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December 2022

Events

Visit the WASLA Event Calendar for more information on events.

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WASLA Board of Directors


President
Nicholas Zurlini, ASLA

Past President
Duane Dietz, ASLA

Trustee
Marieke Lacasse, ASLA

Treasurer
Su Wanqin, ASLA

Secretary
Jason Henry, ASLA

Member at Large
Maureen Colaizzi, ASLA

Member at Large, W. WA
Mike Faulkner, ASLA

Member at Large, E. WA
Joshua Tripp, ASLA

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President's Remarks

Dear WASLA Members and Readers,

I hope you all are making the best of your holiday season with friends and family and are staying warm out there. I always look forward to going back home to Spokane this time of year, but do not necessarily look forward to the sub-freezing temperatures.

Last month I spoke about the ASLA Climate Action Plan that was announced at the National Conference. This month I would like to build upon that plan here in our state chapter and officially announce that we will be creating a Climate Action Committee (CAC). There has been a national call to action for state chapters to establish these committees so they can inspire movement towards climate positive design, collaborate with other committees within their region, and promote education around landscape architecture’s role in the climate crisis. More information about the CAC can be found here.

WASLA’s CAC will be collaborating with other chapter committees (primarily Alaska, Oregon, and California), with national committees, and will have the flexibility to create initiatives and events for the chapter. Like any good committee, it will need active members and a committee chair. More so than any other WASLA committee, I strongly believe that the CAC will need participation from all levels of experience. Whether you are a student, an emerging professional, a principal, or in an allied profession, your time and voice will be valuable. Additionally, the committee chair will be an officially recognized leadership position within the chapter, guiding the direction and impact of the CAC.

As a volunteer myself, I know it can be hard to find time to serve on a committee, but I hope that the CAC can spark some excitement in all of you reading. I have high ambitions for what this new addition to WASLA will do and know first-hand how much progress can be made with just a few passionate people. If you want to make a difference in our practices, our communities, and our region, please reach out to [email protected] with your interest in being a member or the chair of the committee. 

Merrily,

   WASLA President

Trustee's Report

Our last Board of Trustees meeting was in person, just before the start of the conference in San Francisco last month. The board discussed public policy revisions, Federal priorities survey results (thanks for participating and making your voice heard!) Annual operating Plan and Budgets and creating a more sustainable Conference. Our first session was a Leadership and Decision-Making session in concert with the Chapters Presidents – and it was great for everyone to co-mingle, actively participate, and listen.

The biggest unveiling was around the Climate Action Plan and member’s only Field Guide that ASLA published to the website. It made an impact on the conference itself – and there was a great deal of momentum around our ability as Landscape Architects to mitigate Climate events and be integral in climate smart solutions.

Coming back to Washington – I kept on thinking about conversations that weekend and can relate that there is more optimism and collaboration with allied professions on climate change policies than ever. Keynote speaker Dr. Ayana Johnson, a marine biologist and climate writer brought it home by Venn “diagraming” your own Climate Action plan by asking yourself – what are you good at; what work needs doing; and what brings you joy. Her positive view of the future and how we can all contribute to climate solutions was inspiring.

So, when you have a moment, check out Climate Action Plan | asla.org – and apply it as much as you can.

Happy holidays to all!

WASLA 2022 Annual Meeting

WASLA Members,

Are you interested to learn more about how the Washington Chapter of ASLA is governed? Are you curious about the current state of the chapter? Do you want to hear a recap on all the programs, events and services that your chapter has offered over the last year? Do you have an idea for a WASLA program or event?

Then join us for the Annual Meeting! We will be opening up a call-in line from 12pm to 1pm for members of our chapter to listen in, ask questions, and provide comments to current chapter leadership.

When: Friday, December 16th, 2022 from 12pm to 1pm

Members, please check your email for a zoom link to the meeting. If you are a member and have not received the link and plan on attending, please email [email protected]

2022 Conference on Landscape Architecture Recordings Available On-Demand

During the ASLA 2022 Conference on Landscape Architecture, over 6,000 participants joined together to visualize the futures we want to see – sharing case studies and best practices among the profession and across disciplines to design a better future.

Browse over 40 recordings, spotlighting case studies and best practices among the profession and across disciplines to design a better future. | Read More

Council of Fellows Call for Nominations is Open!

Elevation to Fellow is among the highest honors ASLA bestows on members. The deadline for nominations to the Council of Fellows is midnight PT on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. | Read More

The 2022 Midterm Elections

After a contentious election cycle, the 2022 midterms determined the political landscape for the next two years. Results of federal, state, and local legislator races rocked the nation as voters largely bucked historical trends of favoring the White House’s opposing party, and instead in many instances favored Democratic candidates. | Read More

Free PDH of the Month

Members now have access to the November Free PDH of the Month via ASLA Online Learning. | Read More

Members Sought for Seattle's Design Review Boards

Shape new buildings in your community

SEATTLE – Passionate about design or architecture? Mayor Bruce Harrell is looking for qualified candidates to fill 22 upcoming openings on the City of Seattle’s Design Review Boards. Board members evaluate the design of new buildings based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review large mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. The volunteer positions will start on April 4, 2023, when retiring board members’ terms expire.Click here to view the complete list of open positions.

Ideal candidates are professionals in the design and development fields who have proven skills and established careers. We are also seeking community and business leaders interested in civic engagement and shaping new development in their neighborhoods. The City of Seattle encourages applicants from all backgrounds and those with diverse life experiences.

To be considered for appointment, please send an application, cover letter, and resume by December 31, 2022 to Erika Ikstrums at [email protected].

You may download an application or email [email protected] to receive a copy.

For more information on the Design Review Board and the City’s Design Review Program, visit:  https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/about-us/who-we-are/design-review

For other information, please contact Shelley Bolser, Design Review Program Manager, at 206-733-9067 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Welcome Members!

A very warm welcome to our new and renewing WASLA Members:

  • Mark Brands
  • Renee Freier
  • Juli Hartwig
  • Stephanie Kennedy
  • Jennifer Kiusalaas
  • Brooks Kolb
  • Hoilok Lam
  • Richard Lankford
  • Tammy Lee
  • Brice Maryman
  • Rachael Meyer
  • Liyu Pan
  • Lindsey Solorio
  • Anna Spooner
  • Joan Walbert
  • Dean Wilson

Interested in becoming a member?  Learn more  about benefits of membership. Join today!

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