Lisa Roberts | ASLA NC Member Spotlight

Meet Lisa Roberts, ASLA NC’s featured member of the month! Lisa received her Masters in Landscape Architecture at University of Arizona, then worked for one of the first women-owned landscape architecture firms in Tucson, designing a variety of Streetscape, park and roadway projects with a large portion focused on master planning and designing downtown Tucson’s revitalization. She then started her own small LA firm, only to then join forces with her original company in a merger to become one of the main LA design firms in the state. She is excited to now begin a new role as Senior Landscape Architect with Pond & Company as they build the Charlotte office! In her free time, Lisa competes as a professional triathlete and has traveled the globe extensively.

What inspired you to start a career in landscape architecture?

I believe I was destined to become a landscape architect based on how I grew up. My grandfather was a master gardener and artist, my father a cartographer and my mother a teacher, so I grew up tinkering in the garden, yard and learning how to present and teach information. I was always redesigning my bedroom and doing minor renovations in our house and did so by drawing a set of plans and putting together a schedule and budget. Ha!

But my ultimate inspiration came from my love and fascination of plants and the environment and how we can affect people's emotions, reactions, comfort, safety, health and wellbeing by how we design a space.

What is a project you are most proud of and why?

I am most proud of a design-build streetscape project in Tucson where I was the landscape architect project manager and LA of record. The Scott Avenue streetscape project was designed and built in 13 months. While the street narrowing to create more pedestrian space, planting, water harvesting and public art opportunities is what you experience, it was the collaboration among the design team and the business owners and stakeholders that made it possible. I am proud that it was so highly regarded it set a new bar and became the new standard for streetscape design in the city.

What is something you enjoy to do in your freetime?

I enjoy running extremely long distances on many different types of trails. And when I say long, I'm talking 50-60 miles long! Running has always been a passion of mine as it gives me reasons to travel and takes me to places many don't see. This is also where I get most of my thinking done and solve many design issues too!

What is your most favorite place you have traveled and why?

That is a very difficult question to answer, as I have been extremely fortunate to have travelled to many places and spend quite a bit of time entrenched in a variety of cultures. They all hold a special place in my heart for various reasons. For now I will say the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Isère department in southeastern France. I have spent many months there cycling through the mountains and villages. I like it for it's raw natural beauty with the mountains, glacial lakes and quaint villages. They value a person's time spent recreating and enjoying the outdoors. Ask me this question again and I'll probably tell you of another wonderful area of the world I have been able to spend time!

What advice would you give new and emerging professionals?

Remember this is called a PRACTICE of Landscape Architecture. We will constantly be learning, growing and honing our skills and while we may work a standard work week with our colleagues, many times it is what we explore, do and learn outside of it that moves us ever forward as a profession.

What do you enjoy about being a member of ASLA?

I enjoy being a member of ASLA because it keeps us connected in ways we would not be able to achieve otherwise. The opportunities to meet other professionals and learn makes being part of ASLA a great experience.

ASLA National Conference Award Winners

ASLA North Carolina is proud to share the award winners from North Carolina at 2023 ASLA National Conference.

WithersRavenel Director of Parks and Recreation, Brian Starkey, PLA, ASLA, was recognized for six years of service as a Trustee representing North Carolina on the ASLA Board of Trustees.

Brian, center, with  Torey Carter-Conneen, CAE, ASLA Executive Director, and Emily O'Mahoney, ASLA President.  

Charles Fink (right), with his wife Majorie.

Charles Flink received the American Society of Landscape Architects Alfred B LaGasse medal. The medal recognizes notable contributions by individuals to the management and conservancy of natural resources and/or public landscapes.

Juanita, right, with Emily O'Mahoney, ASLA President.  

Juanita Shearer–Swink received the President’s Medal, which recognizes outstanding service to the Society. The final selection is made solely at the discretion of the president. 

