass. Certain tree species are better at erosion control, stormwater management, and soil reclamation. There are so many factors and pros and cons for each tree to consider; therefore, it is essential to match the right tree to the planting site’s conditions and mitigate risks to people, structures, overhead lines, line-of-sight triangles, etc.

WELCOME NEW SPONSORS IN 2024

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH APRIL NEWSLETTER

April 26, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**SPORTSWEST -** **Lunch** & **Learn** **May 8th, 2024 |** **12:00PM MST** ASLA UT Offices 280 S 400 W **REGISTER HERE**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

Happy Arbor Day!

I hope you get to plant some trees this year!

I ran into someone recently who learned I was a landscape architect and immediately wanted to talk about their yard, and how much grass should be installed in the unfinished backyard, if any. I asked a question that I thought was pretty typical, what do you plan to use the space for? They were surprised by the question and responded, ‘I’ve talked to a bunch of landscapers and no one has asked me that, they’ve just give me options!’

This highlights the perspective we bring to the table. Surrounded by other designers who I look up to, sometimes I forget how lucky we are to have such a culture of collaboration. You all are an inspiration to me, let’s keep finding beautiful solutions to the problems in this world.

Also, thank you to Jake Powell, ASLA UT Past President, for putting on a fantastic and well attended Annual Conference last month! It was great to have the energy of the LAEP Students and faculty as well as the support of our generous vendors and presenters. We hope those attended had a great experience and those who couldn’t make it to Logan, we hope to see you at the 2025 Annual Conference in St. George!

2024 ASLA UT Annual Conference Recap

Jake Powell, Past President

The 2024 Utah ASLA Chapter Annual Conference was held on March 28-29 th in Logan, Utah. The theme of the conference was “Cultivating the Profession of Landscape Architecture” and brought over 100 practitioners, 40 students, 5 university faculty, and 49 vendors together to explore how we can collectively support a profession that is growing in need, breadth, and dimension. Although the weather was temperamental, the presentations, vendors, and attendees were fantastic. For anyone unable to attend or who wants to remember, below is a quick recap.

The conference’s keynote speaker, Craig Johnson - an emeritus professor with over four decades of experience growing generations of new landscape architect students was unable to attend due to unexpected medical issues and had his address read by a current landscape architecture undergraduate student, Dallin Clark. The conference also featured panels discussing best practices for assisting emerging professionals, ensuring the legacy of an organization through ownership transitions, and lessons learned from award-winning projects. These panels provided an opportunity for participants to learn from colleagues and were informative thanks to the transparency of the panelists and their willingness to have honest, and often difficult conversations.

Concurrent sessions provided participants with an in-depth exploration of a range of topics from legislative developments related to the profession, to the potential impact of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technologies on the profession. The information provided an exciting opportunity to hear, think, and then talk with colleagues about how the profession will grow amid these opportunities and challenges.

Participants also had the opportunity to mingle with each other and learn about the latest technologies, products, and resources from a network of some of the best vendors in the nation. The conference was capped off with an intense raffle session with prizes ranging from gift cards to a 250-pound, concrete site planter set.

Thursday evening, LAEP, ASLA UT & Great Western Recreation combined forces to host an Open House at the LAEP Studios.

Friday morning, participants were invited on two site visits to see, touch, and learn from research facilities pushing the boundaries of landscape architecture design and planning. First, participants were welcomed to Utah State University’s Sustainable Electrified Transportation Center. This center researches, develops, and tests technology that is at the conceptual cusp of electrified transportation. Participants were able to learn about in-motion wireless vehicle charging technology advancements, and large, grid-scale technologies under development that may change the face of electrified transportation as we know it.

Finally, participants toured Utah State University’s Research Greenhouses. Faculty and graduate students from the Plant Soils and Climate Department shared how their research on plants is creating a new foundational understanding of how plants can be bred, modified, or enhanced to adapt to drought, heat, and stress.

A huge thanks to all those presenters, vendors, participants, and the Utah ASLA Executive Committee and Jenny Sonntag, Utah ASLA Executive Director for making the event a success! Get excited for the 2025 conference that will be held in the St. George area spring of 2025!

