TOUR 1B
Memorial Park Eastern Glades
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Memorial Park Eastern Glades opened to acclaim in 2020 followed by Seymour Lieberman Trail/ Bridges in 2022. Central to America’s 5th largest metro, the 1,500-acre park welcomes 2.5 million visitors annually. As local landscape architect, Lauren Griffith Associates led the design of the extensive planting and soils aspects of the project, coordinated a stormwater management system that directs runoff to a new lake, and assembled the consultant team for Nelson Byrd Woltz (NBW). Eastern Glades was the first constructed phase of NBW’s master plan created for the Memorial Park Conservancy and the City of Houston. It includes an expanded trail that serves 10,000 runners daily, a relocated park road, a new parking lot, entry features, plazas, a new lake, central activity lawn, event lawn, pavilions, food truck and picnic areas, trails and boardwalks. 137 new native species create a powerfully evocative, nuanced plant palette to delight visitors and support wildlife from butter flies to coyotes. LGA identified vegetation to be protected, documented trees to be removed, and specified eradication methods for invasive plant species. Shrubs, bulbs, and grasses define trails, while new trees, provide shade and spatial structure. Complex planting design addressed challenging growing conditions on stabilized slopes and placed native plants, including trees, at various depths in and around the lake. Resilient shoreline vegetation accommodates three feet of freeboard and thrives despite intentional inundation from major storms. Diverse ecologies are now observed ranging from Post Oak savannah, wetlands, riparian slopes, and upland forest, in this SITES certified project.
CEU Credits: (1) Sustainability, Barrier Free, HSW
Speaker Bios
Cheryl Huffman
Associate, Landscape Architect Design Workshop
Cheryl Huffman, Associate at Design Workshop, is a registered Landscape Architect and Urban Designer. Cheryl earned her Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the Ohio State University. Visionary yet practical, she contributes a deep understanding of each project at multiple scales, while she carefully examines the relationships among the site, buildings, and existing context. From funding, programming, and consensus building through design and construction, Cheryl revels in bringing challenging projects to reality. During her tenure with Lauren Griffith Associates, she led multi-disciplinary teams for signature park master planning, design, and implementation including Discovery Green improvements such as the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Grand Allée, Playground, White Promenade, and White Garden. Other notable works include Trebly Park, Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza, Herman Park Dog Park, Memorial Park Eastern Glades and Seymour Lieberman Trail.
Lauren Griffith
Principal and Founder
Lauren Griffith Associates
Principal and founder of Lauren Griffith Associates, Lauren Griffith is a retired landscape architect with four decades of experience in all aspects of landscape architecture, from feasibility studies and master planning to project direction, design, construction documents and construction administration. Her particular focus is creating compelling outdoor gathering spaces that can be programmed for multiple uses. She has gained an in-depth understanding of how people use outdoor spaces that enriches the placemaking process for both public and private projects. Lauren is adept at working with committees and stakeholders to reach consensus and build support for a project’s maximum development potential. She designs with maintenance and operations of amenities in mind. An award-winning landscape architect, Lauren’s projects have been recognized at international, national, state and local levels. She is an ASLA Fellow and Outstanding Alumna of the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. Lauren serves on the Trees for Houston and City of West University Place Parks and Recreation boards and chairs the Texas ASLA Fellows Nomination Committee.
Sarah Newbery Director of Parks and Greenspace Kinder Foundation
Sarah graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1989 and holds dual Master degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. She moved to Houston from New York City in 1999 and joined Curtis & Windham Architects where she went on to become a Principal. In 2012, she left private practice and joined Uptown Houston to help manage the master planning process for Memorial Park. She joined the Kinder Foundation in 2018 as Director of Parks and Greenspace and assists in coordinating partnerships and providing professional support for the Foundation’s park projects. She currently serves on both the Hermann Park Projects Committee and the Memorial Park Implementation Committee and is a board member for Trees for Houston. Sarah and her husband have enjoyed raising their two children in Houston and, after calling it home for over two decades, continue to enjoy its vibrant and diverse culture.
Tour: Memorial Park Eastern Glades
Tour: Memorial Park Eastern Glades
Golf Course to Garden: Teeing up an Immersive, Botanical Experience
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Established in 2020, the Houston Botanic Garden is a 132-acre living museum dedicated to discovery, education, and plant conservation. Once a municipal golf course, it now thrives as an oasis along Sims Bayou, showcasing tropical, sub-tropical, and arid plants that mirror Houston’s cultural diversity. Tour participants can escape the city and explore the carefully curated gardens, including the Global Collection Garden, Culinary Garden, Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, and Woodland Glade. Nestled along Sim Bayou, these collections are strategically shielded from flood events, highlighting their role in promoting green infrastructure, flood mitigation, and habitat conservation. The Garden also addresses climate change impacts, having faced multiple weather events like freezes, extreme heat, a derecho, and a hurricane. As a result, Garden staff are actively researching climate-resilient plant palettes to adapt to these changes. The tour will highlight the educational programs offered to visitors that encourage an appreciation for nature, horticulture, culture, nature, and wellness. Participants will also have a chance to explore the new Habitat exhibition, which delves into various ecosystems, their preservation, and importance. Just minutes from downtown, the Houston Botanic Garden offers a serene escape with vibrant flora and lush landscapes. It stands as a symbol of growth and education, inviting visitors to engage all their senses and discover the nurturing power of nature.
CEU Credits: (1) Sustainability, HSW
Speaker Bios
Mary Keilers
Innovation & Research Principal
Clark Condon
Mary is passionate about the environment and is dedicated to making a positive impact through her designs. Over the course of her career, she has amassed a breadth of experience in delivering complex projects on diverse ecological sites and urban environments alike. With a focus on communities and their immersion into the outdoor environment, a significant number of her projects are within the public sector where she provides opportunities for people to experience and learn about nature. She approaches each project with uncompromising stewardship paying special attention to soil science, planting design, and green infrastructure. As the Innovation and Research Principal, her role centers on research and the implementation of new practices, protocols, and development trends within the industry. Mary is continually embracing her natural curiosity through continued education on topics such as soils, native plants, restoration methods, and finds ways to implement the gained knowledge into her projects. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture.
Jill Barry
President & CEO
Houston Botanic Gardens
Jill Barry joined the Houston Botanic Garden in October of 2023, following an extensive national search to lead the nascent garden at a pivotal time in its growth. She came from Morven Museum and Garden, a National Historic Landmark in Princeton, New Jersey, that was not only the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, but to Robert Wood Johnson of Johnson & Johnson fame and five New Jersey Governors as the state’s first Governor’s Mansion. She led construction projects, reinstallations, significant audience outreach and diversification, as well as stabilized its finances and grew its revenue base. Prior to Morven, Jill held senior director-level positions at cultural institutions for more than two decades. At the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (Ala.), she oversaw planning for a sculpture garden. At the Naples Botanical Garden (Fla.), she was Director of External Affairs during the initial $55 million capital campaign and grand opening of the 170-acre campus. She served in leadership positions at The Walters Art Museum (Baltimore, Md.), the Cincinnati Art Museum (Ohio), and the Cleveland Museum of Art (Ohio).
Brent Moon
Associate Director of Natural Areas, Conservation and Facilities
Houston Botanic Garden
Brent Moon joined Houston Botanic Garden in February 2019, shortly before construction began. In September 2024, he was promoted to Associate Director of Natural Areas, Conservation, and Facilities, having previously served as the Horticulture Manager for more than five years. He also chairs the APGA’s Horticulture, Greenhouses, & Facilities community and serves on the Editorial Advisory Committee for Public Garden magazine. Prior to joining the Houston Botanic Garden, he spent 15 years with the City of Houston, primarily with the Houston Parks & Recreation Department, where he rose to Senior Superintendent of Horticulture. Before coming to Texas, he was a horticulturist at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Tour: Golf Course to Garden: Teeing up an Immersive, Botanical Experience
TOUR 1D
Elevated Horizons: Exploring On-Structure Landscapes
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Roof decks and terraces in urban environments provide vibrant green spaces that transform corporate landscapes into natural retreats. At Texas Tower, a LEED Platinum-certified 47-story office building in Houston, rooftop terraces offer lush, open areas for social gatherings. The design features organic paving, elegant trellises, and luxury lounge furniture, all underpinned by an eco-friendly irrigation system using recycled water. This integration of modern luxury with environmental responsibility creates a serene escape amid the cityscape. At 717 Texas Avenue, a 14,000-square-foot terrace on the twelfth floor offers employees a space to unwind. The terrace features lighted paths leading to a dynamic gathering area, shade structures with artificial turf, and flexible seating arrangements. The use of native and adaptive plants organized in a formal grid enhances the terrace’s aesthetic, making it a sanctuary in the bustling city. The Marriott Marquis elevates urban entertainment with a Texas-shaped lazy river on its sixth floor. This premier location includes an expansive event lawn, infinity-edge pool, spa, and interactive splash pad, all designed for leisure and luxury. The outdoor lounge, surrounded by stone veneer-raised planters, offers style and comfort, while a paver pedestal system discreetly conceals utilities, enhancing functionality. These urban oases not only provide unique recreational experiences but also seamlessly blend nature with design, redefining corporate environments as vibrant, green spaces.
CEU Credits: (1) Sustainability, HSW
Jason Buckley, PLA Senior Associate
Clark Condon
With over a decade of experience in the field, Jason is an experienced landscape architect and project manager who excels at designing functional outdoor spaces. He specializes in corporate campuses, residential towers, healthcare facilities, and other mixed-use projects with an astute attention to detail and innovative design solutions. Jason has extensive expertise on elevated, on-structure roof decks to create spaces that are functional, sustainable, and more visually appealing. His passion for construction systems, fabrication, and horticulture has enabled him to create spaces that enhance the overall environment for the intended user. Jason infuses unique insights into his projects from the details up; processing how materials and forms affect the atmosphere of a space. Jason graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a minor in horticulture.
Elizabeth Gilbert, PLA Managing Principal Clark Condon
Elizabeth is the managing principal at Clark Condon and has cultivated a diverse portfolio, expertly managing and designing projects within the public and private sectors. Her specialization in the design of public spaces is evident through her work on streetscapes, parks, public spaces, and master-planned communities, where she excels in the intricate coordination required between the design team, clients, and stakeholders. Elizabeth has a deep understanding of connectivity and usability, ensuring that spaces are not only functional but also engage the community. Her leadership and dedication make her an invaluable asset to both her team and the clients she serves, consistently delivering outstanding results and fostering a collaborative, creative environment.
Welcome Reception
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Join us at POST Houston for an evening of mixing and mingling. After the event, feel free to stay and explore one of Houston’s best venues. Check out the 1 acre urban farm on the roof, or wander around the beautiful rooftop gardens, or watch the iconic Houston skyline sparkle at sunset. You can also head down to the POST Market and experience the international cuisine Houston has to offer.
Scan QR Code for directions and more informations.
Transportation is not sponsored. On site parking is available but limited.
