Visitors to the Founders Memorial Garden have noticed a remarkable transformation in recent months. In June, the UGA College of Environment + Design hired a new garden curator, Dr. Debbie Mitchell who has been working diligently to rejuvenate the garden and reveal many of its historic qualities. In addition to serving as Curator of the Founders Memorial Garden, Debbie serves as an instructor, bringing more than twenty years of experience as an environmental educator, classroom science teacher and professional gardener to the CED.
Archive for 2021
David Spooner Awarded UGA Senior Teaching Fellows Program
This year, CED has the honor of announcing one of their very own faculty, Professor David Spooner as one of the 2021-2022 recipients.
UGA Interdisciplinary Research Team explores coastal housing challenges
UGA students are working with the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island to create new designs that could help coastal residents weather the next hurricane. The UGA interdisciplinary team includes colleagues from the College of Engineering, College of Environment and Design, the department of geography, the department of marine sciences, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, the Office of Research, and the Office of the University Architect.
Pictures from the October 9th Philosopher’s Walk
Pictures from the first Philosopher’s Walk of the semester.
Exhibition & Book Signing: Plants in Design: A Guide to Designing with Southern Landscape Plants
On Wednesday, October 13, the UGA College of Environment + Design will celebrate the publication of Plants in Design: A Guide to Designing with Southern Landscape Plants, with a book signing and exhibition in the college’s Circle Gallery. A reference guide to planting strategies and plant material available in the Southeast, Plants in Design was created by CED professors Brad E. Davis and David Nichols; the accompanying exhibition, “Oh, The Places We’ll Go!”, also curated by Davis and Nichols, features large-format photographs and text from their book.
CED Homecoming Tailgate: register now to reserve your spot
100 Alumni, students, faculty, and friends are coming so far — please RSVP today! HTTP://t.uga.edu/7p6 Saturday, October 16, 2021, 3 hours before kick off Founders Memorial Garden, Athens, Georgia Questions? Please email [email protected]
McDuffie County Trails Charrette
McDuffie County, Ga. – The McDuffie County Archway Partnership enlisted design assistance from the College of Environment and Design (CED) in order to increase recreational opportunities around Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River. Led by the CED Center for Community Design and Preservation, graduate students from the college’s landscape architecture and urban planning programs have provided a master plan that includes concepts tailored to kayaking enthusiasts, hikers, campers, recreational cyclists, and equestrians.
Upcoming Philosopher’s Walk to Highlight New Gardens and Amenities at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Philosopher’s Walks are guided hikes that provide participants with opportunities to experience, connect with, and discuss places of ecological interest. They are organized by the UGA Environmental Ethics Certificate Program (EECP) and are open to the public.
Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Furmanski, founder of Studio Hai
Furmanski credits his time at the College of Environment + Design for providing a solid foundation in the many facets of landscape architecture to enter the profession with confidence.
New Collaboration Spaces in Jackson Street Building
Tom Jones, with the support of Lee Cornell and Ashley Steffens, has received a $13,000 grant to set up collaboration stations throughout the college. The first of such stations is located on the ground floor of JSB. The space includes a large format display screen that accommodates wireless connections and a variety of input devices – such as digitizing tablets and document cameras – as well as seating areas for users to congregate and share projects and ideas.
CTL Grant Expands Access to Digital Drawing Technology at CED
Associate Professor David Spooner has been awarded a UGA Learning Technology Grant (LTG) to expand access to advanced digital drawing technology at CED. The grant supported the purchase of fifteen new iPad Pros and Apple pencils, as well as software for the devices.
Chris Hite Appointed to ASLA Council of Fellows
The UGA College of Environment + Design is honored to announce that Christina Hite, UGA CED Alumna and chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, has been elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2021 Council of Fellows. The Fellowship is among the highest honors that the ASLA bestows upon its members, and it is used to recognize outstanding commitment to the profession of landscape architecture. Nominated by the Florida Chapter ASLA, Hite was recognized for excellence in Leadership and Management and was one of only 35 professionals nationwide to be named a Fellow this year.
