by Chloe Gillespie, Associate ASLA, Magdalena Aravena, PLA, ASLA, Jennifer Ng, PLA, ASLA, Adrian Alexander, Associate ASLA, Megan Barnes, Lexi Banks, Associate ASLA, Gretchen Wilson, PLA, ASLA, LEED, WEDG, Emily Siler, Associate ASLA, Kim Case, PLA, ASLA, CSI CDT®, and Dr. Bo Zhang, ASLA
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
All your hard work is paying off and you are getting your degree! For many of you, this has been a day you have been dreaming about for years, and now it is finally here. So many of you were not able to have a proper high school graduation, making this year extra special. This is your time to shine and come up into the profession ready to put your new knowledge and skills to work. To help get you started, the ASLA Student Support and Engagement Committee has collected some words of wisdom to share with you from recent graduates, current students, and seasoned professionals.
We hope you find meaning in these words and you can rely on them as you establish your career. Throughout your career in landscape architecture, there will be great days and there will be rough patches you will have to learn how to manage and adapt to. But for you, that is nothing new: you navigated your way through college during a global pandemic. Figuring out how to be flexible and persevere are skills that are learned the hard way, but they are invaluable skills to have. And it’s okay to change—iteration is a part of design.
We hope these words of advice encourage you and inspire you as you emerge into the extraordinary world of landscape architecture. Congratulations again, Class of 2024! Keep up the great work!
“Change is inevitable, growth is optional.”
– John C. Maxwell
Although change is not something I have always accepted, it is something that I’ve learned to embrace through my life and career. In my last decade of practicing landscape architecture, I have lived in four states and worked for six different companies, and although I ultimately decided to branch out on my own with Studio Siembra, I would not be who I am today without every single one of those professional experiences. That said, there have been many rough patches through all of that change. My commitment to ASLA and passion for seeking advocacy opportunities and education outside of my 9-5 job have not always been embraced or shared by my peers. This led to many 40–50-hour work weeks, in addition to countless hours of service as I worked through ASLA volunteer roles, conferences, and events. However, committing to these extracurricular hours helped me build up a strong community of professionals outside of my jobs, which has allowed me incredible mobility around the country, invaluable mentorship, and friendships that I wouldn’t have otherwise. This is my number one piece of advice for all students and professionals I meet: commit time and effort to building your community, and service to the industry.
The latest rough patch I experienced also ended up being an incredible opportunity for me to fully commit myself to my own vision of practice; however, it took a while for me to see it that way. I was let go from the last company I worked for in 2021, and it was an incredibly difficult experience to go through. I was working 60-hour weeks, promoting the company through my leadership at ASLA, participating in panels and webinars, bringing large clients in the door, and working my ass off. But once I was let go, I realized that I was burnt out in a way that I had not ever allowed myself to be. I didn’t work or volunteer (or even answer emails) for almost two months while I figured out what I wanted to do next. When the two months were nearing an end, the only thing I really knew was that I didn’t want to ever be that burnt out again, and that I was done working full time towards someone else’s vision (and profit).
Now, after almost three years since then, although sole proprietorship has been a challenge and a roller coaster ride in its own right (which I could write a whole book about), I am doing it all for myself, on my own terms, and I have full agency of what I commit my efforts to. There is a high level of change that comes along with that, and also an incredible amount of growth that I wouldn’t trade for anything. My advice is not necessarily for everyone to start their own business; however, take stock of where you’re at in your career, how you’re feeling, and what your vision is for your future and that of the industry. And if you find yourself in a role or in a company that does not align with these, find ways to progress closer to these milestones. Seek change, but most importantly, seek growth.
Magdalena Aravena, PLA, ASLA
University of California, Davis, Class of 2015
Founding Principal of Studio Siembra
I began work a few months before the Great Recession (June 2008). The profession was different back then; it was difficult, scrappy, and arguably unstable. I developed a “mission statement” for myself in the early days: “Why landscape architecture? What do I want to achieve with this profession? What is meaningful work?” In addition to my job, I always had something related to landscape architecture that was purely for me—volunteer work, ASLA committees, visiting critic opportunities, and eventually teaching. The “extras” always gave me purpose and helped me develop my landscape architecture identity outside of a typical job. I found my voice and developed design conviction. I developed the hard skills through my day-to-day tasks and met my mission through my own initiatives. Eventually, the two dovetailed and my work and my “extras” reinforced each other and became the career I have now.