ASLA USU Student Chapter 2023-24 Re-cap

Mary Claire Jennings, ASLA UT Student Chapter President

As the semester is wrapping up, I have been able to reflect on my time as part of USU's student chapter president. Two years fly by! I could not have predicted how much I would grow as a leader and team member in this position. Now, I understand the amount of behind-the-scenes work involved in organizing events. I would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the student ASLA leaders who inspired studio culture in the "unprecedented times" that was fall 2020.

As a freshman, ASLA not only helped me understand what the heck Landscape Architecture is but also gave me a sense of belonging in the studios. That's what it's all about. In our last meeting, we passed the baton to next year's presidency, sharing what could be improved, what was successful, etc. Something that Zach Sannar said stuck with me after the meeting ended. Zach is our V.P. of Outreach and was in the presidency last year as well. He jokingly said that sure, we may complain a bit about how much effort really goes into ASLA, but at the end of the day, it's because we care so much about giving the next cohorts what we got. So, thank you to all USU ASLA presidency cohorts, Utah ASLA, and the members. We appreciate you, and your eagerness to make ASLA the best it can be. Each year we build a stronger foundation for the next year.

This year with ASLA has been incredibly special to me. We began the fall semester with a lively welcome meeting to encourage ASLA membership, surpassing 100 members! Our calendar was packed with engaging events like "tech or treat," where seniors generously shared their expertise in unique software and tools like the glow forge, morpholio trace, V-R headsets, and drones.

We continued to emphasize the growth and development of new members this semester, hosting a peer portfolio review, and shared software knowledge in Photoshop, InDesign, and Blender. These sessions not only enhanced our technical skills but also engaged members across classes. Speaking of engagement, Kennedy Perry increased social media engagement and marketed events leading to these high turnouts.

Amidst our busy studio schedules, we made time to celebrate! Our holiday party hosted families to decorate gingerbread houses in the common studio. It may have been the best holiday party yet, although I may be biased. Kate Van der Zalm contributed greatly to this success, jumping into various tasks and supporting other presidency members. In the spring, a cereal bar and crafts event with the Interior Architecture program allowed some cross pollination of creatives. Our annual ASLA week at the beginning of Landscape Architecture Month extended these opportunities for community building with a "park[ing] day charrette."

To broaden networking opportunities, we set up free headshots for members, drove them down to the Utah ASLA Awards, and sent 26 to the National ASLA Conference in Minneapolis. Corinne Barr facilitated two firm visits while we were at the conference, too! Additionally, we volunteered for the Logan Ranger District and built a new fence in Providence Canyon under the eclipse in October and cleaned up trash in the Logan Canal this April. Both of these were organized by Tanner Wyatt.

Students were also spoiled with a local ASLA Utah conference which they did not take for granted. It was an awesome day full of inspiring conversations, seeing old friends, and ended with an after party in the studios hosted by Great Western Recreation. After that, who couldn't be proud to be an LAEP Aggie? I want to thank all of the sponsors for their help in making that day a success. Furthermore, I want to thank Hunter Industries and Vortex Aquatic Structures International for hosting lunch-and-learns for our members - we always learn so much from you.

Finally, I want to congratulate the 2024-2025 USU ASLA president, Kate Van der Zalm! Her passion for LAEP, brilliant leadership abilities, and innovation will take her far. I'm excited to see the incredible things she and the rest of the presidency will do. Eli Woodward is adding his knowledge from this year's Treasurer to V.P. of Events. He contributes some of the best ideas to shake things up and increase inclusivity in the activities we host. Shout out to the new officers:

USU ASLA president, Kate Van der Zalm
President-Elect: Ryder McClaugherty
Vice President of Professional Development: Galen Kohlbrecher
Vice President of Outreach: Sara Harris
Vice President of Public Relations: Kayli Shepherd
Vice President of Events: Eli Woodward
Secretary: Hallie Schumacher
Treasurer: Alex Rasmussen
WiLA: Lauren Heaton

I encourage you, professionals, to support and collaborate with this new presidency as they begin to plan next year's activities. They are an outstanding bunch! I encourage current students to be involved with what the USU presidency has to offer, and graduating students to work with the local ASLA chapters in areas you land in. You surely won't regret it. Thank you for an unforgettable journey, here's to all of our next chapters of our ASLA adventure!

All the best, Mary Claire Jennings

Girls Night Out 2024

Thank you RainBird & Tiffany Haveron for another fun event!