Speaker Bios
5:30 AM - 7:30 AM
THURSDAY SCHEDULE
Tour 2: Jogging Tour of Downtown | Convention Center Fountain Entrance
Nicholas Nelson
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00AM - 4:00 PM
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Badge Pick-Up & Registration | Convention Center Mezzanine B - Registration Desk
Keynote Session 1: Landscape Architecture’s Next Chapter: A
Fireside Chat with ASLA CEO Torey Carter- Conneen | Theater A
Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO ASLA & Bill Odle
Exhibit Hall Break | Exhibit Hall B3
Expo Bingo Scavenger Hunt: Stamp your card to get a raffle ticket! | Exhibit Hall B3 - Launchpad
Session 2A: 25 Years of The Green Ribbon Master Plan | Classroom A
Ethan Beeson & Dana Coté
Session 2B: Placemaking in Multicultural Communities: Innovative Perspectives and Collaborative Solutions | Classroom B
Elizabeth Gilbert, Elizabeth Whitton, M. Sonny Garza & Marcus Martinez
Session 2C: Integrated Skate Spaces in Landscape Design | Classroom C-332 ABDE
Shane Yee & Bobby King
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
PM - 2:45 PM
PM - 3:30 PM
Sketch Session with Chip Sullivan & Bob Chipman
| Exhibit Hall B3 - Launch Pad (must be pre-register to attend)
Chip Sullivan & Bob Chipman
Session 4A: SITES in Action: Sustainable Landscape Practices Across Urban Austin | Classroom A Jennifer Orr, Michael Meihaus & Ilse Frank
Session 4B: Bridging the Bayou: Culture & Connection in Buffalo Bayou East | Classroom B
Ian Rosenberg & José Solis
Session 4C: Healthy Soils Support Healthy Trees - The Amazing Soils Genomics | Classroom C -332 ABDE
Wei Zhang & Peter Caldwell
Tour 3: Hurricane Resilience and Landscape Architecture: A Field
Exploration | Convention Center Fountain Entrance
Alex Ramirez, Steven Spears & Marlon Marshall
Tour 4: Discovery Green & Market Square Park
| Convention Center Fountain Entrance
Cheryl Huffman, Lauren Griffith, Clark Curry & Susanne Theis
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Exhibit Hall Break | Exhibit Hall B3
Session 3A: Build Better: Contractor Collaboration for Climate
Positive Design | Classroom A
Stephanie Saulmon, Heather Venhaus, John Patty & Spencer Cook
Session 3B: The Confluence Park Water Story | Classroom B
Bobby Eichholz & Sunnie Diaz
Session 3C: Never Too Old To Play: Play for All Ages | Classroom C - 332 ABCD
Theresa LaForest
CSO/SASLA Student Leadership Meeting (Invite Only) | Room 330 B
Lunch on your own | Exhibit Hall B3- Food Court
(Chick-fil-a, Sunset Coffee & CJ’s Latin Grill)
PM - 3:30 PM 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM 3:30 PM- 4:30 PM 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Exhibit Hall Break | Exhibit Hall B3
Mentor Match: Speed Networking with Industry Professionals | Exhibit Hall B3 - Launch Pad
Session 5A: Irrigation Components and their Water Saving Advancements | Classroom A
Matthew Swor
Session 5B: Revitalizing St. John: A collaborative approach to Community - Driven Redevelopment | Classroom B
Justin Lindabury, Callie Phillips, Amanda Haney & Christine Freundl
Session 5C: TBAE Investigates: Mysteries Unraveled, Myths Busted | Classroom C - 332 ABDE
Pim Mayo & Steve Ramirez
Tour 5: Walk & Roll Tour: Navigating Accessibility Together
| Convention Center Fountain Entrance
Elaine Andersen & Andrea LaCour
Award Ceremony | Theater A
TEXAS A&M Alumni Reception | Room 330 A
TEXAS TECH Alumni Reception | Room 340 A
UTA Alumni Reception | Room 340 B
TOUR 2
Bu
ffalo Bayou 7 Mile
Jogging Tour
5:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Take a fun looping tour through Buffalo Bayou in Houston, Texas. This route will be up to 7 miles long with options to shorten the tour along the way. A mix of nature and city views makes it a great place to run. Sites on the route include Sam Houston Park, Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area, Eleanor Tinsley Park, Rosemont Bridge, Tolerance sculptures by Jaume Plensa, Lost Lake, Gus S. Wortham Fountain, views of downtown, and more. We will learn and experience firsthand topics of accessibility, nature, and recreation as we discuss and explore along the way. Don’t miss out on a great way to start your day and discovering Houston. The tour will start at the southwest corner of the convention center on the corner of Lamar and Polk Street. Headlamps or a flashlight are encouraged but not required.
CEU Credits: (1) CPEH, HSW
Speakers Bio
Nelson
Mr. Nelson is a runner and has called Fort Worth home for longer than anywhere else. His love of design and collaboration has resulted in more than 20 years of experience practicing and teaching landscape architecture. During that time running has allowed Mr. Nelson to experience and explore built and natural environments around the world. His recent service on the board of directors for Arts Fort Worth has provided a new richness to what Fort Worth has to offer.
KEYNOTE SESSION 1
Landscape Architecture’s Next Chapter: A Fireside Chat with ASLA CEO Torey Carter-Conneen
8:00 AM- 9:00 AM
Join Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO of ASLA, and Bill Odle, President of TBG Partners, for an insightful fireside chat exploring the future of landscape architecture. This session will highlight ASLA’s newly released strategic plan, crafted through nationwide and Texas-based roundtable discussions with industry professionals. Torey will share key insights on the profession’s transformation, cross-sector perspectives, and ASLA’s collective vision for a sustainable and innovative future. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about national trends, strategic priorities, and the methods ASLA is using to foster innovation and address the pressing challenges of landscape architecture.
CEU Credits: (1) CPEH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Torey Carter-Conneen
Chief Executive Officer
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
Torey Carter-Conneen has been the Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) since 2020, leading a 16,000-member strong professional association that champions landscape architecture across the United States. Torey’s vision is centered on elevating the role of landscape architecture in every community, ensuring that the profession is recognized for its vital contributions to both people and the environment. Under Torey’s leadership, ASLA has achieved several transformative milestones. He spearheaded the launch of the ASLA Climate Action Plan and Field Guide, a comprehensive initiative aimed at guiding the profession toward sustainable practices in the face of global environmental challenges. Torey also ensured that landscape architecture maintained licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, preserving the integrity and standards of the profession nationwide. Torey has significantly raised awareness of landscape architecture both domestically and internationally by forging strategic partnerships with major organizations such as National Public Radio, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the United Nations. A hallmark of his tenure has been the successful advocacy for the STEM designation for landscape architecture, a transformative achievement that underscores the profession’s critical role in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and practice. He is passionate about amplifying the narrative of landscape architecture, highlighting its profound benefits to communities and the planet. Torey actively engages with coalition partners, leverages major media platforms, and represents the profession on both domestic and international stages. Notably, under his leadership, ASLA secured the archiving of all its Professional Award winners in the Library of Congress, ensuring the preservation of the profession’s contributions for future generations. Torey thrives on collaborating with ASLA members, helping them promote their impactful work. Before joining ASLA, Torey served as Chief Operating Officer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). His extensive experience also includes roles as Senior Vice President and CFO at the Center for American Progress, and Acting President and CEO at the LGBTQ Victory Fund and Institute. Torey holds degrees in economics and accounting from George Mason University, as well as an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Bill Odle
President
TBG Partners
TBG’s third president since being founded in 1987, Bill joined the firm in 1995 after graduating from Oklahoma State and has contributed to TBG’s growth and success in numerous ways over the past two-plus decades. After originally joining the firm’s Austin studio, Bill served as TBG Houston’s Managing Principal for 15 years before becoming Strategic Planning Director, which allowed him to chart and navigate a purposeful plan of action for TBG at the local office and firm-wide levels. He maintains robust involvement in professional and community-focused organizations like Scenic Houston as well as the Urban Land Institute, for which he serves in a leadership capacity at both the national and regional levels.
Nicholas
SESSION 2A
25 Years of The Green Ribbon Master Plan 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
In 2000, the Houston District of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched an effort to meld mobility with aesthetic principles. TxDOT’s Houston District adopted a Corridor Aesthetics and Landscape Master Plan, known as the Green Ribbon Project (GRP). The GRP provides TxDOT with conceptual guidelines to integrate environmental aesthetics with roadway functionality. Understanding how the decisions and processes enacted in 2000 led to the successful adoption and continued master plan guidance for 25 will be discussed. The GRP goals were, and continue to be, broad and bold. Additionally, they are grounded in the basic tenets of transportation corridor design, construction, operational, and maintenance. In addition to roadway architecture, the GRP has set its sights on greening the greater Houston area. During the past 25 years over 3,000,000 trees have been planted on TxDOT right-of-way in the Houston District. This has led to the establishment of an urban roadway landscape emphasizing tree canopy where appropriate. The implementation of this transportation corridor landscape utilizes natural processes and recycled materials. Numerous devastating environmental events have impacted the landscapes, but they remain, and this is a good indicator the planting schemes and methods are working. This session explores the history, development, implementation, and continued adaptations which make this 25 year old functioning master plan continue to grow and provide benefits to millions of end users.
CEU Credits: (1) CPEH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Ethan Beeson
District Landscape Architect and ISA Certified Arborist Texas Department of Transportation, Houston District
His career with TxDOT began in 1997 as a design technician in the Bryan Area Office of the Bryan District. A year later, he moved to Houston and began working in the Houston District Maintenance office. In 2016, he briefly left TxDOT and served as the Project Manager for the Hermann Park Conservancy and managed the award-winning multi-million dollar Hermann Park Master Plan update. Upon returning to the Houston District in 2018, he has continued to support a wide variety of design, construction, and maintenance projects. In 1999, he assisted with development of the Green Ribbon Project (GRP). The GRP is the Houston District Corridor Aesthetics and Landscape Master Plan which guides structural aesthetics of roadway corridors and landscape development throughout the district. When the GRP was developed, it was the first districtwide plan of its kind for DOTs across the country. In 1993, Ethan graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. He later completed a Master of Science in Natural Resource Development in May 2000, also from Texas A&M University. He became a registered Landscape Architect in 1999 and is an ISA Certified Arborist.
Dana joined Westwood after retiring from TxDOT with over 25 years of experience related to highway landscape development. At Westwood Dana serves as subject matter expert related to PS&E development for Texas roadways. While at TxDOT, Dana developed and implemented the Green Ribbon Project (GRP), Corridor Aesthetics and Landscape Master Plan for the Houston District. The GRP incorporates landscape architecture, architecture, and public art into the functionality of a 3300+ mile modern day transportation system. Prior to joining TxDOT Dana worked 3 years for the Texas Transportation Institute as a consultant to TxDOT on 30+ corridor landscape projects throughout the state of Texas. Dana has extensive experience dealing with all types of corridor components from rural to urban settings including freeways, FM roads, toll roads, interchanges, intersections, rest areas, roadside parks, detention ponds, gateways and public art
Dana Coté Senior Project Landscape Architect, Public Infrastructure State Government Houston Westwood Professional Services
SESSION 2B
Placemaking in Multicultural
Communities: Innovative
Perspectives and Collaborative Solutions
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join us for an enlightening panel discussion to explore the multifaceted concept of placemaking within multicultural communities. This engaging session will include diverse perspectives from leading professionals in landscape architecture, special districts, and architecture. Featuring Elizabeth Whitton with The Goodman Corporation, Sonny Garza with TIRZ 8, Marcus Martinez with UltraBarrio, and Elizabeth Gilbert with Clark Condon, this panel will delve into innovative ideas and initiatives that foster inclusive and vibrant spaces within multicultural communities. This is an interactive opportunity to engage with fellow experts, exchange knowledge, and highlight groundbreaking approaches to creating spaces that resonate with and celebrate unique, diverse communities.