In the early days, enthusiasm, interest, and a willingness to try will get you further than hard skills (drafting, modeling, and rendering). It was one of the most comforting pieces of advice I received from a principal during the deepest part of the Recession and something I remember whenever I enter a new learning curve. Also, ask your managers and principals about their internal mission. Ask them about what drives them and the deep philosophies that keep them working hard in this profession. Find the life vests that help ground you when you’re in the vortex of details and design iteration.
Jennifer Ng, PLA, ASLA
Cornell University, Class of 2008
Director of Business Development at KMDG
When I graduated, I jumped into a very challenging firm. I am learning how to swim in a lake with big fish. The best thing that I’ve found to keep me swimming is to act like the big fish. Ask questions, make mistakes, try new things, but don’t let the new things slow your momentum. There will be plenty of time to try new things in time, but in the beginning, you need to learn to swim with efficiency. I watch YouTube for help in programs and learning new tricks. Utilize but don’t abuse ChatGPT. It’s a powerful tool for efficient resource/research collection, as well as sharpening your own words for presentations. The best thing to do throughout your career will be to talk to your people in the field. When you design something and draw a detail, they will tell you why it could or will not work and give you a much deeper understanding of design. You will truly start to build designs in your mind as you draw them.
The best way to pursue interests is to plan for it. Sometimes it’s really easy to only focus on work, but if you plan for fun and relaxation it motivates you to work better and relax guilt-free. Currently after work hours I spend my time recomposing after a long week and cooking one fancy meal every weekend. If you move far from home, I highly recommend volunteering a little in order to understand and connect to the community you’re in. Find some local festivals. If you have a marketing person in your office, then ask them about landscape architecture/architecture events and happy hours that are going on and go to a few. Sleep in a little. Find activities you enjoy, and those joys will advance you to opportunity.
Adrian Alexander, Associate ASLA
Oklahoma State University, Class of 2023
Landscape Designer at SWA
I’ve been a Program Manager at the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) for seven years and would consider it my first long-term employment after a string of what I might call “miscellaneous character-building diversions.” Therefore, my perspectives on career paths for landscape designers and landscape architects come less from my own employment history and formal training in landscape architecture and more from the point of view of an avid observer of the discipline who has found a rather niche (and delightful!) corner in which to thrive. I have the privilege of working with scores of landscape architecture practitioners, faculty, and students in the course of my work, and consequently I get to observe their triumphs and pursuit of their passions…as well as their career ups and downs. And from that, I have learned that landscape architecture is a discipline where shifts in perspective, in position, or in the way one practices are as natural as they are in the natural systems with which we work.
This discipline rewards dedication to a specific topic or theme, but it also embraces curiosity and growth. Those trained under its wing never need to feel fully chained or tethered to a single career path—the benefit of being an interdisciplinary profession—and there are many examples of practitioners who are now returning to academia, academics returning to practice, those (brave souls) who pursue both areas at once, as well as those like me that walk the line at places like nonprofits or federal jobs. Over time firms form, they change to meet modern needs, they re-form with new names and new faces…nothing is constant, and your values and training will follow you wherever you go. To gain the perspective that will help you find a path that is meaningful, get to know as many people as you can, who practice in as many ways as possible. In my experience that is the only way to truly grasp the breadth of this discipline and the many potentials it offers—and while you may also save the world in the process, the people are the ones that make being in this discipline so satisfying…so find your people.
Megan Barnes
University of Michigan, Class of 2016
Senior Program Manager at Landscape Architecture Foundation
Through internships and work experience, the most challenging thing I adapted to was through the type of work I was doing. In studios it is all very conceptual and only in the Design Development phase, and I also had a separate construction class, but they did not work together. In internships, these two were working together so how I worked on projects was very different. Another thing to adapt to is the change of pace. Instead of two- or three-hour classes, it was eight hours of being stationary. Through these adaptations, my main response was to realize that it is all a learning experience and to enjoy it, even if it was tough. It also allowed me to understand what type of work I enjoy and the office culture I would want to be a part of. Something that I am thankful I did was do a variety of internships with different offices to learn new skills, but also to know what I could do. Therefore, this is something I would have wanted to do if I didn’t.
Throughout my academic career, I would say the biggest resource that helped me persevere through rough patches and school in general was connecting with people. Faculty, mentors, and professionals were so helpful in inspiring me to continue or to learn from. They love speaking to and helping students so if I have any advice, it would be to connect with people in and out of your class, school, and career path. It’s all about who you know.