WELCOME NEW SPONSORS IN 2024

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch | SEGroup

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH MARCH NEWSLETTER

March 20, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**RainBird’s 3rd Annual Girls Night Out Thursday, April 25, 5:00pm-7:00pm** Cactus & Tropicals, Draper Utah **RSVP HERE** **(seating limited)**

**VORTEX -** **Splashpad Tour & Lunch** **April 17, 2024 |** **12:00PM MST** Logan Center Block Plaza, 55 North Main RSVP: Michelle Lynn, mlynn@vortex-intl.com

**LAEP SPEAKER SERIES Friday, April 5th, 3:30pm Sarah Creachbaum,** US National Park Service
**Friday, April 19th, 3:30pm** **Chris Creasey**, Intersections of Practice: A Candid Conversation on Career Paths

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

Everything that has laid dormant is beginning to show signs of life, and weeds that I thought I had eradicated prove they are still firmly entrenched in the soil. I’m sure many of you share my enthusiasm for your own garden, and I wish you well in your efforts.

If you were able to attend the Utah ASLA conference in Logan, thank you so much for attending! Your presence at our Utah conference is essential for the continued support of our vendors, who many of us turn to daily for assistance in our designs. I enjoyed seeing new perspectives in the sessions, and it was so great to get together as friends and colleagues.

For those of you unable to attend, I wanted to share the good legislative news. Both bills that we have been working toward with the executive committee, and our lobbyist Dave Kallas, have been signed by Governor Cox and will go into effect May 1st (for the professional services amendments) and October 1st (for the LA board changes). A huge thanks to all the effort that has been made toward maintaining our presence and bettering the position of our profession.

Like the weeds in my garden above, the successes we have had in the legislature, while great wins for landscape architecture, don’t spell the end of our efforts. Threats to licensure continue to crop up, and we need your support to continue to better the profession. Take an opportunity to talk with your local and state elected representatives about the impact of your work. Consider a donation to our chapter. Volunteer for a position on a committee in our chapter. We need you!

Utah ASLA Memorial Fund Scholarship

You Can Help a Student by donating just $20.25 for 2025!

In 2013, the Utah ASLA Memorial Fund gave out its first scholarship to an LAEP student. Since that time, we have awarded a scholarship every year, and the amount has grown from $1,000 to $1,500. Our goal for 2025 is to give out a scholarship that will fully cover one semester’s tuition.

In order to meet this goal and continue to grow the fund each year, we need to raise $4,050 to add to the principal of the Memorial Fund. If 200 people would contribute just $20.25 each, we would have this amount covered.

**CLICK HERE TO DONATE**

**Your gift will make a difference in the life of a student.** As our 2023 scholarship recipient wrote, “This award will not only help me achieve my academic and career goals, it will also inspire me to continue to work hard and give back to my community.”

2024 UNLA Conference

Tanner Snow, VP of Professional Development

Earlier this year the ASLA Utah chapter had the opportunity to provide a booth in the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association Green Conference. As exhibitors in the conference, chapter members provided visitors with educational pamphlets and explained benefits of membership in ASLA. The chapter also provided two donations to the Granite Technical Institute and JATC South for the 2024 Student Connections Program. These scholarships were awarded the second day of the conference, January 24, during which I helped to staff the booth. The two students, Jesse Parry and Braelie Strekla, won the scholarships were very appreciative as Bryce Ward, ASLA UT Treasurer presented the scholarship to each of them.

Personally, I was happy to see most of the suppliers I was familiar with in their booths as well, from Hunter and Rainbird to Millers and Progressive Plants. If anyone hasn’t been able to attend the Green Conference, I highly recommend it. During my time at the booth, and conference, I talked with many different individuals ranging from groups of high school students to professionals who were interested in ASLA membership. It was gratifying to be able to promote the education, participation, and importance of the profession.

Talking to groups of students from high schools around the state was a great opportunity to encourage them to investigate the profession and promote Utah State University’s nationally accredited LAEP program. These interactions were well worth the time spent at the booth.

When landscape professionals stopped to talk, we usually found ourselves discussing the topic of becoming a Landscape Architect and what the requirements were for obtaining licensure. I helped encourage those who were licensed or members of ASLA to seriously consider both as ways of elevating their current professional careers. Being licensed as Landscape Architects brings extra credibility to their design and construction work, and being a part of a national association that helps professionals in continuing their professional education and advocating for our profession.