Fellows

M. Eric Davis was recognized for a Nomination in Works by the North Carolina Chapter. Eric was nominated for his innovative designs across four continents, five countries, and twelve states. He cofounded Surface 678 in Durham, NC and has created countless works throughout North Carolina. Among his works include Raleigh Union Station, John Chavis Memorial Park, and over twenty projects throughout the academic and medical campuses at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Emily McCoy was recognized for a Nomination in Knowledge by the North Carolina chapter. She is dedicated to evidence-based design and is known for exploring emerging technology to create new designs that protect and enhance environmental function. As a national leader in the use of drone and sensor technologies to create smart landscapes that provide site data in real time, Emily’s groundbreaking research and publication in measurement and testing for landscape performance has been transformational to landscape architecture practice. She is an associate professor of practice at North Carolina State University.

Student Awards

Analysis and Planning Category

Design Tactics for Climate-Based Migration in Biodiversity Corridors

Bladen Lakes Area, North Carolina, United States
Marybeth Campeau, Associate ASLA;
Faculty Advisors: Madalyn Baldwin, Associate ASLA;
North Carolina State University

Honor Awards

Advancing Trauma-Informed Landscape Architecture

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Lauren Joca, Associate ASLA;
Faculty Advisors: Celen Pasalar;
North Carolina State University

 Student Collaboration Category

Award of Excellence

On the Edge: A Climate Adaptive Park for the Battleship NC Memorial

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
Marguerite Kroening, Student ASLA; Stella Wang, Student ASLA;
Faculty Advisors: Andrew Fox, FASLA; David Hill;
North Carolina State University

Honor Award

Dynamic Roots

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
Dillon Patel, Student ASLA; Joseph Lamonica, Student ASLA; Stephany Luna-Rivas, Student ASLA;
Faculty Advisors: Andrew Fox, FASLA; David Hill;
North Carolina State University

Professional Award Category

Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve Conservation & Management Plan

West End, North Carolina, United States
NC State University Coastal Dynamics Design Lab
Client: Pine Forest Management & Southern Conservation Trust

Sponsor a Student

Dear Valued Colleague,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today on behalf of NCASLA with an exciting proposal that can mutually benefit our student members and your organization.

At NCASLA, we believe in nurturing young talents and encouraging them to excel in their chosen fields. One way we do this is by recognizing outstanding achievements through various awards and providing opportunities for professional growth and development. In this regard, we are seeking sponsorship from businesses like yours to support our students in submitting their work for the NCASLA 2024 Conference award session and to sponsor the winners for conference attendance.

Here's how your sponsorship can make a significant impact:

Recognition: As a sponsor, your business will receive prominent recognition on promotional materials related to the awards, including our website, social media platforms, press releases, and during the awards ceremony itself. This will help enhance your brand's visibility and reputation.

Talent Development: By sponsoring students to submit their work for awards, you are directly contributing to the development of future industry leaders. Your support will empower these students to pursue excellence in their respective fields.

Networking Opportunities: When you sponsor winners for conference attendance, you provide them with valuable networking opportunities, exposure to industry trends, and the chance to learn from experts. This experience can be transformative for their careers. You will also receive two complimentary tickets to the awards banquet, a table with your company name on it and have the winners as your guest at the table.

Community Involvement: Sponsoring educational initiatives demonstrates your commitment to the local community and your dedication to education and skill development.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our proposal. We look forward to the possibility of a mutually beneficial partnership that fosters education, talent development, and community engagement.

Sincerely,

Dan Lambert

NCASLA President- Elect

To signup for sponsorship please submit information here.

Thank you for your support of NCASLA! 919-573-5026

Welcome New Executive Committee Members

NCASLA is excited to announce the newest members of the Executive Committee!

President Elect - Dan Lambert

Dan is the Director of Landscape Architecture for McAdams in their Charlotte office and has been in professional practice for 23 years. Dan's career has taken him from his original home state of Colorado to coastal South Carolina and ultimately to Charlotte where he continues to deliver high-quality design, urban planning, and guides a team of eight fellow landscape architecture professionals to reach their professional goals and potential while building the framework at McAdams for them to grow into a regional and national presence. Dan has been a member of ASLA since he was a student at Colorado State University in the late nineties and has been active in membership at varying levels since. Dan has spent the last six years serving the North Carolina Chapter as a volunteer and in the elected position of Member-at-Large for Conferences and Awards. Dan's passion as an advocate for the profession and to promote quality landscape architecture works within our communities drives his desire to serve the membership. Dan has helped coordinate several conferences, online webinar offerings, and continuing educational events. Dan's current efforts include reconnecting with fellow professional organizations and Universities to host shared events for the benefit of all we serve.