I pursued my interests and strengths through participating in the National Student Exchange program where I studied at another university other than my home one. This allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, try something new, and pursue an interest of mine based on geographical location. I also pursued my interests and strengths through independent study in my fifth year. This allowed me to be my own teacher and do what I wanted to do. With the help of a faculty advisor, I was able to dive into a topic that I wanted to learn more about while also educating those around me. These two are great ways to go on your own path of interest if you have the opportunity to do so!
Lexi Banks, Associate ASLA
Iowa State University, Class of 2024
The most challenging thing I found in my first job out of school was learning to ask the right questions and when and how to share my opinion. I always found that even though I had shared my idea in a larger group discussion, someone who was more outspoken could always restate the same idea and take the credit for it. Not that I’m a person who wants all the credit, but it took me a long time to learn how to make myself heard. If you’re somewhat of an introvert, too, read the book Quiet. It changed my outlook.
I don’t have any one specific tool, but there have been a few rough patches (I survived 2008 and COVID). I’ve had to be adaptable and found that this gave me opportunities that I would not have found if I had not faced the challenge. Through each challenge I met new people. These mentors, partners, and friends I’ve connected with in those challenging times have been valuable resources and support systems and I hope I can be the same to them and others. Even after the untimely death of a business partner and friend, it was the people who work together at Dig and with us over the years that helped us all get through that together.
When I first started out, I tried to take art classes and read lots of design journals to keep my curiosity and creativity fresh. I pursued my license early on because I felt it would open more leadership possibilities. Being in ASLA kept me exposed to the profession and in touch with my peers when I had time to participate in that and other professional organizations. Later, I got interested in ecology and water systems and decided (with grown children in college) to go back for my master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Science. This has been tough to do working full time, but what I am learning will be vital in the practice of landscape architecture moving forward and it is important to me to never stop learning.
My overall advice to students graduating is that now that you have a degree and you’re done with school (for now, anyway), don’t ever think you know everything. Learning in this profession never ends. You need to bring that same curious attitude that (hopefully) you had in school with you to work every day.
Gretchen Wilson, PLA, ASLA, LEED, WEDG
Louisiana State University, Class of 1999
Founding Principal + Partner at Dig Studio
One of the biggest adjustments between school and practice that I encountered (and still encounter) is the knowledge gap in terms of ‘making things real.’ It can feel like quite a jump transitioning from working on projects where the end product is often a plan, some pretty graphics, and a final crit to working on projects where the end result is built work. Proposals and fees, budgets, clients, codes, contractors, and construction administration—things we don’t necessarily get to touch and see in school—are suddenly new factors we have to consider in the design process. Instead of viewing these as limiting constraints, I’ve found it helpful to shift my mindset and view these as parameters that can inspire creativity. Dive in, ask questions, and be curious about these “new” layers of the design process, to better understand how to design with them.
Lean on Your Classmates
Your classmates are a built-in network of emerging professionals. And although you may be spread across the world, working at different types of firms on different scales of projects, you’d be surprised at how many common experiences you share, especially in the first few years post-grad. Be open and vulnerable, share your failures, and celebrate your wins; it can be comforting to know that you’re not doing it alone.
Practice a Both/And Mindset
A both/and mindset embraces the idea that two things can be true at once. You can feel both sad to leave school and excited to embark on this journey post-grad. You can be both an ambitious, accomplished, and successful designer and prioritize work-life balance.
To pursue your interests in your career, communicate with your project managers and coworkers—let them know what your interests are, what you enjoy working on, where you’d like to get more experience. If you’re not finding that these opportunities exist, create them. For example, if you like to sketch, you could propose a mini-sketch crawl with your coworkers during lunch. If you want to learn more about landscape performance, you could suggest attending a lunch ‘n’ learn or a webinar.
Emily Siler, Associate ASLA
Kansas State University, Class of 2023
Designer at Genus Landscape Architects
To the graduating class of 2024,
Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. What an exciting time to pave your way in a field at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and stewardship. As a graduate of SUNY ESF’s Landscape Architecture Class of 2016, I can positively say that your learning experiences are only just beginning!