CED students design healing gardens for The Ark Family Preservation Center
The College of Environment and Design (CED) partnered with The Ark Family Preservation Center to create a series of gardens that promote healing for families broken by destructive forces such as drugs and alcohol. The Clinkenbeard Healing Gardens, named after the grandmother of the center’s founder, Dr. Oxley, are envisioned to be a space where parents and children can reconnect with each other through play and nature.
Darrel Morrison in Residence from Sept. 13-16, 2021
From Sept. 13-16, Professor Darrel Morrison will be the artist in residence at the UGA College of Environment + Design. Hosted by Professor R. Alfred Vick. Co-sponsored by the College of Environment + Design (CED) and College of Agriculture and Environmental Science (CAES)
New Publication: Oil Spaces, Exploring the Global Petroleumscape
CED Professor Stephen Ramos is among the co-authors of the recently published book “Oil Spaces, Exploring the Global Petroleumscape”
Welcome Back!
Welcome back! Fall 2021 promises to be the most exciting semester in many years at UGA’s College of Environment + Design. The return of students to campus has brought new life to the University of Georgia, and many lessons were learned during the pandemic–this year, we value our students more than ever, and our faculty are grateful to resume in-person classroom instruction.
Project Profile: Flood Resilience for the City of Tybee Island
CED Professor and River Basin Center affiliate Alfie Vick discusses flood management and resilient natural infrastructure in the new RBC project-profile, “Flood Resilience for the City of Tybee Island: The Tybee Island Back River Study”
Ten UGA faculty members named 2021-2022 Women’s Leadership Fellows
CED’s Associate Dean Ashley Steffens has been named to the 2021‑2022 class of the university’s Women’s Leadership Fellows Program.
MHP Summer 2021 Internship Highlights
Internship Highlights Megan McPherson, 2nd year UGA MHP student, received a highly competitive NCPE summer 2021 internship at Redwood National Park in northern California. Second year UGA MHP student, Sarah Owen, received a highly competitive NCPE summer 2021 internship at Fort Scott National Historic Site in Kansas. Sierra Beighey, 2nd year MHP student, interned for Preservation Pittsburgh during summer 2021.
Women Researchers from the University of Georgia to Share Experience and Contributions in the Field of GIS
Women in GIS Panel Nov 17 12:30-1:30 pm Science Library 217.
Alumni Spotlight: Mario Cambardella Establishes Servescape, An Online Plant Nursery and Design Studio Serving the Atlanta and Athens Areas
When Mario Cambardella (BLA ’06, MEPD ’11, MLA ’13) was operating his small design build firm back in 2012, he wished there was a way to easily order locally grown plant material for on-site delivery. It was then that he came up with the initial concept for ServeScape – an online marketplace for plants sourced directly from local farmers and wholesalers.
The University of Georgia and the Daffodil Project to Create A New Memorial Garden on the UGA Campus
On December 5, 2021 at 11 AM EST, students, faculty, alumni, and community members will gather at the Baldwin Street stairs at the University of Georgia for a planting and dedication ceremony including a speaker from the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust, Sandra Craine, the child of a Holocaust survivor, sharing her mother’s story. This event is free and open to the public.
The Starter Charter Was Developed From a Series of Outreach Events from 2019-2021
To commemorate the College of Environment and Design’s 50th anniversary, CED faculty gathered to discuss the role that our disciplines and professions can and should play in today’s world. Inspired by the Athens Charter for the Restoration of Historic Monuments (1931) and the CIAM’s Athens Charter (1933), the resulting Starter Charter was developed from a series of conversations and outreach events that involved CED faculty, staff, and students from 2019-2021. As a starter charter, we hope it sparks new ideas and new discussions as we move forward. Committee members: Marianne Cramer, Cari Goetcheus, Dan Nadenicek, Alfie Vick, Doug Pardue, Scott Nesbit, David Spooner, Samantha Trust.
