Landscape Architect & Specifier News

MAR 2018

LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.

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His colleagues in the industry have noted his dedication. "As both a practitioner and educator, Shawn represents a large portion of ASLA's diverse membership. He is a life- long learner and always strives to know all he can about pressing issues," said Greg Miller, FASLA, the current president of the ASLA and principal landscape architect of Morrow Reardon Wilkinson Miller Ltd. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (See his profile in the Jan. 2018 issue.) "He understands the opportunities for ASLA to position the profession at the forefront of a new era of environmental, social and culturally sensitive design," Miller said. "He is also keenly aware of the unique skills and abilities of landscape architects to affect positive change in our communities. "Shawn is very detail oriented, while keeping a clear understanding of the big picture. This allows him to be an effective problem solver with the context of larger issues." For Kelly, landscape architecture work is cathartic. "You start with all of these issues, and you are working through many different things. It is a cohesion of art and science—sometimes one more powerful than the other, both influencing the outcome. That balance is the magic of what we do. Issues such as harvesting storm water, keeping culture intact and ensuring accessibility all come together in cohesive landscaping." Shawn Kelly, FASLA (left) was sworn in as ASLA president- elect in Los Angeles, Oct. 23, 2017. Shawn will be sworn in as ASLA president during the Presidents' Dinner in Philadelphia, Oct. 22, 2018. 48 Landscape Architect and Specifier News "It is easy in practice to get jaded, derivative or repetitive. When you're teaching students, they don't have that. I'm amazed by the energy they have, and it gives you energy." Above: For his landscape architecture students, Kelly encourages independent thinking and problem solving. He asks them to come up with their own definition of sustainability. Another question he poses is, "Does the term 'natural' include people or not?" In his own work, Kelly focuses intently on place-based design. "It is a simple truth that our planet is overstressed. Landscape architects really do make a difference. Green landscapes help people to cope."

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