Registration for the Landscape Architecture Short Course 2025 is open!
Scroll for more information and details on package options.
The Landscape Architecture Short Course 2025 is happening February 4th-6th.
Join us for lectures, tours, and networking with exhibitors and colleagues!
The Short Course is again offered this year in virtual form, hosted on Zoom. Lectures indicated with <Zoom> below will be offered virtually. Be sure to register for the virtual option when signing up. You’ll receive Zoom links a day in advance of the start of the conference.
Check this page often as we will continue to add information here.
Tuesday February 4th
CED’s Jackson Street Building
285 South Jackson Street, Athens GA 30602
Rivet House (https://rivethouse.com/)
355 Oneta St., Building C2, Suite 100, Athens GA 30601
Session L1
Alex Smith
Chris Wakefield
Alex Smith, Chris Wakefield; Lighting the Way: Collaborative Design for Better Outdoor Experiences
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Lecture
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
Crit Space, Jackson Street Building
The Rivet House Hotel is part of the Southern Mill Redevelopment Project. This boutique hotel is located in a transformed denim manufacturing facility. Chris Wakefield of The Outdoor Lights and landscape designer Alex Smith collaborated on this effort to create a unique experience for hotel guests. In this presentation. Chris and Alex will discuss the opportunities and challenges presented in collaborating on the design, construction, and installation of lighting and landscape on a historically significant adaptive reuse project. After the lecture concludes, attendees will join Chris and Alex at the Rivet House at sunset to see the results of the collaboration first hand.
Speaker Bios: Alex graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a degree in Landscape Design. He began his career as a lead designer under renowned garden designer, Ryan Gainey. During his eight years working with Ryan, Alex was an integral part of creating diverse landscapes throughout the eastern United States. Alex also spent two summers in the Cotswolds of England working under the tutelage of famed British garden designer Rosemary Verey. Alex is a founding member of the Southeastern Horticultural Society and served on its Board of Directors for 12 years. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Classical Architecture, Southeast Chapter. Alex currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Cherokee Garden Library and is a member of the American Horticultural Society. He is a native of Macon, Georgia. In his free time he enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, golf, and following Georgia Bulldogs football. He lives with his wife and three daughters in Dunwoody, Georgia.
Chris Wakefield, president of The Outdoor Lights, Cumming, Georgia, is a skilled designer of premium landscape lighting for exclusive properties in Georgia, across the United States and international projects. Along with his collaborative approach, Chris brings extensive experience and vast knowledge of lighting and landscaping which results in a unique, customized lighting design. Over the past 24 years, Chris and his team at The Outdoor Lights, have installed over 9,500 lighting systems in the southeast and received numerous awards for lighting and design excellence. Chris and his company have become one of the premier outdoor lighting experts in the industry.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Lighting the Way: Rivet House Project Tour
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved]
On site at the Rivet House
*Note that this Tuesday session begins with a lecture in the Jackson Street Building, home to the CED, followed up by a site tour of the Rivet House project.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Buck Jones Nursery / The Outdoor Lights Social
Wrap up the day with drinks and snacks while networking with attendees, exhibitors, and CED students and faculty.
Wednesday February 5th
Classic Center (https://classiccenter.com/)
130 Foundry Street, Foundry Building, Athens GA 30601
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast
Session L2
Colby Gingles
Chris Gordon
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Colby Gingles, Chris Gordon; Sustainable Solutions in Artificial Grass: Design, Construction, and Certification
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
This course will detail sustainable attributes, the aesthetic and functional benefits, construction, certifications, and sample installations of artificial grass.
Speaker Bios:
Colby Gingles is an experienced speaker with a strong foundation in sales and design. He frequently engages with architects, developers, and distributors, offering a well-rounded perspective on synthetic surfacing options. His primary focus is on educating his audience about industry trends, global projects, and innovations within SYNLawn, the leading global provider of artificial grass. Through his presentations, Colby helps individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines make informed choices regarding American-made products and cutting-edge developments. He expertly sheds light on the intricacies of manufacturing and installation, particularly in sectors like Multi-Family, municipal projects, and healthcare.