A Message From the CED
During this season of gratitude, we send our heartfelt thanks to our amazing donors, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
Professor Reap has been invited to join the Distinguished Affiliated Faculty in Classics
The UGA College of Environment and Design is pleased to announce that James K. Reap has been invited to join the distinguished affiliated faculty in Classics.
Five CED Alumni Recognized Among the 2022 Bulldog 100
Once again, CED graduates were among the “Bulldog 100.” Bulldog 100 celebrates the top 100 fastest-growing organizations owned or operated by UGA alumni.
Dr. Rosanna Rivero to Deliver Keynote Presentation During GIS Day at UGA
Dr. Rosanna Rivero to share her experience using GIS and other geospatial technologies for Urban and Regional/Environmental Planning projects. “GIS Application for Planning in the Southeast,” Keynote Presentation by Dr. Rosanna Rivero GIS Day at UGA Wednesday, November 17 from 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm Science Library, 127.
Author and Critic Adam Gopnik to Speak November 17, 2021, UGA Chapel
The UGA College of Environment and Design prides itself on teaching at the intersection of art and science, and is therefore pleased to host internationally renowned critic and essayist Adam Gopnik at the UGA Chapel on Wednesday, November 17th at 4:00 p.m. Gopnik will address the compelling need to reaffirm the fundamental relationship between the arts and sciences. A book signing will follow the lecture, with several of his published works available for purchase.
MLA Program recognized STEM Discipline by Board of Regents
The UGA College of Environment + Design is excited to announce an important milestone for the Master of Landscape Architecture program: The Board of Regents of the University System of […]
MLA Student Receives ASAI Award
Master of Landscape Architecture student Madelaine Kinnebrew has been given a Student Award of Distinction in the American Society of Architectural Illustrator’s (ASAI) 36th Architecture in Perspective Professional and Student Competition. Madelaine studied advanced graphics under Dr. Jessica Fernandez.
UGA Professors to Share Their Expertise as Speakers at This Year’s ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture
FRIDAY, NOV 19: Donnie Longenecker, ASLA, UGA CED Senior Lecturer Friday, Nov 19: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM CDT Technical Workshop: Preparing for Landscape Architect Registration Exam Section 4 Sam E. […]
Upcoming Philosopher’s Walk to Highlight the Kendeda Building
Philosopher’s Walks are guided hikes that provide participants with opportunities to experience, connect with and discuss places of ecological interest. They are organized by the UGA Environmental Ethics Certificate Program (EECP) and are open to the public. Nov. 11th Theme: Alfie Vick, landscape architecture faculty at UGA, will lead the Kendeda Building virtual walk.
Deadline to Vote: Sunday, October 31
The DesignIntelligence rankings are based on votes from the design community nationwide. Who can vote: 1. CED undergraduate and graduate students, 2. new alumni who have graduated in the last three years, 3. hiring/supervising professionals within firms Help us spread the word! VOTE!
Cameron Berglund Joins CED as Full-Time Lecturer
A decade ago, Cameron Berglund traveled to Uganda to work as a landscape designer and instructor at the CIDI Training Center for Gardening and Landscaping, a vocational school in the country’s capital. During his two years in Kampala, Berglund put together a curriculum to introduce post-high school Ugandan students to landscape design and installation. After working for many years in the US, his desire to be more service-focused led him to step out and explore how landscape architecture could be used in the majority world. The relationships he formed while in-country greatly broadened his understanding of landscape architecture’s potential impact, especially through education. His time in Uganda strengthened his passion for service and helped to ignite his continued desire for teaching. Today, Berglund is the College of Environment and Design’s newest faculty member.
Dean Sonia Hirt Lectures at the ETH Zurich
Dean Sonia Hirt recently delivered a virtual lecture to an audience of Swiss and international students in a class titled European Aspects of Spatial Development at the ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich–the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich).
Join the EECP for its inaugural “Screen on the Green.”