This kind of advocacy for membership in ASLA and as Landscape Architecture professionals is important and helps build the idea that our profession is crucial in the development of our natural and built environments. I encourage each of us to find every opportunity for advocacy, whether it’s explaining, for the thousand time, what a landscape architect is, to participating with ASLA Utah in the efforts of protecting licensure. If you have an idea for promoting ASLA or other professional development, please reach out to me or anyone else on the Executive Committee. We are always happy to work with you in making ASLA Utah even better.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT - NICHOLAS STOKES

Tyler Smithson, VP of Membership

Where did you grow up? I grew up primarily in Park City, Utah. But I also lived outside Park City including areas such as Kamas and Heber City. I now live in the Salt Lake Metropolitan area and have been for the last few years.

What led you to landscape architecture? What led me to landscape architecture was the ability to culminate a wide variety of skills that can help produce a physical result, that members of the public can be proud of. As I continue my education at the University of Utah within the City & Metropolitan Planning Department, I've grown an acute interest in collecting various types of knowledge such as urban design principles, management/allocation of green space within urban settings, and other community-driven principles found throughout this industry.

What is your favorite part of your practice? My favorite part of my practice, is being able to see the transformation of an area that could have been considered "dull" at one point, to transforming into an area that members of the community can interact and enjoy on a consistent basis.

What is your favorite hobby? My favorite hobby without a doubt, is fishing the crystal clear waters found throughout the state. Not only when I'm exploring these new waters throughout the state am I in awe to be able to catch something, but in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds this state from its northernmost border to its southernmost.

What do you find inspiring? What I find most inspiring, is the joy and satisfaction we can get by helping others. It's incredible how much better our own lives can become when we make the conscious choice to help others along their life journey.

Describe a notable landscape architecture project you were involved in. A notable project I have been involved with, was the development of a mutli-use parcel within the newly incorporated town of Hideout. This parcel sought to draw more attention to this newly developed area right outside of Park City and was designed in mind to incorporate the old western feel of the state, while also becoming ecologically friendly both within and around the building(s)/parcel. The type of use that is going to be determined at this location is still unknown at this time but whatever it may be, it'll be the needed attention to this newly developed area.

Do you have any questions for ASLA? (Ie. How can we better represent you?) I don't haven any questions for ASLA but I'm excited to meet everyone within the Utah Chapter!

WELCOME NEW SPONSORS IN 2024

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

February 29, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH FEBRUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**2024 ASLA Utah Annual Conference & Expo**

**NEXT MONTH —** **REGISTER NOW!**
***Cultivating the Profession of Landscape Architecture***
**Thursday March 28th & March 29th** **Riverwoods Conference Center, Logan Utah**
**CONFERENCE SCHEDULE: CLICK HERE**
**REGISTER: CLICK HERE**
**Conference Title Sponsor:** **BIOGRASS SOD FARMS**

**VICTOR STANLEY LACES WEBINAR** **March 14, 2024 |** **12:00PM MST** **REGISTER HERE**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

My Friends,

Hope you are enjoying February. We have made some progress on the Design Professionals bill, HB343. Thanks to Dave Kallas our lobbyist and to Lars and Bryce for attending the committee meeting and providing comment. Through their efforts the bill has passed the committee with unanimous approval, and subsequently passed both the house and the senate and will go into effect May 1st pending the governor’s signature.

Bill HB354 gives us a combined Landscape Architect/Architect board moving forward. As it stands, we have 2 landscape architects, 4 architects, and 1 member of the public on the board. We will be able to form a subcommittee with the 2 landscape architects and pursue any landscape architecture specific items through that. While this doesn’t give us everything we hoped for it is a huge improvement on the initial proposal. We would have been on the list of boards dissolved if we hadn’t been proactive in this effort.

Lastly, with leap year we have an extra day this year! How often do you find yourself wishing you had an extra day, or even an extra hour?

This year it’s an easy choice, save up that extra day and come to the Utah ASLA conference in Logan. Jake has some pretty great things planned, and I am excited to stomp around Cache Valley and see some old friends and visit some of the trails from my university days.