CEU Credits: (1) CPEH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Elizabeth Gilbert
Managing Principal Clark Condon
Elizabeth is the managing principal at Clark Condon and has cultivated a diverse portfolio, expertly managing and designing projects within the public and private sectors. Her specialization in the design of public spaces is evident through her work on streetscapes, parks, public spaces, and master-planned communities, where she excels in the intricate coordination required between the design team, clients, and stakeholders. Elizabeth has a deep understanding of connectivity and usability, ensuring that spaces are not only functional but also engage the community. Her leadership and dedication make her an invaluable asset to both her team and the clients she serves, consistently delivering outstanding results and fostering a collaborative, creative environment.
Elizabeth Whitton
Senior Associate, The Goodman Corporation Executive Director, East Downtown Management District
Elizabeth Whitton is the Executive Director of the East Downtown Management District and a Senior Associate at The Goodman Corporation (TGC). In her role as Executive Director, she works with property owners and stakeholders to ensure the EaDo area of Houston is economically vibrant, safe, and supportive of a strong, healthy community. At TGC, she collaborates with clients to identify, advance, and fund infrastructure projects that create measurable community impact. Prior to working at TGC, she was the Manager for Planning and Mobility at the Energy Corridor District. She moved to Houston in 2020 from Florida where she worked with municipalities, regions, state government, and federal agencies to advance creative solutions for multimodal transportation challenges. Liz also lived in Washington DC, working at a think tank to research and develop policy solutions necessary for integrating land use and transportation decisions to create healthy communities. Elizabeth is a graduate of the University of Alabama and Florida State University, and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco.
M. Sonny Garza Commissioner Gulfgate Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 08, Houston Planning Commission
M. Sonny Garza, a seasoned marketing and advertising professional, retired in January 2021 from CBS Radio/Houston Radio Broadcasting Group, a leading national marketing and broadcasting company. With a passion for civic engagement, Mr. Garza has dedicated over 20 years to volunteering in city government through mayoral and city council appointments. Currently, he serves as the Vice Chairman of the Houston Planning Commission and the Chairman of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number 8, also known as The Gulfgate Redevelopment Authority. Throughout his civic tenure, Mr. Garza has played a pivotal role in shaping city policies, having chaired multiple subcommittees that provided critical recommendations on City of Houston ordinances, including a change that promoted more diverse and affordable housing options for residents. As Chairman of TIRZ 8, Mr. Garza spearheaded the largest annexation in the zone’s history, expanding its area from 800 to 8,000 acres, making it the largest TIRZ in Houston. Under his leadership, the zone has seen significant improvements, including the redevelopment of Broadway and Park Place Boulevards, the Houston Botanic Garden, and collaborations with the Bayou Greenways 2020 initiative to enhance trails and connectivity. His efforts have also led to the rehabilitation of 11 parks and the acquisition of a new 5-acre park, as well as crucial infrastructure upgrades such as sidewalks and water lines throughout the zone. Mr. Garza’s commitment his dedication to making Houston a safer, more resilient city, continually enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Marcus’ 19 years of experience in architecture and urbanism is dedicated to fostering resilient districts, re-purposing infrastructure, and designing structures that relate to cycles of scarcity, surplus, and obsolescence. He is a Partner at Ultrabarrio, an architecture and urban design practice committed to culture, legacy, and site performance. Marcus’ commitment translates into numerous urban core projects from Boston to Houston, including the 2024 Olympic Plan – smart city blueprint, projects in Houston communities like Gulfton, East End, and Near Northside, and mobility projects that advocate for civic experiences. His work and his practice have been recognized through distinctions such as the Architect Magazine’s Next Progressives, Best of Design by Architect’s Newspaper, Houston’s Historic Preservation Award, and recent state and local AIA awards. Marcus is an educator and has held teaching positions at the University of Houston, Boston Architectural College, and MIT for the Prof. Ed. Program for Mobility on Demand course and was a research assistant at the MIT Media Lab’s Changing Places Studio. Marcus received his Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design from MIT and his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston.
Marcus Martinez Partner
UltraBarrio
SESSION 2C
Integrated Skate Spaces in Landscape Design
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Integrating skate spaces into landscapes can be both a valuable way to meet the needs of a growing community and an exciting new way to create more sculptural and aesthetically appealing public spaces. As a field of Landscape Architecture, Skatepark Design like other sports fields and courts has been largely confined to park space, although skating is now being seen as having the potential to fit into other styles of urban plazas, mixed-use areas, skateable terrains like berms and landforms, skate-able play sculptures and even skate trails as a source of transportation. Since the introduction of skating into the Olympics, skateboarding has seen immense growth and bolstered by more open minded policies, skateparks are being designed into more public areas. Skate spaces are one of the few sports related activities that can share public space with pedestrians, bikers, spectators, and also be easily integrated into community greenspaces. In addition, skate spaces can be designed using architectural materials into cohesive urban environments, with effective ways of using the concrete areas as rainwater catchment for the surrounding landscape.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW, Barrier Free Speakers Bios
Shane Yee Principal of Design Skate Ecosystems
Shane Yee earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, California. Mr. Yee has a broad range of experiences and capabilities in all phases of project planning, design and construction- from acquisition through operations and maintenance. He has designed award-winning projects including residential, multifamily, civic, religious, master planning, and of course, skate spaces. As an officer in the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps, Mr. Yee expertly designed & managed DOD projects with a total value of 100+ million to include Design-Build, DBB, and MILCON construction. Mr. Yee is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Society of American Military Engineers, and US Green Building Council.
Bobby King Principal of Construction Skate Ecosystems
Bobby King earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mr. King has over 15 years of experience in skatepark construction, designing and building facilities around the world. Mr. King’s unique skill set includes oversight of shotcrete material specifications, quality control, quality assurance, concrete placement/finishing, structural rebar, custom steel, and cast concrete. Mr. King’s portfolio includes projects for municipalities, real estate developers, and world-class skate competitions including Olympic qualifying venues. Mr. King is a native of Austin, Texas.
SESSION 3A
Build Better: Contractor Collaboration for Climate Positive Design
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
By diving into the design and construction process for two Sustainable SITES Gold Projects in Austin - the Campsite at Shield Ranch and Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park - this session shares best practices for project decarbonization in designed landscapes. Hear directly from the general contractors on what worked and what didn’t. Both projects relied on robust collaboration between the design team and contractor to embrace alternative material selection and construction strategies for success.
CEU Credits: (1) CPEH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Stephanie Saulmon
Principal
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
Stephanie grew up in Austin, but received her degree in Landscape Architecture at the City College of New York, where she lived for 17 years. At the Central Park Conservancy, she oversaw renovations of historic playgrounds, archaeologically significant landscapes, and ecological restorations. Stephanie returned to her hometown in 2015, with a new interest in the challenges cities face as they grow. She promotes the preservation and integration of local ecologies, hydrologic systems, and urban green spaces. She is also passionate about the development of dynamic play environments that engage children and adults in the natural world. She recently oversaw the construction of Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park and is currently working on a master plan update for the Elisabet Ney Museum, Garison Memorial Park in Buda, and the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin.
Heather Venhaus
President
Regenerative Environmental Design
Heather Venhaus is the principal of Regenerative Environmental Design (RED), a sustainable design-consulting firm that strives to connect natural and built systems in mutually beneficial ways. RED focuses on the dynamic relationship between nature, people, and the built environment. Heather has a background in landscape architecture and ecological restoration. Her work focuses on performance-based design, and she believes every project - regardless of location or size - can provide invaluable ecosystem services that benefit current and future generations.
John Patty Project Manager J. Pinnelli Company General Contractors
John Patty is an Austin native with more than 40 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. John has served as a Superintendent, Project Manager, General Contractor and Owners Rep for projects all around Austin, across Texas and several other states in the US. He has also led construction projects in Mexico, Peru and Tanzania. His individual project sites have covered up to 65 acres with values ranging up to $90M. John loves problem solving in the field with continuous collaboration between the Project owners, Design Team, Consultants and Sub-contractors. He currently serves as a Project Manager for the J Pinnelli Company in Austin. He is passionate about his family and friends the outdoors, long distance motorcycle touring and building stuff
Spencer Cook Superintendent
Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors
Spencer graduated from Texas State University in 2012 with BS in Construction Technology. He has been working with Hill and Wilkinson General Contractors for 12 years and as a superintendent for the last 7 years. His background in construction spans across several different divisions including manufacturing, hospitality, and institutional with a mix of LEED certified projects and one SITES certified project. He currently lives in Central Texas with his wife and daughter.
SESSION 3B
The Confluence Park Water Story
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Confluence Park is a living learning laboratory designed to inspire people to gain a greater understanding of Texas ecotypes and the impact of urban development on our watershed. The transformation of a former industrial laydown yard into a one-of-a-kind outdoor educational center serves the larger San Antonio community. Large gestures like the shaped land of the park represent the convergence of five regional landscape ecotypes in the South Texas region, while more specific details like the pavilion “petals” are inspired by the structure of plants that funnel dew and rainwater to feed their roots.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Bobby Eichholz
Principal Rialto Studio
Bobby is a landscape architect with over 26 years of experience, known for his collaborative approach to site design that aligns client goals with innovative solutions. As a Principal at Rialto Studio, he has completed numerous projects across South Texas, emphasizing green infrastructure and environmental stewardship. Bobby leads his team in design, consultant coordination, and the successful delivery of key projects, including the Pearl Brewery Redevelopment, Confluence Park, and several projects at Trinity University. His strength lies in fostering collaboration among design teams and clients, ensuring that functional spaces are created with thoughtfully selected hardscape and native plant materials that meet both programmatic needs and project budgets.
Sunnie
Diaz Project Architect Lake-F ato
Sunnie is an architect in Lake | Flato’s Eco-Conservation Studio, dedicated to creating designs that harmonize with the land while responding innovatively to each site’s geographical and cultural context. Her work on Confluence Park exemplifies the power of collaboration in developing restorative environments that deepen our connection to nature. By partnering with landscape architects to implement Low Impact Development (LID) strategies and sculptural landforms filled with native flora and fauna, as well as collaborating with artists on sculptural elements, Sunnie envisions the nature park as an interactive teaching tool that fosters a greater understanding of Texas ecotypes and watershed dynamics. As a Project Architect, Sunnie is passionate about revealing architecture that is deeply rooted in place and reflects the vernacular cultures of its surroundings. She works closely with clients to ensure that the design vision is realized throughout the construction process. Sunnie enjoys exploring how buildings can sustainably respond to the cultural aspects of the communities they serve.
