What aspects of commercial/retail environments make them places you want to hang around/visit?
"Spaces that make you feel comfortable and inspired. Also, the integration between interior and exterior spaces."
Robert T., California

"Opportunity!"
Walter H., Texas

"We love your publication! Landscape and the placement of trees for shade is one of the reasons that we would want to visit a commercial/retail environment."
Mark G., California



"Well-designed, inviting green spaces, park-like seating, sense of community/destination, fun atmosphere, relaxing, family-oriented, good mixture of shopping/dining/entertainment, pedestrian-oriented with easy parking access."
Doug B., Texas

 

"Inviting spaces, seating, beautiful landscaping "
Janet R., California

How long have you been in the industry, and what's the biggest change you've seen in that time?

"The most dramatic change is on the horizon with the evolution of cityscapes to accumulate electric/driverless/volume of compact vehicles while creating a sense of place for people. Exciting! Thanks for your great work in allowing us to stay abreast of changes in our communities and their spaces."
Charlie S., South Carolina



"Computers, started with a small drafting board in my bedroom when I was 15 years old! I am now 66 and still at it, with everything done digitally. Learning the computer was the biggest professional challenge - I bought it but was intimidated and didn't use it for 6 months."
Shawn B., California

What are some of the biggest current challenges in the industry?

"Too much input/demands from Governmental/Municipal agencies/people who have no idea what is required in the 'real' world."
Shawn B., California

What are some of the opportunities you see on the horizon?

"With our understanding of people, we should lead and advise."
Gilbert F., California

How can the ASLA better serve you?

"Not and have never been a member of ASLA...way too elitist for me."
Donald K., Ohio

Showing Up In The Community



"I host weekly Shadetree Partnership volunteer events, a non-profit (501) (c) (3) organization on the campus of UCI. I manage and coordinate weekly volunteer events every Saturday throughout the year and teach volunteers how to grow trees and plants from seed and cuttings. Nursery donates all materials."
Victor Z., California

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2025.