2024 Conference Keynote Speaker: Craig Johnson

Reflections: The Legacy & Future of Landscape Architecture

Craig Johnson:

“Our discipline is practical and applied. We put things into practice. We need a lot of information — the best and most useful often generated by other disciplines — then combine everything into real-world applications.” (Utah State Today - May 15, 2008)

Craig Johnson, Professor Emeritus joined USU’s LAEP faculty in 1966, fresh out of graduate school where he’d just earned a master’s of landscape architecture at the University of Illinois after earning his bachelor’s in landscape architecture from Michigan State University.

Over the years Johnson has shared his passion, experience and expertise with countless students. It is estimated that he has touched the lives of nearly 1,400 LAEP program graduates. His work in habitat restoration and sustainable landscape design had a profound impact in communities, but also through the students who have spread his valuable teaching throughout the country and around the world. Never one to stop learning, Johnson returned to graduate school, and in 1984 he earned a master’s of science in fisheries and wildlife biology from South Dakota State University.

Don’t miss out on your chance to hear from and reconnect with this admired professor, mentor, and expert storyteller that needs no introduction. Others who may not know Craig will get to know him through this presentation as he shares lessons learned from his life, his personal design work, and his 40+ years as an educator inspiring generations of landscape architecture students. REGISTER HERE

2024 ASLA UT ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPEAKER LINEUP

Thursday, March 28th - Speaker Line Up

Keynote Speaker: Craig Johnson Reflections: The Legacy & Future of Landscape Architecture, (1 PDH)

Supporting Emerging Professionals Panel: (1 PDH) Panel Sponsor: Victor Stanley Josh Quigley, Dave Nicholas, Nate Jaramillo, Corinne Bahr

Concurrent Sessions (1 PDH) Session One: Todd Johnson: Cultivating Studio Culture in Training & Practice Speaker. Session Two: Dave Kallas: Utah 2024 Legislative Debrief: Policies, Legislation & Decisions Affecting the LA Profession

Concurrent Sessions (1 PDH) Session One: Effective Strategies for Transitioning a Business with a Legacy Panel: Mathew Winward, Mark Vlasic, Sam Taylor, Jay Bolwinkel Session Two: Awards, Accolades, and Lessons Learned Panel: Mike Budge, Mike Wonenberg, Jon Ruedas, Mark Goble

Ben George: Design by Algorithm: AI Insights for Landscape Architects (1 PDH)

Student ASLA/LAEP Department Open House - Sponsored by Great Western Recreation

Many LAEP alumni may still wonder what your old desk looks like today, or if that plant you nurtured is still alive? For those without a connection to Utah State University’s Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning (LAEP) program, do you wonder what advanced technologies students are being exposed to that you might want to leverage?

The USU student chapter of the ASLA is teaming up with the LAEP Department to host a department open house. Come enjoy a light meal and ice cream while you mingle with current and emeritus faculty, meet current students, wander the studios, look at samples of student work, and let students introduce you to, and get some hands-on experience with some of the new technologies being used in the LAEP department such as virtual reality design. This event is being generously sponsored by Great Western Recreation based in Cache Valley.

Friday, March 29th - Site Visit Details

Utah State University's Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) Research Center - Utah State University’s ASPIRE center is an National Science Foundation funded research center that brings together researchers from across the nation to explore the future of electrified transportation and the related infrastructure. From the design, location, and charging stations to realizing parking lots and roads that charge vehicles, this center is the tip of the spear when it comes to advancing thinking, programs, and policies that will change the way you think about and design electrified transportation in the future. Join us to see, touch, and learn about autonomous vehicles, charging station examples and electrified roads.

USU Research Greenhouses - Utah State University’s Plant Soils and Climate (PSC) Department is a national leader in horticulture research specifically drought tolerance and native plant adaptation for the commercial nursery industry.. This site visit will allow participants to visit the USU research greenhouses and hear from PSC researchers on how their research impacts the nursery industry and what research is currently happening in the research greenhouses related to plants and drought stress.

ADVOCACY DAYS - Utah State Capitol

Thomas Eddington, VP of Advocacy

Efforts to advocate for licensure and then Landscape Architect profession is well underway with a multi pronged strategy. One prong is the work of Dave Kallas from Lobby Utah, using his connections and influence and our efforts as ASLA Utah Members by showing up and informing our state representatives and others about how important our profession is to the the State of Utah.