SESSION 3C
Never
too
Old to Play: Play for All Ages
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
The presentation “Never Too Old to Play” explores the role of playgrounds in promoting health and happiness for people of all ages, including teens, adults, and seniors. It emphasizes the evolution of play needs throughout life and discusses the importance of incorporating diverse play elements into playgrounds to benefit all age groups. The presentation includes findings from three major play behavior studies conducted in the US and UK, involving over 60,000 participants in 100 different play environments. Attendees will learn how to design inclusive and resilient play spaces for everyone.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW, Barrier Free Speakers Bios
Theresa LaForest Design and Specification Manager Berliner Play Equipment Corporation
With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and over six years of experience in the parks industry, Theresa is dedicated to reimagining play spaces through her passion for open-ended play structures. As a Specification Manager, she combines her technical expertise with creativity to serve as a vital resource and advocate for designers during the early planning phases of projects. Her unique approach emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments that cater to individuals of all ages and abilities. Driven by the belief that play is essential to human development, Theresa is continuously seeking new ideas and trends that elevate the standard for recreational spaces. With her deep understanding of both technical specifications and the needs of users, she aims to create transformative play environments that resonate with the communities they serve.
SESSION 4A
SITES in Action: Sustainable Landscape Practices Across Urban
Austin
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
This session will examine the sustainable design principles of the SITES Initiative through two Austin-based projects: Pharr Tennis Center, and Richard Moya Bus Plaza. Studio Balcones will share insights on how these projects navigated the certification process and implemented the SITES framework to enhance ecological and social resilience. Pharr Tennis Center focuses on green infrastructure, urban biodiversity, and open space within a recreational setting, while Richard Moya Bus Plaza, a SITES Silver project, integrates native plantings and stormwater management into a high-traffic transportation hub. Attendees will learn about the complexities of balancing sustainability with budget, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the critical role of SITES in elevating the sustainability of public spaces.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers
Bios
Jennifer Orr
Principal
Lionheart- formerly Studio Balcones
A founding principal of Studio Balcones, Jennifer brings her playful design sense, extensive plant knowledge, and deep understanding of ecological systems to each project. Jennifer’s experience ranges from large scale green infrastructure projects to small scale residential gardens, both urban and rural, public and private. She has 20 years experience in the field and thrives on creating resilient landscapes that are integrated, functional, engaging and beautiful. Jennifer is active in her community, is a mother of two, and has a great love of the Texas landscape with it’s unique, and often challenging characteristics.
Michael Meihaus
Principal
Lionheart- formerly Studio Balcones
Michael is a registered landscape architect specializing in construction management, environmental restoration and recreation with experience ranging from design and construction of parks and trails to ecological and wild-land restoration implementation. Before joining Studio Balcones, Michael served with the National Park Service on the Elwha Dam Removal Project in Olympic National Park overseeing re-vegetation and ecological monitoring efforts. Then as Restoration Program Manager for Fred Phillips Consulting for four years, he helped design and build over 40 ecological restoration and recreation projects across the West and in Texas.
Ilse Frank
Principal
Lionheart- formerly Studio Balcones
As a founding principal of Studio Balcones, Ilse Frank investigates projects through many lenses including that of architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. Ilse designs for the future, considering how forecasted planning issues shape a design and establish long term and far reaching impacts beyond the site boundary. At a finer scale, Ilse approaches public space and parks in tandem with buildings– addressing scalar, material, and inside/outside relationships. As a born and raised Texan, Ilse is deeply and personally invested in the future of development in Texas.
SESSION 4B
Bridging the Bayou: Culture & Connection in Buffalo Bayou East
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Explore the planning, design, and implementation of Buffalo Bayou East, a historic urban redevelopment project to reconnect Houston’s Greater East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods to the city’s most significant natural waterway and to each other through a series of green spaces, repurposed industrial structures, and unique cultural destinations woven together by a substantial trail network. This session will explore the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan and 10-Year Plan from inception through implementation, focusing on the importance of community engagement for design authenticity, connecting to culture and history through adaptive reuse, and enhancing resiliency in all new spaces along the banks of Buffalo Bayou.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Ian Rosenberg Senior Vice President of Projects & Planning Bu
Ian M. Rosenberg is currently Senior Vice President for Capital Projects and Planning for Buffalo Bayou Partnership and has been involved with the organization since 2003. Ian has overseen numerous projects including the construction of the Sabine to Bagby Promenade, Sunset Coffee Building at Allen’s Landing. Ian’s responsibilities include overseeing the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan implementation of $310M of improvements. He is also responsible for management of BBP’s real estate and future development. Ian received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston in 1996. He attended the Centre d’Etude d’Architcture et d’Urbanism, Saintes France in 1995 and the Rice University Graduate School of Management for Advanced Project Management Program in 2001. Prior to joining Buffalo Bayou Partnership in a full-time capacity, Ian was the Principal of INFILL Planning & Development through which he managed the planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of complex projects for over 30 years. During this time, Ian worked closely with many public agencies and was instrumental in the planning and execution of projects for The Federal Reserve Bank, Memorial Park Conservancy, Main Street Coalition, and Connect Communities in the Gulfton neighborhood to masterplan workforce housing, new park space, infrastructure improvements and public facilities. Ian has served on the Board of the Midtown Management District, Legacy Community Health Centers and is Past Chairman of the Fifth Ward Community Development Corporation, and currently serves on the City of Houston Planning Commission.
José Solis
Project Manager
Buffalo Bayou Partnership
José is a native Houstonian and has been a Project Manager in Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Capital Projects & Planning team since 2018. Prior to starting with Buffalo Bayou Partnership, José had a 14-year career in architecture, 12 of which were with the global design firm Gensler. Following his architecture career, he has worked as a consultant and project manager for McCord Development and the Generation Park Management for over four and a half years. José has served as a board member of number of community groups including the Houston Arts Alliance, MATCH, Blaffer Art Museum, and DiverseWorks ArtsSpace and periodically writes for Cite Magazine published by the Rice Design Alliance. José holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Natural Resources and the Environment from the University of Michigan.
SESSION 4C
Healthy Soils Support Healthy Trees – The Amazing Soils
Genomics
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
This program aims to introduce soil genomics to the landscape architecture and urban forestry community. Urban trees are vital to our urban ecosystems, providing benefits such as improving air quality, reducing the urban heat island effect, and enhancing residents’ overall quality of life. However, urban forests face various challenges, including soil degradation, pollution, non-native species, and changing climate. Soil genomics can help address these challenges by better understanding the composition and function of soil microbial communities and how they respond to environmental stressors such as pollution and changing climate. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective strategies for managing soil health in urban forests, such as promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms and improving soil structure and nutrient availability. In addition, soil genomics can also be used to identify and track the spread of invasive species and other threats to urban forests. By analyzing the genetic signatures of microorganisms in the soil, researchers can identify potential sources of contamination and develop targeted interventions to prevent the spread of harmful organisms. Case studies across the United States, including two from Houston TX will be used to showcase how landscape architects can add this new tool to their toolbox and utilize it to solve the most challenging situations of growing urban landscape.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Wei Zhang
Education Coordinator
The Institute of Soil Genomics for Healthy Community Forestry
Wei Zhang is the VP of Research and Development at Zynnovation LLC, aka TreeDiaper. He is also the Education Coordinator of The Institute of Soil Genomics for Healthy Community Forests. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Engineering from Virginia Tech. He has been doing research & development for the green industry for 15 years. His research areas include watering solutions for landscape plants, relationship of soil/water/air, plant protection against stresses like drought and road salt. His work also provides novel solutions to green stormwater infrastructures, for which plants are used for the treatment of pollutants in stormwater. He has more than 40+ peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, one monograph and 200+ conference presentations. He has been a frequent speaker on Arboriculture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Forestry, Stormwater Green Infrastructure, and related conferences and symposiums. He is known as a scientist, educator and public speaker. Dr. Zhang is an ASLA approved LA CES provider.
Peter Caldwell
Director of Landscape Architecture
Peter Caldwell is a Landscape Architect who has had a love of plants since he was a teenager. He moved to Houston in 2014 upon completion of his degree Landscape Architecture and his Masters in Ecological Sciences at Purdue University. Peter has a strong belief in the connections between people and the natural environment. He understands the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the health of society. His Master’s work focused on understanding the complex nature of large urban systems and how to build resiliency into them. Peter is an active member of the Texas Chapter, Houston-Gulf Coast Section of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
ffalo Bayou Partnership
Hurricane Reliance and Landscape Architecture: A Field
Exploration
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Many know Houston as the commuter, flood-prone city without zoning. Fewer know it as the most diverse city in the United States. In 2010, the Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) reimagined and rebranded the district as a vibrant pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use hub. Through strategic planning efforts and a collection of catalyst project investments, Midtown is now considered the most walkable place to live, work, and connect in Houston. This walking tour will feature visits to two of those investments and explore how thoughtful urban planning and “radical” solutions for managing stormwater turned into new initiatives with the City of Houston.
CEU Credits: (1) Sustainability, HSW
Speakers Bios
Alex Ramirez Principal Design Workshop
A Principal and Landscape Architect in Design Workshop’s Houston office, Alex has gained valuable experience in both the public and private sectors working across various disciplines ranging from urban parks and streetscapes in mixed use districts, downtowns and entertainment centers to intimate and rural hospitality destinations. Additionally, Alex has experience in luxury private community developments and various gardens and green spaces surrounding campus and civic institutions. Alex’s design-build background combined with his diverse experience developing landmark projects in the public realm has shaped his perspective on balancing detailed design with complex design problems across many municipalities. Alex takes great pride in his ability to deliver the highest quality of work to our clients by synthesizing intricate systems to develop innovative solutions that connect conceptual stories to the natural world where the public can learn and broaden their understanding of the role the landscape plays in their life.
Steven Spears Principal Groundwork Development and Momark Development
Steven Spears is a Principal with GroundWork Development and Momark Development, located in Austin, Texas. Through his dual-education in landscape architecture and fine arts, Spears has worked for 25+ years across the globe in the planning and design of numerous developments, urban streetscapes, park and public realm, green infrastructure, resorts, private residential, mixed use, corporate campus and master planned community projects. Thoughtful leadership, planning, design, and research, creates the foundation of Spears work. He methodically integrates the local values of economy, sustainability, culture, and human sensory. At the core is his relentless pursuit of sustainably integrating humanity and ecology. He was inducted into the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Council of Fellows in 2015.
Marlon Marshall Director of Engineering and Strategic Development Midtown Redevelopment Authority
Marlon Marshall is the Director of Engineering & Construction for Midtown Redevelopment Authority (MRA) in Houston, TX. He is responsible for planning and implementation of MRA’s Capital Improvement Program to encourage economic development in the Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). As an advocate for sustainable design, Marlon has managed multiple complete streetscape and green infrastructure projects. He is a member of the American Planning Association (APA), International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI), and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Marlon holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Louisiana State University and Georgia Institute of Technology, respectively.
Discovery Green & Market Square Park
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Discovery Green features a great lawn, stage and bandstand, promenade, pond, interactive fountain, playground, gardens, dog runs, picnic areas, putting green, public art, two restaurants, a park office and restroom building, and a 600-car underground parking garage. Transplanted Oaks enhance an allée of century old Live Oaks leading to the convention center, hotels, high-rise apartments and office towers. The park is programmed for use by both tourists and local residents. The gardens feature seasonal blooms, scent and contrasting textures throughout the year to delight Houstonians who visit frequently, as well as the thousands of national and international conference participants who may only see the park during one season. Discovery Green is part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program, and it has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the US Green Building Council.
