WSU Landscape Architecture Fall 2025 Semester Newsletter

School & Program Updates

Jason Peschel, SDC Director

This fall semester the SDC rolled out the crimson carpet for five new faculty members and commenced two additional faculty searches. We are excited for fresh energy and continue to be inspired by the teaching and research initiatives of all faculty. As always, we remain grateful for the ongoing support of alumni, industry partners, and community members. GO COUGS!

Jolie Kaytes, LA Program Head

Late autumn greetings from the Palouse. This semester was enlivened by site visits, study tours, brilliant fall colors, hot pink sunsets, and the aurora borealis. Per tradition, sophomores and faculty travelled to Seattle for an ever busy study tour. This year the jaunt focused on plant materials. Many thanks to all who shared their enthusiasm and expertise. The program and Landscape Architecture Professional Advisory Board also hosted the second LAVA Days (Landscape Architecture Visiting Alumni), a casual event for students and practitioners to informally interact; to meet and eat, walk and talk, share and care. The event was an overflowing success and the program and board will host LAVA Days 3 on March 25-26 (watch our LinkedIn page for details). Oodles of appreciation to the alumni who joined us.

With much sadness, we share that LA faculty Marcus Owens passed away this fall after a serious medical condition. While he was only part of the program and SDC family for a short time, he will be missed. The program and SDC dedicated the first fall gallery exhibit to Marcus’ memory.

Heartbreakingly, we share too, that alum Blake Brooks, class of ‘19, died unexpectedly this summer. Blake recently received his MArch from CU Denver and returned to the Pacific Northwest to begin a new job. Consistently generous, reflective, and perceptive, Blake will be missed.

With joy, Kate Kraszewska and Grajen Kraszewski welcomed their
newest family member into the world. Hello baby Leif!

Course Highlights

Sophomores developed design ideas for Emerald Pointe Park in Pullman.

Juniors partnered with Perkins & Will Architects and Women in Agriculture for Sustainable Development (WASUDEV) to develop design proposals for a community centered food hub, regenerative agriculture, and resilience project in Careysburg, Liberia. The international and interdisciplinary collaboration immersed students in a community-engaged design process that resulted in visionary, grounded solutions that support local livelihoods and advance sustainable food systems.

Guest lectures presented by industry professionals from across the country, allowed juniors in the construction class to go deep and get into the nitty gritty of various materials and building systems.

In Gateway Studio #4, seniors from landscape architecture, architecture, and interior design collaborated to envision ways to strengthen the connections between WSU’s campus and downtown Pullman. With input from the City of Pullman, student work featured zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and socially vibrant environments that enhanced local economies and ecologies.

We are grateful to landscape architecture practitioners and community partners for their time and insights this semester.

LA Professional Advisory Board Notes

This semester the LA Professional Advisory Board (LAPAB) met in Pullman in October to discuss end of year events, LAVA Days, and a new student-led mentor program. The board and program extend abundant gratitude to Lizbeth Maldonado and longtime board member Peg Staeheli, who both stepped down this fall. Their insights and energy have been significant in defining present and past initiatives. And, a shout out to Belle Miller, who began her term as the board chair for 2025-2026!