Michael Abbaté

Title: Director of Portland, Oregon Parks and Recreation
Education: BSLA, Cal Poly Pomona
ASLA Chapter: Oregon
Category: Leadership & Management

Michael Abbat????(R)???(C)'s 27-year career in the Pacific Northwest is distinguished by exceptional design, leadership and management in his professional and volunteer endeavors. As his career has cycled between the private and public sectors, his commitment to excellence in design, management, ecological commitment and spirituality has remained steadfast. These principles guide him and inspire those around him, from the scale of urban plaza team manager to his current position as director of Portland Parks and Recreation. He shares his time and talents generously, from volunteer leadership"?uincluding Oregon ASLA, the Intertwine Alliance and others"?uto planning two eco-tourism parks in the Central African Republic.

To view more 2013 ASLA Class of Fellows please click here.

Paul Comstock

Firm: Comstock Landscape Architecture, Malibu
Education: Landscape Architecture Certificate, UCLA
ASLA Chapter: Southern California
Category: Knowledge

For over three decades Paul Comstock's practice has emphasized themed environments and residences, including a stint as a Disney Imagineer (see Leslie McGuire's interview with Paul for LASN https://landscapearchitect.com/research/article/13992). His research and collaborative spirit have influenced nurseries and growers to expand their plant palettes, giving landscape architects access to forgotten or overlooked flora for their designs. His work balances independent research, sharing information with peers and mentoring landscape architecture graduates. His seed exchange efforts and local practices' research have taken him to 80 countries, and helped propagate millions of plants for use throughout the U.S.

To view more 2013 ASLA Class of Fellows please click here.