Market Square has been an important civic space since 1836. Two city halls with markets, a bus depot, and three iterations of a public park have occupied the one square block site. Its previous reincarnation, designed by artists, was partially enclosed by tall benches and berms, creating a sense of unease. In 2009, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority retained Lauren Griffith Associates to re-design the park. All existing trees have been preserved, all existing art pieces have been relocated or re-purposed by the original artists, and new art has been added. Lauren coordinated the work of 8 artists, ensuring their works animated the spaces while supporting the historical narrative and functionality of the park.
The site of Houston’s original city hall, Market Square Park occupies 1.5 acres in the downtown historic district. The park contained significant works of art created in the early 1990’s but was underused and perceived to be unsafe. Berms blocked views into the central plaza All existing trees have been preserved, all existing art pieces have been relocated or re-purposed by the original artists, and new art has been added. Lauren coordinated the work of 8 artists, ensuring their works animated the spaces while supporting the historical narrative and functionality of the park.
The site was regraded to accommodate underground stormwater detention, shield views of the dog park from the cafe, and engage the public realm, extending the park to the curb and drawing visitors through the site. Lauren’s Garden, a memorial to the victims of 9/11, is funded in memory of Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas, a native Houstonian and the only Texan on Flight 93. Lauren Griffith worked with her family to envision a memorial that would be appropriately reflective while capturing Ms. Grandcolas’s love of nature and joyous spirit.
CEU Credits: (1) Sustainable, Barrier Free, HSW
Speakers Bios
Cheryl Huffman
Associate, Landscape Architect Design Workshop
Cheryl Huffman, Associate at Design Workshop, is a registered Landscape Architect and Urban Designer. Cheryl earned her Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the Ohio State University. Visionary yet practical, she contributes a deep understanding of each project at multiple scales, while she carefully examines the relationships among the site, buildings, and existing context. From funding, programming, and consensus building through design and construction, Cheryl revels in bringing challenging projects to reality. During her tenure with Lauren Griffith Associates, she led multi-disciplinary teams for signature park master planning, design, and implementation including Discovery Green improvements such as the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club Grand Allée, Playground, White Promenade, and White Garden. Other notable works include Trebly Park, Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza, Herman Park Dog Park, Memorial Park Eastern Glades and Seymour Lieberman Trail.
Lauren Griffith
Principal and Founder
Lauren Griffith Associates
Principal and founder of Lauren Griffith Associates, Lauren Griffith is a retired landscape architect with four decades of experience in all aspects of landscape architecture, from feasibility studies and master planning to project direction, design, construction documents and construction administration. Her particular focus is creating compelling outdoor gathering spaces that can be programmed for multiple uses. She has gained an in-depth understanding of how people use outdoor spaces that enriches the placemaking process for both public and private projects. Lauren is adept at working with committees and stakeholders to reach consensus and build support for a project’s maximum development potential. She designs with maintenance and operations of amenities in mind. An award-winning landscape architect, Lauren’s projects have been recognized at international, national, state and local levels. She is an ASLA Fellow and Outstanding Alumna of the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. Lauren serves on the Trees for Houston and City of West University Place Parks and Recreation boards and chairs the Texas ASLA Fellows Nomination Committee.
Clark Curry
Operations Director, Landscape Architect
Discovery Green Conservancy
Clark Curry came to Discovery Green in November 2007 with 13 years of experience in the landscape industry and 14 years of experience in municipal park development and management. He started just as construction of the park was finishing up. He is one of many staff members who has his own paver near the Interactive Fountain stating, “He Was Here In The Beginning”. He earned a BS in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University and is a registered landscape architect in the State of Texas. Over the years, he has held certifications as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector, Certified Pool Operator, Licensed Landscape Irrigator and Certified Professional Turfgrass Manager. He is responsible for both the pristine appearance and smooth operation of this complex Houston jewel.
Susanne Theis
Artistic Director
Discovery Green Conservancy
Susanne Theis is the Artistic Director for Discovery Green. From 1983 to 2007, she served as the first executive director of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, where she helped to develop the Orange Show as an important place in Houston’s cultural landscape, create the Art Car Parade, acquire the Beer Can House and list The Orange Show on the National Register of Historic Places. Theis has curated several exhibits including “Wind in My Hair” at the American Museum of Visionary Art in Baltimore. In 2007, she became the first programming director for Discovery Green, a singular park formed by a public private partnership that opened in April 2008 in downtown Houston. At Discovery Green, she and her team have created a nationally recognized dynamic program of 600 annual art, entertainment, healthy living and family events.
SESSION 5A
Irrigation Components and their Water Saving Advancements
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
This class will provide the order and basics of irrigation system components, as well as the water saving advancements that have been made throughout the years. After attending, you will have a better grasp on what goes on what each component does, what to look for when doing a punch walk and have a better knowledge on industry trends.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW Speakers Bios
Matthew Swor
Specification Manager
University of Arkansas
Matthew, also known as Preston is originally from Collin County, north of Dallas and now resides in New Braunfels, TX. Beginning in 2010, his first job was working counter sales in the irrigation industry where he worked summers and school breaks. After graduating high school, he attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis is Business Communication. After distribution, Preston spent four years with a drip manufacture, and now currently with Hunter Industries working with contractors, distributors, architects, and consultants helping optimize the use of irrigation technologies.
SESSION 5B
Revitalizing St. John: A collaborative approach to CommunityDriven Redevelopment
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Discover the St. John Redevelopment in Austin, Texas: an ambitious public/private partnership focused on creating a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive district. With 50% of residential units set as affordable housing, nearly 4 acres of new park space, and 15,000 sq. ft. of community retail, the redevelopment aims to enhance the quality of life while preserving the neighborhood’s character. Guided by a Community Advisory Committee and committed to public engagement, art integration, and environmental sustainability, the project will transform St. John into a thriving, community-driven model for urban redevelopment.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Justin Lindabury
Managing Principal
TBG Partners
A Managing Principal in TBG’s Austin office, Justin is an experienced team leader and project manager who has helped to bring many of TBG’s most complex projects to fruition. He joined the firm in 2006 and takes on diverse roles in project development from the initial concept through implementation. Justin excels at managing large project teams and coordinating with consultants and clients on challenging projects. He has a history of deep involvement within the local community having served on the Hill Country Conservancy’s board and currently as a member of the Violet Crown Trail Committee for which he chaired for two years.
Callie Phillips
Development Associate Greystar
Callie Phillips is a Development Associate for Greystar Development Services in Austin, Texas. She is responsible for sourcing and analyzing prospective multifamily opportunities and managing the capitalization and execution of active development projects.
Amanda Haney
Associate
TBG Partners
An Associate in TBG’s Austin office, Amanda is a dedicated project manager who oversees multiple projects and project teams across Central Texas and the Greater Houston area. Her day-to-day responsibilities involve coordinating with clients to manage project schedules and progress, collaborating internally and with external teams on design and construction matters, and assisting with business development and project pursuits. Amanda has a particular passion for public and community parks, finding joy in engaging with the community to ensure that the end users’ needs are met. She is inspired by the health, social, and mental benefits of outdoor activities, as well as social urbanism and its impact on public space planning and design. An avid hiker, Amanda’s appreciation for nature informs her commitment to balancing built and natural environments, ensuring that designs are inclusive of all creatures inhabiting public spaces.
Christine Freundl, AICP, LEED-AP, EDFP Redevelopment Project Manager
Financial Services Department City of Austin
Christine Freundl is an urban design professional with 20 years of experience working to create inclusive, creative, equitable, and sustainable communities through architecture and planning. Past work has included K-12 and higher education facilities, downtown and campus master planning, form-based code formation and implementation, and the creation and management of Transit-Oriented Developments. Christine is trained as an architect and is a certified planner, LEED accredited professional, and a certified Economic Development Finance Professional. As a Redevelopment Project Manager with the City of Austin, Christine leads the visioning, negotiation, contracting and implementation of public-private partnerships including the redevelopment of the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the Colony Park Sustainable Community, and the St. John Site Redevelopment. Christine also provides advocacy for complete communities by serving on the Board of Directors of the Central Texas Chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism.
TBAE Investigates: Mysteries Unraveled; Myths Busted
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Investigations at the architects’ board seem to be a source of mystery for some (which is a good thing, in a way), so it’s time for the investigation and legal staff of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) to bust some myths. TBAE investigators will share stories from the trenches, point out helpful tips and best practices, and of course answer all your questions about investigations and enforcement.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Pim Mayo
General Counsel
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Pim Mayo is TBAE’s General Counsel and previously held the position of Assistant General Counsel. She has been a practicing attorney for 15 years, including over 10 years working in enforcement for state agencies. Pim grew up in the Dallas area, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, and received her law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio.
Steve Ramirez
Managing Investigator
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Steve has 30 + years of regulatory experience in the fields of building & design. This includes a 23 - year career with the City of Austin Inspections & Code Enforcement Department. He began his work with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) in October of 2015 in the Registration Department, and for the last 7 years, he’s worked as a TBAE Investigator. Steve has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and is a Cert fied Investigator (Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation).
TOUR 5
Walk & Roll Tour: Navigating Accessibility Together
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Join us on a walking/rolling tour to learn about accessibility codes in the built environment. Applying accessibility codes can be tricky, seeing them implemented in-person and having a discussion is a valuable way to deepen your understanding and best practices for compliance. This walking/rolling tour will showcase common requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). We will point out areas of compliance and non-compliance, and discuss design solutions. This will be an interactive tour, and participants are encouraged to engage with the tour leaders and ask questions throughout the tour.
CEU Credits: (1) Barrier Free, HSW
Speakers Bios
Elaine Andersen Accessibility Consultant
Elaine Andersen is a Registered Accessibility Specialist in Texas and a certified National ADA Coordinator with over 15 years of experience in accessibility compliance, architectural design, and project management. She has consulted on more than 1,000 projects nationwide, including multifamily housing, education, healthcare, and commercial spaces. Elaine is a sought-after speaker, having presented at major conferences such as the ADA Symposium, AIA, ASLA, and ASCE.
She is Vice President of District 1 MUD, an active member of Women in Architecture, and a Navy Veteran. Elaine continues to serve through design work with Operation Finally Home and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity.
Andrea LaCour Accessibility Consultant
Andrea LaCour is a Registered Accessibility Specialist in Texas and a certified National ADA Coordinator with expertise in accessibility compliance, architectural design, and project management. With over 15 years of experience, Andrea has consulted on more than 1,000 projects nationwide across multifamily housing, education, healthcare, and commercial sectors. As a sought-after speaker, she has presented at conferences like the ADA Symposium, AIA, ASLA, and ASCE.
Andrea co-founded Contour Collective 10 years ago. She received the 2024 Austin Under 40 award for Architecture and Design, was a finalist in the greater Austin area’s Women in Business Awards and has served on the Board of Directors for the ACE Mentor Program for eight years.
Awards Recognition Presentation
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us in recognizing outstanding projects in Texas. Tickets will be given at entrance while beer and wine will be served after the event.
