Landscape Architect Articles

Moment of Silence: Debra Mitchell, FASLA05-15-15 | News

Moment of Silence: Debra Mitchell, FASLA

Debra Mitchell, FASLA, passed away in Dallas on April 5, 2015 after a brief illness.

Debra Mitchell, FASLA, passed away in Dallas on April 5, 2015 after a brief illness.

Debra Mitchell had a distinguished 40-year career in landscape architecture. She earned an MLA from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign (UIUC) in 1975, and joined SmithGroupJJR in 1989, where she served as a senior vice president and national design leader. Her specialties were green infrastructure, park planning, public and government facilities, sustainable design and urban design.

Debra Mitchell was an ASLA Fellow (1992) and ASLA president (1992-93). She was particularly active in Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), serving on the board of directors in 1989, 1992, 1997-2007, and 2010 to the present. She was the LAF president in 2000–2001. She established the Debra Lee Mitchell Trust to benefit UIUC and the JJR/Roy Fund, which supports the work of the LAF.

LAF Executive Director Barbara Deutsch, FASLA, noted on the LAF blog: "Deb was an incredible person and talent. I say without a doubt that LAF would not be where we are now if not for Deb and her ideas, dedication and commitment"?(R)?We will especially miss Deb's keen wit and her infectious laugh."