Secretary - Brenna Laffey

Brenna is a landscape designer and project manager at Design Workshop in the Raleigh studio. She holds her graduate degree in Landscape Architecture from North Carolina State University, where she served as President of the Student Chapter of ASLA, and is actively pursuing professional licensure. Her experience and interests in the field translate across multiple scales of intervention, from large-scale systems thinking to crafting thoughtful details. Brenna’s background in interior design and materials fuels her passion for human-scale place-making. Inspired by witnessing the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Sandy in NYC, Brenna has also participated in cross-disciplinary teams working in the realm of resiliency and environmental justice. She believes that design at any scale can be a powerful medium in addressing complex issues and advocates for equitable, meaningful, and sustainable solutions. Brenna is experienced in project management and has worked on a variety of project types from land use planning at a County level to traditional landscape and site design.

Trustee - Zak Pierce

Zak’s dedication and interest with ASLA began more than 15 years ago at Penn State, where he served as Secretary for their Landscape Architecture Student Society. Once in North Carolina, he continued his commitment and immediately became involved with the NC Chapter by volunteering on several long-range and conference planning committees. His progression within the Society has included the following path of participation:

• NCASLA – Associate Member at Large

• NCASLA – President

• National ASLA – Chapter Presidents Council Chair

• National ASLA – Leadership Development Committee

• 2022 NCASLA – Conference Planning Committee Member

• Active Participant in Advocacy and Legislative Days

His current Society participation includes:

• NCASLA Secretary

• NCASLA Constitution and Bylaws Committee Chair

• National ASLA Constitution and Bylaws Committee Member

All these roles within ASLA have been spurred by his infectious passion of the Society and his desire to promote landscape architecture with potential and emerging leaders across the country. He truly values the comradery amongst the chapters and serving as a conduit between the NC Chapter and ASLA. He is excited to continue his journey of leadership within an organization that is committed to designing healthy, beautiful, and resilient places for all.

Triad Section Chair - Steve Rasmussen Cancian

Steve Rasmussen Cancian is a PLA and an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture at NCA&T. Prior joining the NCA&T faculty, Steve was the principal of Shared Spaces for 17 years--a California rm focused on the participatory design of culturally resonant public spaces and improving neighborhoods without catalyzing gentrication. Clients included the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Fresno, Yosemite and Golden Gate National Parks, and community organizations representing working class renters in Oakland and East Los Angeles. Steve's work has been featured in LAM, the New York Times and the Venice Biennale.

Member-at-Large Government Affairs - Paul Kuhn

Paul Kuhn is a licensed landscape architect who has worked for Cary, NC for over 18 years. Paul is currently the Capital Program Manager for Cary overseeing the $1 Billion worth of existing projects occurring in Cary. Paul oversees the twenty-year capital improvement plan for the future of Cary. Prior to coming to Cary he worked in the private sector in Pennsylvania for about 4 years. Paul graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelors in landscape architecture and a minor in planning. He has also successfully completed a course on Municipal Administration from UNC. He is a problem solver who has planned, design and built some of the many “first” projects in Cary. He enjoys working on a range of projects that the public will use from maintaining the current, building for current needs and planning for the future. He has worked on greenways, parks, venues, public safety and other government facility projects during his career. He has also worked closely with the development community building in the community.

Member-at-Large Communications - Lauren Patterson

Lauren is a Landscape Architect and Planner with 10 years of experience leading projects from large scale regional planning initiatives to detailed immersive designs. She has worked on a wide variety of projects throughout the U.S. and is involved in outreach and advocacy for smart planning and design initiatives throughout the country. As a Planning and Design Project Manager at VHB in Charlotte NC, she is passionate about improving the world of transportation and development through smart design and collaboration. She has been involved in ASLA for about 7 years and is active in a variety of aligning professional organizations as well. She currently serves as the Urban Design PPN Co-Chair and is involved in National ASLA committees. 