Digital access to Award Booklet:
Alumni Reception
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Texas A&M Alumni Reception Room 330 A
Texas A&M Alumni Reception Room 340 A
Texas A&M Alumni Reception Room 330 B
5:30 AM - 7:30 AM
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
FRIDAY SCHEDULE
Tour: Houston Mural and Graffiti 4 Mile Jogging Tour
| Convention Center Fountain Entrance
Nicholas Nelson
Badge Pick-Up & Registration | Convention Center Mezzanine B
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote Session 6: Finding Home in Texas: Centering Cultural Narratives in Public Landscape Design | Theater A
Thomas L. Woltz
Exhibit Hall Break | Exhibit Hall B3
Expo Bingo Scavenger Hunt: Stamp your card to get a raffle ticket! | Exhibit Hall B3-Launchpad
Career Discovery DREAM BIG (Invitation Only)
Session 7A: From Passion to Fellowship: Tips from Texas ASLA Fellows | Classroom A
Lauren Griffith, Galen Newman, Steven Spears, Diane Jones Allen & Beth Clark
Session 7B: An Age Beyond Parametricism: Using Computational Design in Practice Beyond the Aesthetic | Classroom B
Andrew Gressett & Elvis Wong
Session 7C: Money Does Grow on Trees: How to Save and Make it BIG | Classroom C - 332 ABCD
Mark Mann
Session 8A: Systematic Change in Nature Access and Outdoor Learning | Classroom A
Sarah Coles, Melody Alcazar & Jaime Gonzalez
Session 8B: Regionalism in Practice: Crafting Stories Through the Natural Environment | Classroom B
Conners Ladner, Leslie Carter & Adam Barbe
Session 8C: Black Builders: An Inter-Disciplinary Process to Contectualize Race in the Built Enviorment | Classroom C-332 ABDE
Samantha Panger & Tara Dudley, PhD
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch on your own
| Exhibit Hall B3 - Food Court behind Launch Pad
(Chick-fil-a, Sunset Coffee & CJ’s Latin Grill)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Session 9A: Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Houston Wilderness and Houston Parks Board | Classroom A
Anne Olson, Beth White & Deborah January-Bevers
Session 9B: Worldbuilding: What Fantasy Storytellers Teach Us About Planning and Designing With Communities | Classroom C -332 ABDE
Andrew Lesmes, José Eduardo Sánchez & Madeleine Pelzel
Exhibit Hall Break | Exhibit Hall B3
Raffle Drawing | Exhibit Hall B3-Launchpad “MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN”
Session 10A: Where To Draw The Line? | Classroom C - 332 ABDE
Ernesto Alfaro & Heather Senning
Session 10B: Collaborative Streetscapes: P3 Partnerships and Scenic Houston’s Streetscape Resource Guide in Action | Theater A
Bill Odle, Muhammad Ali & Marlene Gafrick
TOUR
Houston Mural and Gra
ffiti Mile 4 Mile Jogging Tour
5:30 AM - 7:30 AM
Culture and art collide in downtown Houston on the sides of buildings. Explore a different side of downtown as we examine how art in the public realm affects public health, safety, and welfare. This tour will discuss accessible, mobile, and instagramable influences in urban environments. Over the course of 4 miles, we will visit some of the biggest and brightest examples of murals and graffiti, such as Graffiti Park, Zero Hunger, Houston Is Inspired, Sky Dance, and others along the way. Get your hashtags ready, this will be a fun way to experience downtown Houston like you never have before. The tour will start at the southwest corner of the convention center on the corner of Lamar and Polk Street. Headlamps or a flashlight are encouraged but not required.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bio
Mr. Nelson is a runner and has called Fort Worth home for longer than anywhere else. His love of design and collaboration has resulted in more than 20 years of experience practicing and teaching landscape architecture. During that time running has allowed Mr. Nelson to experience and explore built and natural environments around the world. His recent service on the board of directors for Arts Fort Worth has provided a new richness to what Fort Worth has to offer.
KEYNOTE SESSION 6
Finding Home in Texas: Centering Cultural Narratives in Public Landscape Design
8:00 AM- 9:00 AM
Designing within the vibrant multi-cultural and ecological mosaics of Texas over the past ten years, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBW) has produced a deep body of work focused on the public realm and its resilience. The work represents a wide range of designed landscapes ranging from restoration ecology and infrastructure to recontextualization and memorialization. Remarkably, these interventions have occurred across an equally wide range of public spaces – a large urban park, a museum, a cultural center, a university campus and an indigenous site of historic significance.
This keynote address will discuss how research-based design and cross-disciplinary storytelling are foundational to inclusive designs in these multi-cultural landscapes. Thomas Woltz, the Senior Principal and Owner of NBW, will trace these threads through the firm’s work at Memorial Park, Rothko Chapel, Ismaili Center Houston, Rice University, and the Caddo Mounds – inviting the audience to consider the stories the land holds.
CEU Credits: (1)
Speaker Bio
CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Thomas L. Woltz
Senior Principal
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBW)
Thomas L. Woltz, Senior Principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBW), leads his firm in the artful creation and revitalization of public landscapes. Working at the intersection of culture and ecology for the sustainability of the public realm, Thomas has led the expansion of NBW to include scientists and historians as integral contributors to the design of projects ranging from restoration ecology in large urban parks to post-industrial sites and educational campuses. Through this collaborative and cross-disciplinary approach, NBW’s designs reveal lost or erased histories in the landscape. The work of NBW now stretches across thirty states and twelve countries.
Thomas was educated at the University of Virginia and holds master’s degrees in landscape architecture and architecture as well as an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the State University of New York, Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse. In 2011, Thomas was invested into the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows, among the highest honors achieved in the profession and was named the Design Innovator of the Year by the Wall Street Journal Magazine. He was also recognized as one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company and with the Land for People Award by the Trust for Public Land. Woltz currently serves on the Boards of Directors of the Cultural Landscape Foundation.
Nicholas Nelson
SESSION 7A
From Passion to Fellowship: Tips from Texas ASLA Fellows
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join an engaging and inspiring panel discussion featuring accomplished Fellows of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) from Texas. These distinguished leaders will share their professional journeys, highlighting the passion, dedication, and achievements that propelled them to the prestigious honor of ASLA Fellowship. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the fellowship process, including how to identify and develop impactful projects, build a compelling portfolio, and engage in meaningful mentorship. The panelists will also discuss how their work has advanced the field of landscape architecture, contributed to the community, and fostered collaboration across disciplines.
Whether you’re just starting your career, considering applying for Fellowship, or simply seeking inspiration, this session offers practical tips, candid advice, and motivating stories to help you chart your own path from passion to Fellowship. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom and experience of Texas ASLA Fellows.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Lauren Griffith, FASLA
Principal and Founder
Lauren Griffith Associates
Principal and founder of Lauren Griffith Associates, Lauren Griffith is a retired landscape architect with four decades of experience in all aspects of landscape architecture, from feasibility studies and master planning to project direction, design, construction documents and construction administration. Her particular focus is creating compelling outdoor gathering spaces that can be programmed for multiple uses. She has gained an in-depth understanding of how people use outdoor spaces that enriches the placemaking process for both public and private projects. Lauren is adept at working with committees and stakeholders to reach consensus and build support for a project’s maximum development potential. She designs with maintenance and operations of amenities in mind. An award-winning landscape architect, Lauren’s projects have been recognized at international, national, state and local levels. She is an ASLA Fellow and Outstanding Alumna of the Texas A&M University College of Architecture. Lauren serves on the Trees for Houston and City of West University Place Parks and Recreation boards and chairs the Texas ASLA Fellows Nomination Committee.
Galen D. Newman, PhD, FASLA Professor and Department Head Texas A&M University
Dr. Galen D. Newman, FASLA, FCELA, is Professor and Head in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning (LAUP) at Texas A&M University as well as the Youngblood Endowed Professor of Residential Land Development. In LAUP, he formerly served as Associate Department Head, Coordinator of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Program, Director of the Center for Housing and Urban Development, Coordinator of the Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning Program, Associate Director of the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center, and Community Resilience Lead for the institute for Sustainable Communities. Dr. Newman’s research interests include community resilience, urban regeneration, land use science, spatial analytics, and built environment performance. His work has been published in many high-quality peer-reviewed outlets (over 130 journal articles) and has been funded through numerous internal and external funding sources including the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences totaling over 73 million. He has also won many national and international awards/recognitions for his research and teaching.
Steven Spears, FASLA Principal
Groundwork Development and Momark Development
Steven Spears is a Principal with GroundWork Development and Momark Development, located in Austin, Texas. Through his dual-education in landscape architecture and fine arts, Spears has worked for 25+ years across the globe in the planning and design of numerous developments, urban streetscapes, park and public realm, green infrastructure, resorts, private residential, mixed use, corporate campus and master planned community projects. Thoughtful leadership, planning, design, and research, creates the foundation of Spears work. He methodically integrates the local values of economy, sustainability, culture, and human sensory. At the core is his relentless pursuit of sustainably integrating humanity and ecology. He was inducted into the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Council of Fellows in 2015.
Diane Jones Allen, MLA, D.Eng., FASLA, PLA
Diane Jones Allen, MLA, D.Eng., FASLA, PLA is Professor and Program Director for Landscape Architecture, College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs, at the University of Texas at Arlington. She was inducted into the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) Academy of Fellows in spring 2024. As Principal Landscape Architect with Design Jones LLC she became elevated to Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2019. Design Jones LLC also received the 2016 American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Community Service Award under her leadership. Diane also served on the Board of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), serving as Vice President for Education for 2021.
Diane is part of one of two cross disciplinary teams that won 2020 SOM Foundation Research Prize focused on examining social justice in urban contexts through research titled “Reclaiming Black Settlements: A Design Playbook for Historic Communities in the Shadow of Sprawl”. Her research and practice are guided by the intersection of environmental justice, identity, and sustainability in cultural landscapes, including “Nomadic” responses to “TransitDeserts,” places of increasing transportation demand and limited access, as discuss in her book “Lost in the Transit Desert: Race, Transit Access, and Suburban Form” published by Routledge Press in 2017. Diane, co-edited “Design for Democracy: Techniques for Collective Creativity”, published by Island Press in 2017. She was a 2021-2022 fellow for Garden and Landscape Studies at Dumbarton Oaks working on her upcoming book “The Maroon Landscape: A Cultural Approach to Climate Resiliency” which will be published in 2025 by MIT Press. In 2017, she served on the ASLA Blue Ribbon Panel on Climate Change and Resiliency, and in 2022 she served on ASLA’s Climate Task Force to develop the ASLA Climate Action Plan and Field Guide.
Beth Clark,
FASLA
With over 30 years of experience and as a co-founder of Clark Condon, the first woman-owned Landscape Architecture firm in Houston, Beth Clark has been a project designer for large scale green-sector projects such as the award-winning 25-acre prairie in the Springwoods Development, linear parks and trails for the Bayou 2020 Projects on Greens and Halls Bayous, and numerous award-winning commercial and public sector projects. Beth led the creation of the on-line publications for the Nine Natives Program, a joint effort between the Coastal Prairie Conservancy, the Houston Native Prairie Association, The Nature Conservancy Texas, and Clark Condon, Landscape Architecture. She was one of the six founding members of OHBA –The Organic Horticulture Business Alliance. She lectures frequently on the promotion of sustainable landscapes and the importance of creating habitat in the built environment.
Beth was elected to the Council of Fellows in 2022 in Leadership and Management for her work in advancing public recognition of conservation and biodiversity issues. Beth’s leadership is rooted in her visionary approach to stewardship of the land. She has led with clear purpose in both private practice and the non-profit sector. She received the Texas A&;M College of Architecture 2021 Outstanding Alumni Award and serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Beth retired in 2020 and now concentrates her time with non-profits including projects at Armand Bayou Nature Preserve, Houston Arboretum, and the Houston Botanic Garden. She has been an officer of the Houston Native Prairies Association for over 12 years and serves as President of the Board of Urban Harvest, a non-profit for food access, community gardening, and gardening education.
