Landscape Architect Articles

ASLA Potomac Chapter01-03-20 | Association News

ASLA Potomac Chapter

2019 Chapter Report
by Susan Newman, Potomac ASLA

The chapter's first Park(ing) Day Instagram award was presented to the University of Maryland Student Chapter at our Annual Chapter Celebration event by Stephanie Pankiewicz, ASLA, Potomac Chapter ASLA communications chair.

Potomac ASLA ExComm members model the Chapter's new t-shirt after their annual Planning Retreat. Thanks to Andrew Lyons, whose line drawing of Washington, DC is on the back of the shirt (inset).

In the spring, Potomac ASLA participated in the City Nature Challenge with AIA|DC's Urban Design and Design + Wellbeing committees and hosted the Identification Event. The City Nature Challenge pits cities around the globe in a friendly competition to observe and identify the most biodiversity in their communities while tapping the greatest network of local volunteers. More than 160 cities in 30 countries worldwide participated in this two-part challenge over 10 days, and the data they collected will give scientists valuable information on the biodiversity of our region - and the planet.

Over the past few years, the Potomac Chapter worked with the ASLA Student Chapter at Virginia Tech's Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center to create a unique mentorship chain program. Small breakout groups of students ask ExComm members for their insight on topics of interest, such as "What do you wish you'd known when you graduated?" and "How can I tell if a firm is the right fit for me?"

At the Potomac ASLA Annual Awards Gala, AECOM won the top award, the President's Award, in the Analysis, Planning, and Urban Design Category for the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in DC. Their team is shown here, accepting the award from 2018-2019 Potomac Chapter President, Mike Casey, ASLA, right.

ASLA and Lee and Associate's collaborated on a linear parklet in Chinatown where passersby played Climate Change Trivia and Jenga.

We had a wonderful time exploring Riverbend Park and learning about all the wildflowers in bloom. The timing was perfect for our hike; so many wildflowers in bloom. We had a wonderful group of plant lovers for our POASLA Bluebell Hike.

At the STEM Fair, "How Women Work in the Design and Building Industry" held at the District Architecture Center in Washington, D.C., are (from left): Abby Thomas, ASLA, emerging professionals chair, Annie Varma, ASLA, social media chair and Lisa Jennings, ASLA staff.

Lisa Delplace who works at OEHME, van SWEDEN in Washington, D.C., received her Fellows nomination in Works from the Potomac Chapter. Her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya required rapid adaptation to new and distinct surroundings. In a career that spans four decades, Delplace has demonstrated excellence through a diverse, award-winning body of work at every scale that furthers the connection between people and nature.

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Profile: We serve the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., area, advocate for responsible planning and design, and advance the professional success of our members; providing them professional education, tools for success, information resources and local social activities. Our members and associates believe in contributing to our communities and profession as leaders in the field of landscape architecture; dedicated to the wise stewardship of land, providing community service, public education, and visibility for the profession.

At the Potomac ASLA Annual Awards Gala, 15 professional awards were presented, ASLA student awards were recognized and two Ballard Scholarships were awarded. Also, Alain C. deVergie, FASLA was celebrated with the Chapter's Lifetime Achievement Award and discussed his 24 years of working around the world for the Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. The audience learned more about the scope and history of the U.S. Forest Service from its Chief Landscape Architect, Matthew Arnn, ASLA, during his keynote address: 100 Years of Landscape Architects in the U.S. Forest Service. The Chapter had another very busy year, averaging more than one event/month. New events this year included a bowling party, and Emerging Professionals program in conjunction with the emerging professionals of AIA DC, a bluebell hike, a program with ULI Washington, and a sketch tour of Glenstone, an ASLA Honor Award winner. We will continue again with our very popular Open Studios.

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2019.