Member-at-Large Awards - Jael Wagoner

Ms. Wagoner is an Assistant Vice President at Qunity, with 19+ years of experience in Land Development, Landscape Architecture, and Land Planning. Jael has project understanding and practical experience in many areas of Land Development: Private- Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Mixed-Use; Public- Parks and Recreation, Streetscape, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Government Facilities, and Aviation; and Energy: Power and Delivery, Transmission, and Renewable Energy. Jael’s experience includes master planning, site analysis, feasibility studies, conceptual design, site layout, detailed grading and stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, planting plans, specification coordination, regulatory permitting, cost estimating, construction drawing preparation, construction administration, and client management. Jael is a 2021 graduate of the ACEC/NC Future Leaders program. Jael is also a United States Navy Veteran with a combined nine years of active and reserve service.

Jael has been actively involved with the North Carolina chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects since 2019, serving as a NCASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture Committee Member (2020), as the NCASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture Conference Committee Chair and Awards Co-Chair (2021-2022), and returning as the NCASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture Conference Committee Chair and Awards Co-Chair for 2023-2024.

NC State Department Chair - María Bellalta

María is Head of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at North Carolina State University. Her career is distinguished by the work she has produced over the past 30 years through research, teaching, academic administration, and practice in landscape architecture. Her research is focused on the urbanization of the Global South, its environmental and social impacts, and is informed by international projects and collaborations and her roots in Latin America. She offers a worldview that considers the cultural values of a given place in relation to the geographical landscape of the region as the driving forces behind future models of urbanization. 

María serves on the International Federation of Landscape Architects - Americas Region (North, Central, and South America); she is member of IFLA - Americas Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ACLAS); and is the American Society of Landscape Architects’ (ASLA) delegate to IFLA - Americas.

She has engaged in academic collaborations with Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Colombia; Centro Metropolitano de Arquitectura Sustentable in Mexico City; Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico; Isthmus, Panama; among other academic institutions in Latin America. Her professional experience includes positions with Buró Verde Arquitectura, Martha Schwartz Partners, Sasaki Associates, and Copley Wolff Design Group, where as design director and project manager she has executed a range of urban design, planning, and landscape architecture projects nationally and internationally. 

María has served as trustee for the Boston Society of Landscape Architects. She is former dean and head of the School of Landscape Architecture, Boston Architectural College. She received her Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, with prior studies in environmental psychology from the University of Notre Dame. María is originally from Chile.

Fellow Chair - Gene Bresller

Professor Emeritus Gene Bressler, FASLA was head of the Department of Landscape Architecture from 2006 – 2018. He is currently in Phased Retirement status serving as the Founding Director of the College’s emerging Design Collaborative. He co-teaches the First-Year Fall MLA Design Studio with Professor Carla Delcambre and mentors the faculty and students on their scholarly and academic projects, courses, and careers. His research and teaching focuses on urban growth, sustainable development, and the planning and design strategies for “Challenging Suburbia.” In 2008, he co-authored, with the University of Colorado Professor Allan Wallis, “Oh Give Me Land, Lots of Land,” in the book Healing the West by Professor Patricia Limerick.

SAVE THE DATE! NCASLA 2024 CONFERENCE

Save the date for the 2024 NCASLA Conference in Asheville, NC.

Additional details to come.

UPLIFT NC

CLT Park(ing) Day 2023

Charlotte Section Chair, Ellen Servies, has preparations underway for Park(ing) Day 2023!  For anyone who may be unfamiliar, Park(ing) Day is an initiative where people all over the world repurpose parking spaces into tiny parks for the day.  It is intended to influence the way people utilize and interact with streets. 

Park(ing) Day falls on September 15th this year. Spaces will be reserved in South End as it’s a location with high foot traffic and easy access along the light rail.   She has already spoken with CDOT, and they have no conflict with the spaces selected (see images below).

To reserve a space for your firm, please email Ellen with your top 3 choices by end of day on July 11th.  Use the below images to tell choose which numbered spaces you want and list in order of preference.  After spaces are figured out, the next step will be developing plans to submit to CDOT.  Once all responses are received, a follow up email will be sent with next steps. 

The Barrs Open

Barrs Recreation Presents - The Barrs Open July 7, 2023, 6 - 9 pm.