Chris Gordon serves as the Director of Sales and Operations for SYNLawn of Georgia and Alabama, overseeing sales and installations across these regions. With a decade of experience at SYNLawn and a lifelong connection to synthetic turf—thanks to his father’s career as a mechanical engineer and inventor with AstroTurf—Chris brings a deep well of expertise to the industry. His comprehensive knowledge of synthetic turf and construction has enabled him to build strong relationships with architects, developers, general contractors, and landscape designers. Additionally, as a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI), Chris ensures that all playground installations meet the highest safety standards.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Networking with Exhibitors
Have some refreshments while engaging with our exhibitors.
Session L3
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Bobby Mottern; Climate-Resilient Garden Design: Sustainable Techniques for Stormwater, Drought, and Habitat
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
Garden design techniques should be more climate resilient. Storm water hardscape can be both effective and attractive. Plantings should be drought tolerant, able to withstand flooding and remain resilient after storm events. Planting design should create habitat for insects and other wildlife. This session will cover effective storm water hardscape design including methods to slow storm water and encourage percolation; and the use of drought tolerant plants, flood tolerant plants, and native plants for attracting wildlife.
Speaker Bio: Bobby Mottern is Director of Horticulture at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. He leads a dynamic team of 16 horticulturists who manage the 55 acre botanic garden in the heart of the Duke University campus. Garden staff nurture a variety of display spaces including vibrant herbaceous borders, rose garden, organic vegetables, native plants, a Japanese garden, aquatic plantings and many other horticultural features. Bobby also oversees the garden’s physical operations, project management and participates in a variety of educational programming. Bobby studied horticulture at Clemson and acquired his Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia in 2006. Bobby joined Duke Gardens in 2009. Prior to that he worked as a landscape architect in Raleigh and was director of horticulture at Brookgreen Gardens in Pawleys Island, SC.
10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Networking with Exhibitors
Have some refreshments while engaging with our exhibitors.
Session L4
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Bert Kuyrkendall; Designing Complete Streets: Principles and Practices for Landscape Architects
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
This session introduces landscape architects to the principles and practices of Complete Streets planning and design. Participants will explore how to create streetscapes that balance the needs of all users, integrate green infrastructure, and foster vibrant, walkable communities. The class covers street typologies, context-sensitive design, and tactical implementation strategies, providing tools and case studies to inspire effective and sustainable solutions. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to collaborate with engineers and planners while leveraging their unique design expertise.
Speaker Bio: Bert, a Senior Associate at TSW, has more than 25 years of experience as a Transportation Planner and Engineer. Bert’s planning work focuses on helping cities and towns become more sustainable, just, and livable places. He has led and collaborated on numerous transportation plans, comprehensive plans, corridor studies, bike/ped network plans, and Complete Streets design projects. As an engineer and planner, Bert brings a balanced approach to transportation planning and implementation. He has extensive experience in street and multimodal facility design, with a firm grasp on state and city/county design standards, including the ability to modify and draft new transportation standards. He has shepherded many projects from concept design and public input, to estimating and budgeting, grant application, schematic and engineering design, bidding, construction oversight, and maintenance.
Prior to joining TSW, Bert was a Transportation Planner and Engineer with Orion Planning + Design, Gresham Smith, and City Transportation Engineer for the City of Chattanooga.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
Session L5
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Albert Harris; Public Furniture: Materials, Sustainability, and Aesthetics
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
A well-designed public space involves thoughtful selection of materials. Not only must they be durable and resilient to withstand heavy use and weather, but increasingly, architects and designers are seeking to specify materials and products for their sustainability for the benefit of both human health and that of the planet. This class focuses specifically on sustainable materials and public furniture, how to evaluate materials for sustainability, and the implications of different selections for the global natural resource bigger picture. It looks at key factors for specifying public furniture and examines the most used materials (wood, metal, concrete, and wood alternatives), including the pros and cons of each as viewed through the lens of sustainability. To round out the discussion, the course addresses broader considerations of sustainable material selection, including material life cycle, recyclability, and upcycling.
Speaker Bio: Albert is Brand Development Manager for mmcité USA & Canada. He has a background in architecture, planning and was a practicing Landscape Architect. He has 14+ years of design experience. His undergraduate degree is in Architecture from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He earned his MLA at The University of Pennsylvania. He has been a bartender, truck driver, commercial photographer, & helped grow 4 successful businesses along the way. Albert understands the value and importance of wonderful open spaces and the public realm. He is well-traveled and has a love for words and artful expressions.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Networking with Exhibitors
Have some refreshments while engaging with our exhibitors.