If you are interested in participating in ASLA Utah Advocacy work and events, contact Thomas Eddington

Screenshot 2024-02-29 at 2.06.47 PM.jpeg

Capitol Rotunda Tabling January 24th: Tyler Smithson, VP of Membership & Lars Erickson, President Elect

Capitol Rotunda Tabling February 21st: Thomas Eddington, VP of Advocacy & Ladd Schiess, Secretary

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

It’s not too late! Click here to become a 2024 ASLA Utah Sponsor or Partner!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Calsense | Denton House | Io LandArch

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH JANUARY NEWSLETTER

January 31, 2024 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH JANUARY 2024 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**REGISTER NOW! EarlyBird Pricing ends Jan. 31st**
*Cultivating the Profession of Landscape Architecture* 2024 ASLA Utah Annual Conference & Expo. Thursday March 28th & Site Visit March 29th Riverwoods Conference Center, Logan Utah REGISTER HERE

**ASLA Utah Winter Social & Sponsor Thank You Dinner Friday, February 2nd, 6:30pm-8:30pm** ASLA UT Offices 280 S 400 W Suite 150 **RSVP HERE**

**VICTOR STANLEY WEBINAR**
**Tuesday, February 20th, 12:00PM MST** REGISTER HERE

.

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

The dormant landscape is often overlooked, in favor of the brilliance and life of spring, summer, and even the display of autumn. There are moments that cannot be ignored, when the temperatures are ungodly low, and everything is covered with ice and snow.

Screenshot 2024-01-23 at 11.06.40 PM.png

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…or when a persistent plant blooms despite the cold temperatures.

Winter gives us a chance to look at the landscape with different eyes, giving us a different viewpoint and allows us to look through and see what’s underneath.

Some back and forth with my associates recently has given me another look at some of the projects that I am working on and helped me see things I wouldn’t have looked for. The designs that arise from alternate views are much more interesting and I find such collaboration invaluable. I’m glad to be a part of such a fantastic community of landscape architects! - Paul Stead

Where did you grow up? Where did you go to College? West Jordan. SLCC, USU

Tell me about your family and interests (work and non-work related): I have a lovely wife, two sons, & one daughter. My oldest child is 6. I have an interest in cities, outdoors, hiking, & reading.

What is something that makes you unique? My interests & values. One interest or value alone is not unique. However, the combination of interests & values makes me unique such as urban design & exposure to nature, etc.

Please describe an LA project that you have recently accomplished within the last year/recent years that you are proud of: Historic downtown blocks urban design in Vernal, UT. Partnered with CRS to design a main street back of house block.

What would you like to get out of the ASLA? What can the ASLA improve upon?Education resources & networking opportunities.

What interests you in Landscape Architecture? Interest in user experience in dynamic sites & ecology. Also developed a mantra that my initiative is to help communities be healthier physically, mentally, & socially.

What is your favorite part of your practice? Learning something daily.

What is your favorite hobby? Reading.

What do you find inspiring? Expertly skilled people applying abilities to improve quality of life for others.

New ASLA Member Shoutout! Welcome to ASLA UT Chapter

NEW AFFILIATE:

Jared Adams - Ore Design
Christopher (Critter) Coughlin - Langvardt Design Group
Joseph Wing - GBrown Design
Tate Larsen - Kimley-Horn

NEW & RETURNING STUDENT MEMBERS

Katie Haslam
Adam Isham
Emelia Penner
Jing Vanessa Pien
Nick Stokes

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2024 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

It’s not too late! Click here to become a 2024 ASLA Utah Sponsor or Partner!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
Bockholt Designs | Denton House | Io LandArch

Learn More About Our Sponsors

ASLA UTAH DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

December 31, 2023 by ASLA Utah

ASLA UTAH DECEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

**REGISTER NOW! EarlyBird Pricing ends Jan. 31st**
*Cultivating the Profession of Landscape Architecture* 2024 ASLA Utah Annual Conference & Expo. Wednesday, March 27th Riverwoods Conference Center, Logan Utah

**UNLA Green Conference 2024 Mountain America Expo Center** January 22th - 24th **REGISTER HERE**

SAVE THE DATE: ASLA Utah Winter Social & Sponsor Thank You Dinner Friday, February 2nd, 6:30pm-9:00pm ASLA UT Offices 280 S 400 W Suite 150 **RSVP HERE**

Leadership Express

Paul Stead, ASLA Utah President

Something that I’ve been thinking about this holiday season is how very finite our time is. I’m sure I am not alone when I say I have a lot of interests, I was in a choir this December and that was great. I have been playing some Christmas tunes on my guitar, spending time with my family. I’ve even done a little woodworking, but there is not enough time for everything.