Join the EECP for its inaugural “Screen on the Green.” Come rain or shine, we will be screening “Kiss the Ground” to start a conversation around farming practices and what can be done to make agricultural production more ethical and more productive for the planet’s long-term health. The film will be enjoyed in the Serpentine Garden of the Founders Garden (or the Ballroom if it’s raining) so bring blankets and movie snacks! Popcorn and snacks, as well as seating, will be provided for those who wish to forgo the ground. Free registration:https://t.uga.edu/7uB
CED Alumni awarded ASLA Honor Award
Matt Whitaker (MLA ’01) and Thomas Brown (BLA ’10) of WMWA Landscape Architects have been awarded the ASLA Honor Award for their work on the Market + Georgia Public Place project. The project, located around the historic Patten Towers in downtown Chattanooga, was the result of a collaboration between WMWA and local artist Genesis the Greykid. Through an approach that “elevated the role of engagement as the primary design method”, the team was able to implement a project that is reflective of the needs of Chattanooga’s traditionally underserved residents.
UGA Special Collections Libraries Faculty Fellows program
Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, Sungkyung Lee [https://ced.uga.edu/directory/faculty_profiles/lee_sungkyung/], has been accepted into the 2021 cohort of the UGA Special Collections Libraries Faculty Fellows program.
Former CED Dean Bob Nicholls runs the Peachtree Road Race
The CED community congratulates Dean Bob Nicholls on receiving first place in his age group for this year’s Peachtree Road Race.
CED Alumni Lead Through Global Pandemic
Two CED alumni are featured in the latest issue of Georgia Magazine.
Student Internship Spotlights: English Hinton and Zack Orr
This time of year, many students are seeking Summer internships. For two CED students, their remarkable experiences left a big impact as they closed a chapter on their time at UGA.
Historic Preservation students explore old buildings to diagnose structural issues
Students in the Master of Historic Preservation program get hands-on experience researching the physical condition of old buildings. Every Fall semester, students in Dr. Mark Reinberger’s Building Material Conservation class are divided into teams to create structural assessments for a variety of clients. Students in the class were interviewed about their experiences.
Community Landscape Lab Studio Engages in Service-Learning
Katherine Melcher, an associate professor of landscape architecture in the College of Environment and Design, has created the Community Landscape Lab to engage students and community groups using landscape architecture as the means to acuate social change. Through the Community Landscape Lab, Professor Melcher partners students with clients in a Master’s level Landscape Architecture (MLA) studio to provide stakeholders with design concepts and engagement strategies useful to the community. Bringing more awareness to the lab’s work, students developed a blog to publish information about the projects they are working on, including background information, weekly updates on community feedback, and their design recommendations.
Improving Rural Health through Design
Researchers have identified significant linkages between public health and the design of the built environment, including impacts on physical activity, walkability, social and mental health. While most design research centers on the re-design of cities and other urban places, Georgia is predominately a rural state. With the 20th highest adult and the 18th highest child obesity rates in the nation, rural Georgia needs design interventions that are sustainable, community supported and cost-effective. While better health outcomes through design is frequently touted for urban areas, research neglects design and planning for rural communities.
Melcher, Vick accepted into inaugural rural research cohort
The College of Environment and Design at UGA is proud to announce that Professors Katherine Melcher and Alfie Vick have been accepted into the inaugural cohort of the Rural Engagement Faculty Workshop series sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President for Public Service and Outreach (PSO). The initiative connects academic faculty with rural research interests to public service faculty with community connections throughout Georgia.
Ramos Receives Public Impact Grant
College of Environment and Design Associate Professor Stephen Ramos received a Public Impact Grant from the Wilson Center for Humanities and Arts for his work with UGA Lamar Dodd School of Art Assistant Professor James A. Enos in support of the “Port Futures and Social Logistics” initiative in art and urbanism.
Support pours in for Founders Memorial Garden
On March 15, 2021, CED announced a Georgia Funder campaign to support the rejuvenation of the Serpentine Garden – one of the most iconic spaces within the Founders Memorial Garden. Thanks to the generosity of CED friends and alumni, the initial goal of $5,000 was surpassed in less than 6 hours! To build on this outpouring of support and to further the restoration of other areas of the garden, CED has set a new goal of $17,500. With additional donations, the Camellia Walk Arbor, the Boxwood Parterre Garden, the North Arboretum Azaleas, and other areas could get the care they need.
