Landscape Architecture Newsletter Fall 2024

Jason Peschel, SDC Director

As Director, I am continually impressed by the camaraderie exhibited by both students an faculty within the LA program. This program consistently embodies the “culture of care” that is integral to the SDC. The faculty’s willingness to step in to cover courses, offer assistance, and dedicate additional time to immerse students in course content is commendable.

Jolie Kaytes, LA Program Head

Greetings from the Palouse. This semester was busy with outings and welcoming visitors to Pullman. How, you ask? Per fall tradition, sophomores and faculty travelled to Seattle for a lively study tour, packed with site visits, sketching, and job shadows. Many thanks to all who shared their time, energy, and expertise. The program also brought students to the WASLA conference in Spokane for a full day of learning from and networking with practitioners. And, in late October, the program and Landscape Architecture Professional Advisory Board piloted the first official 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 a great success, a fabulous midsemester eruption of fun, and the program and board look forward to hosting LAVA Days 2 next fall. Abundant appreciation to the alumni who joined us and to event sponsor Design2426.

The program is additionally thrilled to share that Shelby Ruiz joined the LA faculty to teach digital media this semester and that Dan Cronan, hired as SDC faculty of Food and the Built Environment, will deliver LA courses next semester.

We are grateful to all of you that are engaged with the program and appreciate all that you do. Go Cougs!

LA Professional Advisory Board Notes

The LA Professional Advisory Board (LAPAB) serves as a liaison between the landscape architecture program faculty, students, alumni, and professional community. The LAPAB met virtually throughout the semester to discuss and plan end of year events in Seattle, fall 2025 events in Pullman, and a scholarship workshop for students in January. These events bridge practitioners and the WSU landscape architecture program, and help prepare the next generation of landscape architects through creative thinking, intellectual rigor, and collaborative engagement. Please reach out if you are interested in volunteering your time with students, whether a studio critique or sharing your work.

A warm, official welcome to Belle Miller who joined the board in spring 2024.

The SDC Central Board and LA Board will meet in-person in Pullman this spring.