2023 Class of Fellows, Laurie Matthews, Oregon Chapter
MIG, Portland, OR
Laurie Matthews is a national leader and advocate for re-envisioning cultural landscape practices and historic preservation. For more than 20 years, she has expanded the boundaries of cultural landscape analysis, documentation, and planning. Through teaching, speaking, and writing, Laurie has influenced the next generation of landscape architects and increased awareness and understanding of cultural landscapes. At MIG, Laurie serves as the first Director of Preservation Planning and Design, where she has led her colleagues and clients to integrate cultural landscape thinking into landscape architecture and historic preservation practice. Her in-depth knowledge of US history informs her design decisions. From Yosemite to Death Valley, Sand Creek Massacre Site to Little Bighorn Battlefield, from Hearst Castle to Honolulu, Laurie has bravely tackled difficult and challenging issues, while managing professionally diverse teams. Laurie served as president of the Oregon Chapter, which honored her with the distinguished practitioner award in 2022. Throughout her career, she has exemplified the very best of landscape architecture through her significant works and contributions to the field of cultural landscape planning and design, demonstrating the crucial role of landscape architects in the stewardship of our nation's landscape heritage. Laurie's contributions have advanced our understanding of the meaning and value of landscape preservation and the thoughtful integration of historic preservation and contemporary challenges.
