2024 Class of Fellows, Aan Garrett-Coleman, FASLA, Texas Chapter

Coleman & Associates, Austin, TX
by Coleman & Associates

Texas Chapter - Category: Service

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Texas Chapter - Category: Service

For 43 years, Aan Garrett-Coleman has demonstrated her belief that the most effective way to educate the public and allied professionals about the power of landscape architecture is to give back to the community in meaningful, problem-solving ways. Since starting her firm in 1987 in her hometown of Austin, Garrett-Coleman has participated as a stakeholder in environmental and growth initiatives, often meeting with city officials and staff to explain the impact policies would have on the preservation of natural resources and Austin's future as a community committed to environmental stewardship. Her advocacy has contributed to the creation of codes and ordinances that protect natural resources through stormwater management, biofiltration, tree preservation, and acquisition and conservation of undeveloped land for the protection of flora, fauna, and critical watersheds. She also provided pro bono services to work with the city to create guidelines for walkable developments, which led to a new development code. Garrett-Coleman was a founding board member and chair of the Real Estate Council of Austin as a vehicle for reinforcing the role of Landscape Architects in creating sustainable communities and protecting environmental systems. One of Garrett-Coleman's crowning achievements has been her ongoing pro bono services that led to the radical transformation of six acres of urban parkland into the award-winning UMLAUF Sculpture Garden, creating a seamless dialogue between art and nature. Garrett-Coleman has been recognized by the Texas Chapter with the Distinguished Member Award and the Community Service Award commending her significant volunteerism.