Georgia DOT, UGA and The Ray Break Ground on Latest Meadow-Research Installation
Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), The Ray and the University of Georgia’s College of Environment + Design (UGA CED) are pleased to announce Phase 2 of their meadow-research plantings on The Ray Highway, at the Exit 6 median alongside I-85’s northbound lanes. The purpose of the research is to establish innovative uses that beautify and improve the utilization of Georgia’s highway corridor.
CED Included in Interdisciplinary Pre-Seed Research Teams
Members of the CED are participating in two research teams as part of a 2021 cohort sponsored by the UGA Office of Research. In partnership with the Office of the Provost, competitive “pre-seed” funding was made available to stimulate collaboration around areas of need and to position faculty teams to be competitive for internal and external grants.
Landscape Architecture Foundation Medal
Karen A. Phillips, FASLA was awarded this year’s 2021 Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Medal, recognizing an expansive career in community development, public service, environmental design, urban planning, real estate, and revitalization.
Bruce Ferguson authors new book
Former College of Environment and Design (CED) Associate Professor and American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Fellow, Bruce Ferguson, has recently authored the book, A Philosophy of Landscape Construction, which outlines a new philosophy of values in landscape construction.
CED Faculty recognized by Students
The UGA Center for Teaching and Learning created the Thank-a-Teacher program 12 years ago to allow students an easy way to express gratitude to a professor, instructor, or graduate student teacher who has impacted their life in a profound and meaningful way. CED Associate Professor David Spooner and Ph.D. Candidate Lynn Abdouni are both receiving praise from students for their engaging classes.
Virtual Lecture by Tom Mayes
The UGA College of Environment and Design will present a virtual lecture by Tom Mayes, General Counsel of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, on Wednesday, March 3, 4:30 p.m. EST.
Leah Melnik has joined the CED
Leah Melnik has joined the College of Environment and Design as the Graduate Program Administrator for the Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation and Urban Planning and Design programs.
MLA James Shulte at TEDXUGA
“A City Under the Sedums: Vegetated Roof Adoption in a Modern Urbanizing World.” This January, Master of Landscape Architecture student James Schulte had the opportunity to present his thesis research in the Salon Series hosted by TEDxUGA.
MHP student appears on HGTV’s Life Under Renovation
Master of Historic Preservation student Ross Sheppard and partners Will Walker (BBA ’15) and Jacob Hawkins have spent the last two years renovating the c. 1838 Samuel Rockwell House in Milledgeville, GA. The story of this massive undertaking premieres Saturday, May 1, 2021, on HGTV’s Life Under Renovation, which follows five families through a home building project using self-shot footage.
Digital Landscape Architecture Conference
CED Ph.D. student Jiyue Zhao won the 5th prize of the 2021 DLA poster competition in the Digital Landscape Architecture Conference, which was held on May 26 – 28 in Dessau-Köthen-Bernburg, Germany.
Beauty of the Wild by Darrel Morrison
In “Beauty of the Wild: A Life Designing Landscapes Inspired by Nature,” Darrel Morrison, Dean (1983-1991), and Professor Emeritus, tells stories of people and places that have nourished his career as a teacher and a designer of nature-inspired landscapes.
Historic Preservation Experience on Jekyll Island
College students gain historic preservation experience on Jekyll Island Article by Lauren McDonald, The Brunswick News
Davis and Nichols author new book, Plants in Design
Brad Davis, associate professor and MLA program coordinator, and David Nichol, associate professor at the University of Georgia have teamed up to publish “Plants in Design.” The goal of the book was to create a well-rounded reference guide to help users to create well-designed landscapes. The focus of the book is on southern landscapes and covers from herbaceous perennials to shrubs and trees. “Plants in Design” is available for preorder through the UGA Press and will be officially released on May 1st, 2021!