An Age Beyond Parametricism: Using Computational Design in Practice Beyond the Aesthetic
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
As technology rapidly advances, landscape architecture stands at an exciting turning point. The growing integration of machine learning, automation, and computational design is reshaping the way we approach projects. But with these powerful tools at our fingertips, the challenge lies in using them to enhance our designs—rather than allowing technology to dictate the final outcome. This lecture will explore how landscape architects can harness computational design techniques to create more intelligent, informed, and efficient designs, all while preserving creativity and human-centered design principles. We’ll delve into real-world examples, showcasing projects that utilize computational tools for tasks ranging from large-scale urban analysis to optimizing material use and minimizing environmental impacts. Attendees will discover how these technologies can assist in making complex calculations, like cost estimates and carbon emissions, throughout the design process. The lecture will emphasize that computational design doesn’t have to result in overly complex or extravagant forms. Instead, it can be applied strategically to achieve innovative, functional, and contextually appropriate solutions. Whether you’re experienced with these tools or just beginning to explore their potential, this session will inspire you to think creatively about integrating technology into your work. You’ll leave with a fresh perspective on how to stay at the cutting edge of a rapidly evolving profession and use computational design to expand the possibilities of landscape architecture.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Andrew Gressett
Associate SWA Group
Andrew is an Associate Landscape and Architectural Designer at SWA Group’s Houston office and Co-Director of SWA’s Co.De Lab, a firmwide research-to-practice laboratory aimed at applying computational design tools to our design, documentation, and built work With nearly 8 years at SWA, Andrew has contributed to a wide range of projects, from large-scale planning efforts like the Resiliency Hub Master Plan to smaller site interventions such as the High Island Boardwalk. In addition to his project work, Andrew is a two-time recipient of the Patrick T. Curran Fellowship, where he has led research on computational design strategies and soundscape analysis in landscape architecture, helping to push the boundaries of how technology can inform and enhance the design process.
Elvis Wong
Project Urban Designer WATG
Elvis is a Project Urban Designer at WATG’s Tustin office, and previously Co-Director of SWA’s newly piloted Co.De.Lab, a firmwide research-to -practice labortory aimed at applying computational design tools to our design, documentation, and built work. He has 8 years of professional experience working on large-scale landscape and urban design master plans. While at SWA, he was a three-time Patrick T. Curran. Curran Fellow, researching the potential applications of hydrodynamic modeling in resiliency planning and design using computational fluid dynamics software. His research interests include computational and generative design, coastal and riverine resiliency, planning and design, as well as the future of autonomous mobility and its impact on sustainability and placemaking.
SESSION 7C
Money Does Grow on Trees: How to Save and Make it BIG
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Using their 2023 Texas ISA Arboriculture Project of the year, Mark Mann with Tree Mann Solutions - a team of consulting arborists that specialize in land development and existing property management consulting throughout Texas - will share their experience, lessons learned and applicable steps to show Money Does Grow on Trees.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Mark Mann Owner / Founder Tree Mann Solutions
Mark Mann is the owner and founder of Tree Mann Solutions, a consulting arborist firm that employs nearly a dozen arborists throughout the state of Texas. TMS has offices in Austin, San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Houston and serves the land development industry by leveraging green industry experience through planning, permitting, and preservation to save time, money, and trees. Mark graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Horticulture in 2012. Mark is a Board Certified Master Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, and Oak Wilt Qualified. He rose through the ranks in a large commercial tree care organization before striking out to create his own consulting firm in 2019. Mark, his wife, and their three children live in the Austin area.
SESSION 8A
Systematic Change in Nature Access and Outdoor Learning
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The panelists will delve into the implementation of OLE! Texas best practices, educational specifications for outdoor spaces on school campuses, and training programs to better serve children’s outdoor learning needs. By implementing changes in these areas, significant impacts will be observed in cities like Austin and Houston. Key to the success of these initiatives is the emphasis on community engagement and collaboration. By involving local stakeholders, including parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers, OLE! Texas and Green Schoolyards can identify specific needs and priorities within each community and tailor solutions accordingly. This collaborative approach ensures that interventions are culturally relevant, sustainable, and effective in promoting equitable access to nature for all children in Texas.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Sarah Coles
Executive Director
Texas Children in Nature Network
Sarah Coles is the Executive Director of the Texas Children in Nature Network. Sarah has been working within the informal education and nature fields for the last twenty years. Sarah’s career has taken her from being in the classroom to moving to informal education and working at various institutions across the country. While working at an institution focusing on EcoHistory (the study of how humans have adapted and influenced their environment), she found her passion for seeing students, children and families spend time in nature. She has worked in Texas in both the museum and nature center environments, starting her work with TCiNN as a regional leader in the Coastal Bend area and has been the Executive Director of the organization since 2019.
Melody Alcazar
Program Manager – CCCN
City of Austin
Melody joined the Austin Parks & Rec Dept. in 2018 as program coordinator for the Cities Connecting Children to Nature initiative. Prior to the City, she worked primarily in the zoo field, managing nature-based family programming, interpretation, and exhibits. Melody was born and raised in Austin, TX but went away for college where she received a M.S. in Environmental Science from the University of New Haven and B.S. in Zoology from Auburn University. She is on the leadership teams of both the state and regional Texas Children in Nature Network groups. She currently lives in Buda with her husband and two daughters.
Jaime Gonzalez Urban Green Director
The Student Conservation Association, Inc.
Jaime Gonzalez is a conservationist, environmental educator, communicator, and network weaver who works with communities to co-create healthier, more climate ready, more equitable, and more wildlife-rich places using One Health framings and actions. He also serves as the vice chair of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), which sets national standards for environmental education excellence. Mr. Gonzalez earned a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction-Science Education and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston. He has also earned professional certificates in civic ecology/environmental education, environmental communications, and climate change and health from Cornell, Duke, and Yale Universities respectively. Jaime has won numerous awards for his work, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and was recently named a Houston Visionary by the Center for Houston’s Future.
Regionalism in Practice: Crafting Stories Through the Natural Environment
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this session, participants will explore a series of case studies from three nationally acclaimed design firms that used tactical storytelling, inspired by the site’s natural systems and regional context, to shape and enhance the conceptual design phase. This approach ultimately brought greater meaning and resilience to the built form. Attendees will discover how storytelling not only enriches the design but also generates excitement from clients and donors, builds support from stakeholders and the community, and aligns project teams around a cohesive vision from the outset. Participants will gain insights into how strong, narrative-driven concepts—developed early in the project—can serve as a guiding framework for decision-making throughout the project’s lifespan. These narratives help navigate difficult conversations, such as value engineering and field change directives, ensuring that compromises are accommodated while maintaining design integrity. A successful narrative integrates the inevitable challenges of a site, including extreme weather events, maintenance needs, safety, and security. Presenters will guide attendees through the process of building a framework that incorporates the dynamic challenges of a site into the project narrative, enhancing the resilience of the built form. By the how their work is influencing modern building projects.users. end of the session, attendees will be equipped with actionable strategies to lead their design teams through the early stages, establish strong, site-specific concepts, and set clear, effective design principles that respond to the evolving challenges of the site.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Conners Ladner
Principal Design Workshop
Conners Ladner is a Principal at Design Workshop, where he also serves on the firm’s board and helps lead the Austin Studio. With over 15 years of experience in landscape architecture, urban design, and planning, Conners brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic approach to each project. His design philosophy revolves around rigorous research, comprehensive analysis, and a process of continuous iteration, resulting in spaces that are both thoughtful and inspiring. Conners holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University and a Master’s in Human Dimensions of Organizations from the University of Texas. His work is driven by a commitment to creating environments that not only foster a deep connection with nature but also promote the well-being of individuals and communities.
Leslie Carter
Senior Associate
Reed Hilderbrand
Leslie Carter is a Senior Associate at Reed Hilderbrand, and has been with the firm since 2011. After 9 years in the Cambridge office she relocated to Austin, Texas where she now works remotely in close collaboration with the Cambridge team. Throughout her time with Reed Hilderbrand Leslie has worked on projects that range in scale and typology. Her projects include the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky; the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art in Louisiana which opened in 2019; and ongoing work at The Breakers estate in Newport, Rhode Island, a project for which Leslie researched and co-authored the cultural landscape report. She worked as project designer for Crown Commons at Duke University, which received the 2018 Excellence in Landscape Architecture award from the Society of College and University Planners, as well as an Ohio residence which received a 2023 ASLA Honor Award in Residential Design. Leslie holds a Master of Landscape Architecture Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction in landscape horticulture and wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware. Leslie approaches landscape architecture through her training in horticulture and ecology, and approaches each project with a passion for problem solving and collaboration among multi-disciplinary teams.
Adam Barbe
Principal
Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
Adam Barbe is a Principal at Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, returning after gaining valuable experience through private practice and academia. Eager to further develop his interest in the public realm, Adam works to implement sustainable strategies into each of his projects, ultimately enriching the experience of the users. The UTEP Campus Transformation Project, recipient of a 2023 ASLA Honor Award in General Design, was a project where TELA infused regional context and cultural identity into site specific design solutions, focusing on sustainable stormwater management strategies of the West Texas Chihuahuan Desert. Adam holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Auburn University. Although a native Alabamian, Adam has been an active member of the Austin, Texas community since 2011. Adam approaches his projects as a team leader mentoring younger staff, while designing projects with his personal mission of environmental stewardship, realizing that his work will ultimately affect the lives and well-being of others.
SESSION 8C
Black Builders: An
Inter-Disciplinary Process to Contextualize
Race in the Built Environment
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this session, Dr. Tara Dudley, assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and Samantha Panger, a landscape designer at Design Workshop, will explore the interdisciplinary process of uncovering and contextualizing the contributions of Black craftsmen in shaping the built environment at UT Austin. Drawing from research featured in the “For Whites” exhibit, they will discuss the importance of celebrating labor, the delayed recognition of Black craftsmen’s achievements, and how their work is influencing modern building projects.users.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Samantha Panger Landscape Designer Design Workshop
Samantha Panger is a landscape designer with a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. Her academic work focused on the intersection of design, history, and social justice, and her role as a graduate research assistant with Dr. Tara Dudley was a pivotal experience. Through this collaboration, she contributed to significant research on the influence of Black craftsmen in the built environment at UT Austin. Samantha’s work seeks to emphasize the importance of integrating historical narratives into contemporary landscape design.
