Profile: Guy Robert Johns, ASLA

Company/academic title: Johns ASLA Landscape Architects

Education: BSLA 1960 Cal Poly, Pomona

Years in the profession: 44

ASLA chapter: New Mexico

Category: Service

Most notable professional accomplishments: I wish I could say that it was a deep seeded idealism or the inspiration fostered by a mentor that steered me to landscape architecture. In reality, I was nearing the end of four years of military service and knew I wanted to pursue a fulfilling profession but was struggling with what direction to take. As luck would have it, a service buddy was interested in the landscape architecture program at Cal Poly Pomona. It sounded like a path worth pursuing and after a campus visit with him, I determined that the program could fulfill a creative need I had within me.
Since then, it has been the profession that has inspired me and continues to provide me with an avenue to pursue my creative need. My greatest source of satisfaction comes from knowing that what I do affects the quality of people's lives in some small way.

Over a career that has spanned almost forty-five years, it is difficult to identify a single most significant accomplishment, let alone remember them. However, there are two that have been particularly gratifying.
First, working with Baker Morrow FASLA, Jack Leaman FASLA, and other New Mexico ASLA members in 1985 to successfully lobby the state legislature and secure passage of the Landscape Architects Act. During my first term as chair of the Board, we crafted the board's rules and regulations. We also adopted continuing education as a requirement for license renewal, a first for design professionals in this state.
Secondly, my long term work at the University of New Mexico beginning in the 1960's with the late Garrett Eckbo and continuing, along with others to this day is a great source of satisfaction for me. The university has been transformed from a vehicular campus to a pedestrian oasis full of amenities for students, faculty, staff and visitors. It has been a wonderful experience to be a part of that transformation.

Thoughts on being elected to Council of Fellows: Personally, I am honored by my peers in New Mexico and to have this opportunity to join with such a distinguished group of professionals. This is a personal highlight that far exceeds any other award or recognition that I have received during my professional career.