Tim Brown joins CED as Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Specialist
Timothy Brown has been hired as the Communications, Marketing and Recruitment Specialist for the College of Environment and Design. Brown will lead public relations efforts for the college, showcasing the work of the landscape architecture, historic preservation, and planning programs.
Lecturer’s work focuses on people, place, technology
Jessica Fernandez’s research focuses on campus planning and community building, as well as the application of emerging technologies and contemporary design communications in landscape architecture. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker/UGA)
Kona Gray to be CED 2021 Commencement Speaker
Kona Gray (BLA ’97) will deliver the spring Commencement address at the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia. After graduating from the CED with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Gray has worked in over thirty countries over the past 26 years and is currently a Principal at EDSA in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Gray serves as President of the Landscape Architecture Foundation and Vice President for Professional Practice of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and is also, an active member of the Urban Land Institute.
Whitney Barr selected as first CELA Fountain Scholar
Whitney Barr has won the inaugural 2021 Fountain Scholar award, granted by The Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. Named after Charles Fountain, this prestigious award was established to help Black, Indigenous and other students of color advance their landscape architecture education.
Alum Jon Williams appointed to State LAR Board
Jon Williams (BLA ’96), CEO and President of W&A Engineering, was recently appointed to the Georgia Board of Landscape Architects by Governor Brian Kemp. According to the press release, the Board is authorized to “adopt rules, set standards for licensure, adopt mandatory standards of professional conduct, and investigate and discipline unauthorized, negligent or incompetent practice.” In addition, the Board also licenses landscape architects, after applicants complete their education and pass a national and state exam.
CED co-sponsors symposium on history of slavery at UGA
CED is co-sponsoring a symposium to examine the history of slavery at the University of Georgia on April 30 and May 1, 2021. Dr. Scott Nesbit and four students from the Historic Preservation and Landscape Architecture programs are involved in either planning the symposium or presenting recent course research and projects. This virtual event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please visit www.slaveryatuga.org for the full program and registration information.
Lynn Abdouni honored with Graduate School Excellence in Teaching Award
PhD candidate Lynn Abdouni is one of five UGA graduate students honored with this year’s UGA Graduate School Excellence in Teaching Award. She is recognized for her outstanding instruction whilst pursuing a rigorous program of study in the Environmental Design and Planning doctoral program at the College of Environment and Design (CED).
Alumnus leaves historic gift to the CED
When Jim Lambert, a graduate of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design (CED), passed away in 2011, he left money in a family trust to be given to his alma mater. Jim’s wife, Paula, made good on his wishes earlier this year: pledging a planned gift from the trust that will create a $5 million endowment supporting international travel for CED’s landscape architecture students. Once realized, the gift will be the largest in CED’s history.
CED Honors Day 2021: Virtual Celebration
Honors Day ’21 occurs during an extraordinary time – the culmination of a full year under the worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic – therefore we are celebrating the students’ achievements virtually.
CED Alum Leigh Elkins awarded Walter Barnard Hill Award
Congratulations to CED Alumna Leigh Askew Elkins for receiving the prestigious UGA Walter Barnard Hill Award for her achievements in public service and outreach
A Message to the CED Family
A Message to the CED Family from Dean Sonia
The Williams Family Plaza Charrette
Behind the Jackson Street Building is a small plaza with a lot of potential. Jon Williams (BLA ’96) saw the opportunity to give back to CED with a donation in his family’s name as well as a learning opportunity for current landscape architecture students. Professor Doug Pardue led a hybrid design charrette to re-image the space as a “working yard” that would support student learning, create a welcoming event space, showcase landscape architecture and best design practices, and provide a smooth thoroughfare for those passing through.
Eric Reisman joins CCDP as FindIt Program Coordinator
Eric Reisman (MHP ’09) has been hired as the newest Coordinator for the FindIt Historic Resource Survey Program. He has over ten years of historic resource survey experience, most recently with the Mississippi State Historic Preservation Office as their survey manager. He begins his new role at CCDP on April 19th. Welcome, Eric!