Tara Dudley Assistant Professor, PhD University of Texas at Austin
Assistant Professor Tara A. Dudley teaches interior design history and architectural history courses. Her scholarship examines the contributions of African American builders and architects to the American built environment, focusing on the antebellum and Reconstruction eras in the US South. Her approach to the study of cultural resources is interdisciplinary with a focus on nineteenth-century American design, African American architectural history, historic preservation, and material culture. She is the author of Building Antebellum New Orleans: Free People of Color and Their Influence (University of Texas Press, 2021), winner of the Association of American Publishers 2022 Prose Award in Architecture & Urban Planning. Her in-progress works include a biography on the life and work of African-American architect John Saunders Chase. As a member of the University’s Commemorative and Contextualization Projects research team, Dr. Dudley is also engaged in research on the contributions of Black builders and craftsmen to the built environment of The University of Texas campus. She is partnering with the Neill-Cochran House Museum to develop interpretive programming around the only intact slave quarters building in Austin which is located on the museum grounds. Dr. Dudley served as a senior architectural historian for Austin-based preservation consulting firm HHM & Associates, Inc. for two decades and continues to consult on preservation projects nationwide. She is well-versed in the integration of scholarly inquiry and professional practice and has expertise in the preparation of historic furnishings reports, National Register of Historic Places nominations, historic resource surveys, and interpretive planning for historic sites. She is the current chair of the Texas State Board of Review, the advisory committee that advises the State Historic Preservation Officer regarding National Register nominations.
SESSION 9A
Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Houston Wilderness and
Houston Parks Board
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
This engaging panel discussion featuring the esteemed leaders of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Houston Parks Board and Houston Wilderness will explore the importance of fostering organizations that advocate for accessible greenspaces and resilient landscapes in our beloved City of Houston. The panelists will discuss the impact of development on biodiversity and wilderness areas, and explore how population growth and patterns over time have shaped parks and greenspaces throughout the city. Attendees will gain more insight into the goals and policies of each of the represented nonprofit organizations and learn about projects and initiatives they have implemented in recent years. This session aims to examine the relationship between Houstonians and their parks, waterways, and native landscapes. Join our panelists in this exciting conversation to discover how they are shaping a greener Houston.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, Sustainable, HSW
Speakers Bios
Anne Olson President Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Anne Olson is President of Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP), an organization creating and stewarding parks, trails, and unique spaces along Houston’s historic waterway. Over the past 30 years, Anne and the BBP board have raised and leveraged over $400 million in private and public funds for the waterway’s transformation. During her tenure, she and her team have produced several award-winning master plans, and developed a comprehensive enhancement program that includes land acquisition, trail and park development, green space and waterway maintenance initiatives, public art, and programming. With catalyst gifts from Houston’s Kinder Foundation, BBP transformed the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park and is currently leading a $310 million redevelopment effort for the bayou east of downtown. Under Anne’s leadership, BBP has received numerous national, state and local awards including the American Society of Landscape Architects Award of Excellence, Urban Land Institute (ULI) Award of Excellence: The America’s Finalist, and ULI Houston’s 2024 Inaugural Moonshot Award that honors “groundbreaking development ideas associated with transformational change.” Anne is a Senior Fellow of Houston’s American Leadership Forum.
Beth White
President and CEO
Houston Parks Board
Beth White is President and CEO of Houston Parks Board, where she leads the implementation and stewardship of initiatives that created an interconnected network of parks and trails across the greater Houston region. White holds a Loyola University MA in urban studies and a Northwestern University BA in communication.
White brings a wealth of knowledge from her time as director of the Chicago region at The Trust for Public Land, where she oversaw the development of Chicago’s innovative park and elevated trail system, The 606. Previously, White held significant leadership roles including managing director of the Chicago Housing Authority, chief of staff for the Chicago Transit Board, and founding executive director of Friends of the Chicago River. Her extensive board and committee experience includes serving on the Urban Land Institute Houston Advisory Board and the High Line Network steering committee.
On the national scale, in 2010, White was appointed to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. She became an at-large Presidential Commissioner for the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) in 2012, was reappointed as Vice-Chair in 2016, and in 2021 was appointed Chair — completing her term in 2022.
Deborah January-Bevers Houston Wilderness
Deborah has been involved with public policy around the Greater Houston region and the State of Texas for over 35 years, serving as President & CEO of Houston Wilderness for the last 11 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985 and her J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1002.
She has been involved in the creation and implementation of a variety of regional environmental policy initiatives over the years, including the 4-part Quality of Life Coalition agenda in the Greater Houston Region that lead to the creation and implementation of, TxDOT - Houston District’s Green Ribbon Program (also called Freeway Forestation) and the extension Bayou Greenway Initiative, providing miles of trails along Houston’s riparian corridors. Currently at Houston Wilderness, she is lead collaborator on the 8-county Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan with 3 key goals for the environmental resiliency, the 25-mile Houston Ship Channel TREES Program, and the Riverine Targeted-Use-of-Buyouts (TUBs) Programs.
Worldbuilding: What Fantasy Storytellers Teach Us About Planning and Designing With Communities
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Join in a conversation on “worldbuilding” and what fantasy authors can teach us about the role of storytelling in planning, design, and engagement. Learn and discuss how world-builders and storytellers challenge us to reflect on engagement we participate in, consider our projects as elements of a larger “world,” and more meaningfully build capacity for communities in our work.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Andrew Lesmes
Landscape Designer and Planner
Lionheart - formerly Studio Balcomes
Born and raised in Central Florida, Andrew has 3.5 years of experience working at the intersection of landscape architecture, urban design, and planning, and believes in the power of interdisciplinary work to create livable, affordable places. Prior to his landscape architecture studies, he has experience in photography, public lands management and social services work. Outside of work, he enjoys playing drums, cooking, e-biking around Austin, reading fantasy and science fiction, playing ultimate frisbee, and traveling.
José Eduardo Sánchez
Co-Founder/Multilingual Capacity-Building and Planning Lead Tecolotl
José Eduardo (he/him) is co-founder of Tecolotl and has over twelve years of experience collaborating with communities to create, transform, and reclaim public space, both as a community organizer and as a socially engaged artist. He has led multilingual public engagement strategy and implementation for planning and design projects across Houston and Harris county. José Eduardo fuses his extensive experience leading organizing and advocacy campaigns with his expertise in language justice and popular education frameworks to create innovative and community-centered engagement processes. He also specializes in the creation of multilingual spaces and works with local, national, and international organizations as an interpreter, translator, and language justice consultant and facilitator. José Eduardo is a former Artist-in-Residence at Stove Works and Socially Engaged Art Fellow at Project Row Houses / KGMCA. He’s originally from Guanajuato, MX and a proud member of Houston’s Northline and East Aldine neighborhoods.
Madeleine Pelzel
Planner
Huitt-Zollars
Madeleine Pelzel uses their design and architecture background, ability explaining technical issues, and local organizing experience to empower communities. As a planner at Huitt-Zollars, they are working on building robust public infrastructure, including bus networks, safe and usable sidewalks, commuter rail systems, and safe street design. Madeleine also works on improving accessibility for people biking in Houston by launching and maintaining Houston’s first comprehensive biking guide. Madeleine graduated from Rice University’s School of Architecture and serves on the board of BikeHouston.
SESSION 10A
Where To Draw the Line?
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Where is the limit between landscape architecture and urban planning? Why can’t these planners stay in their own lane? Can’t they do their work without encroaching onto my scope? These might be some common frustrations when working with an urban or land planner. It can feel frustrating, annoying, or downright counter-productive at times, so why are they here? Planning is an essential aspect of land development, but it doesn’t have to be at odds with the work of landscape architecture. In this session, we will explore those design challenges, but meet them with new opportunities, and we will highlight some best practices that could help make collaboration between the disciplines not only fruitful and beneficial to the project, but also enjoyable for the practitioners.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Ernesto Alfaro Prinicpal, Planning LJA Engineering, Inc.
Ernesto Alfaro has over twenty-four years of professional experience in the design and construction industries. Trained as an architect, he has practiced design in a wide array of sub-disciplines including landscape architecture, urban planning/design, residential and commercial architecture, as well as historic preservation and interior design. Mr. Alfaro has worked on projects throughout the world, including Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Sudan, Cuba, Canada, and throughout the United States. He is currently a Principal Planner in the Planning & Landscape Architecture group of LJA Engineering Inc., in Houston, TX. Mr. Alfaro has also taught lecture and seminar courses in the history and theory of landscape architecture at Rice University School of Architecture for over 15 years. Mr. Alfaro received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University in 1996 and a Master of Architecture degree from Rice University in 2000. He believes that a passion for continuous learning is a necessary component of every design professional.
Heather Senning
Associate Principal Planner LJA Engineering, Inc.
Heather Senning is an accomplished Associate Principal Planner at LJA Planning and Landscape in Houston, Texas, bringing over a decade of expertise in urban and regional planning and design. With a strong foundation in master planned communities, Heather has been instrumental in shaping some of Houston’s most significant developments, collaborating with prominent firms such as Johnson, Hillwood, and Caldwell Companies. Heather’s extensive experience includes the design and execution of large-scale master plans and commercial site plans. She excels in coordinating seamlessly with landscape architects to create integrated, sustainable environments that enhance community living. Her strategic approach combines innovative design with practical implementation, ensuring that each project meets the needs of its stakeholders while contributing positively to the urban landscape and helping enhance the community. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Regional Sciences from Texas A&M University. Her passion for urban design is matched by her commitment to fostering vibrant, functional communities that reflect the unique character of Houston and its diverse neighborhoods.
SESSION
Collaborative Streetscapes: P3 Partnerships and Scenic Houston’s Streetscape Resource Guide in Action
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
The Scenic Houston Streetscape Resource Guide (SRG) is a resource designed to support the planning, design, and construction of well-designed, functional streetscapes that enhance the quality of life in Houston. This panel brings together experts from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors (P3) to discuss the collaborative development of the SRG and its role in shaping Houston’s urban landscape. Panelists will explore how the SRG empowers planners, engineers, landscape architects, community leaders, and residents by offering best practices and scalable, cost-effective design solutions.
CEU Credits: (1) CEPH, HSW
Speakers Bios
Bill
Odle
President
TBG Partners
TBG’s third president since being founded in 1987, Bill joined the firm in 1995 after graduating from Oklahoma State and has contributed to TBG’s growth and success in numerous ways over the past two-plus decades. After originally joining the firm’s Austin studio, Bill served as TBG Houston’s Managing Principal for 15 years before becoming Strategic Planning Director, which allowed him to chart and navigate a purposeful plan of action for TBG at the local office and firm-wide levels. He maintains robust involvement in professional and community-focused organizations like Scenic Houston as well as the Urban Land Institute, for which he serves in a leadership capacity at both the national and regional levels.
Muhammad Ali Principal and Founding Partner Gauge Engineering
Muhammad is a professional engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the municipal infrastructure industry. He has been working in the greater Houston area for the last 16 years and serves as a Scenic Houston Board Member, supporting efforts to enhance the city's visual character. His professional background is well balanced between technical excellence in the fields of roadway, multi-modal transportation, complete street planning, and project delivery. He has served as a project manager for the planning, analysis, design, and construction oversight of many projects involving roadway, traffic, drainage, utility, bicycle facilities, sidewalks, and high-level landscaping amenities in some of Houston’s most urbanized areas. Throughout his career, Muhammad has worked with the City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, TxDOT, METRO, numerous TIRZs, and special district clients.
Marlene
Gafrick
Senior Advisor City of Houston
Marlene Gafrick is a Senior Advisor for the Mayor’s Office, City of Houston, bringing over 30 years of experience in land development, including ordinance development, permitting, and collaboration with public agencies and special districts. She began her career with the City of Houston as an associate planner and later served as Planning Director for eight years, where she played a key role in shaping the city’s growth and development. Prior to her current role, she was Director of Planning at MetroNational for ten years. Marlene holds a B.S. in Economics with a focus on Urban and Regional Planning from Missouri State University.