Bridging the gap between academia and the professional realm will require you to step out of your comfort zone and soak in knowledge like a sponge. If you’re like me newly entering the professional realm, the vastness of our field may feel daunting. I encourage you to dig deep and take the opportunities. Take opportunities to explore different project types and scales, find exposure to different design styles or perspectives, and build mentor relationships. Lean into the uncomfortable—that is where you will see the most growth in yourself.
As I navigate my career, I lean on the advice from the mentors who have guided me through my career and maybe they will help you through yours!
- Seek mentorship both within your company and externally. Most people want to help you succeed. Seek those whose career and values you admire. Get involved in your local design community, and don’t underestimate the value of making connections.
- Embrace the uncomfortable and face your ‘weaknesses’ head on. For example, if you’re nervous about contributing your thoughts or presenting to a group, practice by taking initiative on low-risk speaking opportunities, such as a presentation to your colleagues on a subject matter you’re passionate about! Remember, you are not required to hold a leadership title to find opportunities to lead—initiative is key.
- Know when to dig in and work hard and when and how to advocate for yourself. Practice setting and communicating boundaries. Learning to ‘manage up,’ guiding clear communication, and refining time management skills are a great starting point. Strategize ways you can contribute ‘above and beyond’ efficiently!
- Remember that you are early in your landscape architecture career and have plenty of time to gain experience and knowledge. You have space to forge your path and define your passions and expertise.
The abundance of knowledge and opportunities to expand our skills are as endless as they are energizing. An appetite for continual curiosity will lead you to many experiences through your career. You may surprise yourself through the confidence you build, the skills you add to your toolbox, and the courage to learn from experiences. I hope to learn from you soon, too!
Kim Case, PLA, ASLA, CSI CDT®
SUNY ESF, Class of 2016
Associate at Design Workshop
Congratulations to all the graduating landscape architects! Get ready to trade your pencils for shovels—it’s time to make your ideas a reality! The world is your giant playground, and you get to design amazing places for people to enjoy. Imagine parks bursting with life, with fun playgrounds for kids and open spaces for everyone. Your designs will soon come to life, becoming strong and lasting landmarks. The parks and spaces you create today will be where communities grow and thrive. So, landscape architects, make your mark on the world, one park, path, or plaza at a time!
Dr. Bo Zhang, ASLA
University of Florida, Class of 2013
Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University
Congratulations again on your graduation! As you transition from being a student to an emerging professional landscape architect, we want to make sure you continue to enjoy ASLA membership benefits. The next membership level: ASLA Associate Membership is only $75 per year! And as you embark on your journey to become a licensed landscape architect, please know that as an Associate Member you will receive a variety of discounts on the LARE prep courses, and you will also receive a discount to attend the ASLA 2024 Conference on Landscape Architecture in Washington, DC.
Register for ASLA Associate Membership >
As a member of the next generation of landscape architects, you should also know about two other ASLA membership aspects. First, if you will be joining a firm, we strongly encourage you to inquire about having your firm cover your ASLA membership fee. Many large and small firms provide this benefit to their employees. Second, we know from member testimonials that they can enhance their ASLA membership experience by actively participating in their local chapter. So, please remember to select the most appropriate chapter based on your place of work or residence.
As you embark on your next adventure into the professional realm, please know we are all rooting for you and are always willing to help you out in your times of need! You’ve got this! Go take the world by storm!
All the best,
Chloe Gillespie, Associate ASLA
Kansas State University, Class of 2023
Designer at LandDesign
And the rest of the ASLA Student Support and Engagement Committee:
- Madeline Kirschner, Associate ASLA – Committee Chair
- Yiwei Huang, ASLA
- Paige Bernhardt, ASLA
- Kimberly Case, ASLA
- Jhoanna Farray, Student ASLA
- Anuhya Konda, Associate ASLA
- Graciela Martin, Associate ASLA
- Kelley Oklesson, ASLA
- Joe Imamura, PhD, ASLA
- Bo Zhang, ASLA
- Pamela Blough, FASLA
- Chloe Gillespie, Associate ASLA
- Carlos Torres de Janon, Associate ASLA
- Emily Pixberg, Associate ASLA
- Stephanie Lau, ASLA
- Mairin Subervi, ASLA
- Jessi Garrett, Associate ASLA
- Anne Chen, ASLA
- Ebru Özer, FASLA, ASLA Vice President of Education
- Kris Prichard, Hon. ASLA, Director, Accreditation and Education
See the ASLA Student Support and Engagement Committee’s 2023 Words of Wisdom.