The College of Environment + Design is pleased to welcome Kona Gray (BLA ‘97) back to UGA’s campus for “Higher Ground – Designing with Nature Towards a Resilient Future.”
A firm leader bringing 30 years of experience in 30+ countries, Gray’s global design and management sense has positively shaped many environments. His portfolio includes award-winning developments that solve meaningful global issues with emphasis on communities, parks, hospitality, museums, aquariums, healthcare and campuses.
A bona fide ambassador, Gray has contributed to more than two decades of outreach heightening awareness for the profession through sharing global projects, individual experiences, and external inspirations. He’s enthusiastic about growing the profession and committed to inclusion initiatives through mentorship, internships and scholarships.
Gray is a registered Landscape Architect and holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the CED and a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University. In private practice at EDSA, Gray co-leads design and business development as a firm resource. Gray is an ASLA Fellow and currently serves as ASLA National President. In 2022, he received the ASLA President’s Medal. In addition to serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the College of Environment + Design, Gray also serves on numerous other boards and committees around the country.
Higher Ground:
Higher Ground inspires humanity to press forward despite challenges. The spiritual calling of the Landscape Architecture professional demands we conserve, preserve and enhance the planet that supports life and love. Our shared landscapes connect us in more ways than we can imagine. The special memories we hold for a place are rooted in the land. The earth that brings us together is often underappreciated for its majesty. The air we breathe, sun that warms us and waters we drink do not categorize the space we occupy. We are fortunate to receive the gift of life from the land that keeps on giving without expecting anything of us in return. The sun, stars, trees, hills, mountains, wetlands, rivers, and oceans provide a connection to the universe that has lasted for centuries. And where would we be if the land did not exist?
The presentation will focus on the importance of celebrating our ecosystems and curating experiences that support all species and the planet. We will also discuss how design will bring people together to heal the earth. By embracing the basics of landscape architecture related to natural systems and humanities we can set the foundation for exploration of current challenges. Also, we should embrace the many ways of practice the discipline offers along a broad spectrum bound by Landscape Architecture to meet the mission. Finally, in partnership, ASLA and our allies can convene the disciplines to promote the environment and secure a prosperous future for ALL. Together we can strengthen our professional Society by Elevating Design, Celebrating Practice, and Leveraging Partnerships. Every day is an opportunity to do a little better to benefit earth and humanity.
Event Details:
Featured Lecture: Higher Ground – Designing with Nature Towards a Resilient Future
Kona Gray, ASLA National President and Principal at EDSA
September 25, 2025
Critique Space -4:30pm
Jackson Street Building
285 South Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602