Utah ASLA has recently invested in a representative, a lobbyist, to help us not only combat some of the threats to our licensure, but also to take the offensive and to help us fight for more opportunities. We are spending our resources, our time to better the profession.

Maybe that is what we need in our lives, a representative on our side to rally our cause. The new year gives us the opportunity to make some resolutions. To evaluate what we could do better, our dreams and hopes. I challenge you to lobby for yourselves, to prioritize, perhaps list down the things that are most important to you. Figure out where you should be spending your time.

Maybe that's at ASLA, building this great profession that we love. Maybe that's shifting focus at work, or at home. Maybe that's moving forward on a hobby, it doesn't really matter what it is as long as you're doing it intentionally. So, I entreat you, my friends, at this time of year, with me, to pursue your passions. Take time out of your schedule, out of the many distractions that we have, and find those things that pull on your heart strings. Whether you want to get back into something that you’ve forgotten or settle your focus and energies into something that really matters to you. I hope you get a chance to find that this holiday season. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

2023 Regional Solutions: Zoning Reform for Housing Attainability

Josh Quigley, VP of Visibility & Public Affairs

ASLA Utah Chapter was happy to support the 2023 Regional Solutions: Zoning Reform for Housing Attainability Conference by becoming an Association Sponsor for the event. As part of the Association Sponsorship I was able to attend the event and am excited to share a summary with fellow members.

Introduction to Speakers:

Dr. Arnab Chakraborty, Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Utah, delves into the complex interplay between zoning, housing affordability, and collaborative planning in his keynote speech.
Jerusalem Demsas, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic, critically examines zoning reform’s impact on the national housing crisis. With a background at Vox and a co-host of The Weeds podcast, her work transcends political divides, addressing structural inefficiencies and institutional challenges for policymakers.

Current Housing Trends: Highlighting a nationwide surge, Chakraborty notes that between 2021 and 2022, 67 of the top 100 markets experienced unprecedented appreciation. Owner-occupied units surged by over 20% annually, and rental units rose by 12%, surpassing 20% in several metropolitan areas.

Driving Forces Behind the Housing Crisis: Despite a robust economy, the historic under-building persists, intensifying competition for first- time and lower-income buyers. Factors include remote work trends, longer lifespans of baby boomers in primary homes, interest rates, and zoning constraints.

Lack of Housing Affordability Impact: Chakraborty emphasizes the damaging impact of housing unaffordability on GDP, growth attraction, talent retention, and support for essential workers. Demsas emphasizes the disproportionate impacts on low-income and minority residents that are highlighted through widespread cost burdens.

Changing Utah and Effects on Affordable Housing: Utah is undergoing dramatic demographic shifts, transitioning from a small, affordable state to a mid-sized, expensive, multicultural state facing housing affordability challenges.

Zoning Reform and Solutions: Demsas and Chakraborty propose multifaceted zoning reform, including eliminating single- family zoning, reducing parking minimums, promoting missing middle housing, and allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs). They underscore the importance of tailored policies for sustainability and smart growth.

Market Segments and Incentives: Different market segments, such as missing middle, ADUs, and multi-family, are discussed. Incentives and enforcement mechanisms, including public funding and land use flexibility, are highlighted as critical to success.

Addressing Concerns Beyond Zoning Reform: Demsas and Chakraborty address concerns about property values and advocate for a holistic approach to development, including periodic review, frequent policy adjustments, and community input.

Utah ASLA Memorial Fund Scholarship

You Can Help a Student by donating just $20.25 for 2025!

If you contribute before March 15th, 2024, we will be pleased to recognize your name at the Utah ASLA Annual Conference on March 27th in Logan, Utah.

Your gift will make a difference in the life of a student. As our 2023 scholarship recipient wrote, “This award will not only help me achieve my academic and career goals, it will also inspire me to continue to work hard and give back to my community.”

Please reach out to Geoff Ellis, Memorial Fund Manager, oakcrestdesign@gmail.com

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2023 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Click here to become a 2024 ASLA Utah Sponsor or Partner!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation l Pikus | Rain Bird | Victor Stanley

Corporate Partners
MHTN | Io LandArch | SGLA Technical Training