Session L6
Buck Bacon
Robert Barfield
Ryan Collins
Charlie Gluodenis
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Panel Discussion and Tour; North Downtown Athens – Redevelopment Master Plan for Bethel Village/College and Hoyt – Planning to Implementation
(3 PDH in-person; 1.5 PDH virtual) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual – panel discussion only>
In February 2020, the Athens Housing Authority (AHA) sought to initiate the transformational redevelopment of North Downtown Athens, specifically the Bethel Midtown Village and College & Hoyt communities and surrounding parcels of land. The primary directive for this project was to develop a healthy, mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood with an increase in the number and quality of affordable housing units.
A steering committee of community partners representing North Downtown Athens was formed to help provide strategic direction, vision, and oversight for the master planning initiative and serve as champions for the redevelopment. AHA hired the master planning team comprised of JHP Architecture (architecture and urban design); W&A Engineering (civil engineers); Dix.Hite + Partners (landscape architects); and the development team of Columbia Residential and Jonathan Rose Companies. This team also collaborated on the construction documents for Phase One, which include Stormwater Park, the street grid realignments, and the northwest block of residential development.
This course will provide an overview of the planning process, the design outcomes for Phase One, and a tour of the Phase One Stormwater Park, street grid realignment, and residential development. The panel will highlight the challenges of the economic and financial requirements, the existing site conditions and context, the public engagement efforts conducted during COVID-19 restrictions, and the goals and outcomes of the master plan. The panel will then provide an overview of the team’s collaboration to overcome the challenges to aligning the design of Phase One development to the goals of the master plan. After a brief questions and answer session, the panel will walk to the site (20 min) and lead a tour of the Phase One residential development and stormwater park.
Speaker Bios:
Buck Bacon currently serves as W&A Engineering’s Government and Community Services Director where he leads planning and land development programs and projects focused on non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government agencies, industrial and economic development programs, and projects with a regional impact. Buck has previously served as the Director of Engineering and Director of Corporate Culture and Career Planning at W&A. He also worked in local government before joining the W&A team. Buck’s efforts are client focused with an emphasis on applied civil engineering and urban design principles in support of W&A’s client’s missions.
Robert Barfield, as Vice President of Construction Services of Columbia Residential, is accountable for all aspects of planning and design for new and rehabilitation construction developments. He serves as a liaison between the General Contractor and affiliated trades, engineers, architects, attorneys, public officials, community representatives, and owners. Robert’s construction-related experience spans more than 18 years and 4,000 multifamily units, including recent, award-winning successes with our West Highlands and Mechanicsville communities in Atlanta, and Columbia Parc in New Orleans.
Ryan Collins is a Senior Principal and Vice President for Dix.Hite + Partners, leading planning and design efforts for public and private clients around the southeast with a focus on community development work in towns and cities across Alabama. He currently serves on the Leadership Advisory Council for CLARB, the Board of Directors for Conservation Alabama, and the Board of Directors for ACE Mentors of Alabama. He is an active and passionate volunteer for Design Alabama and the Sunshine Rotary Club of Birmingham.
Charlie Gluodenis is the Chief Real Estate Officer for the Athens Housing Authority. He is responsible for capital improvements, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing finance and construction. He oversees all new construction and modernization of public housing assets, infill housing and homeownership programs funded with CDBG & HOME through ACCGov, and all aspects of AHA mixed-income / mixed-finance affordable housing projects. The Athens Housing Authority’s goal is to create vigorous neighborhoods and support the success of the families they serve while working with Athens-Clarke County for the development of long-term goals for affordable housing for the community.
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Buck Jones Nursery Social
Wrap up the day with drinks and snacks while networking with attendees, exhibitors, and CED students and faculty.
Thursday February 6th
Classic Center (https://classiccenter.com/)
130 Foundry Street, Foundry Building, Athens GA 30601
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
Session L7
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Shannon Currey; Native Plants for Stormwater Management: Design, Resilience, and Ecological Benefits
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
Traditionally, built structures and hardscape did the heavy lifting when it came to storm water management. While that’s often still the case, plants, soils, and natural systems have taken on a greater role. Paralleling that shift is an increasing interest in native plants from consumers, along with institutional and governmental directives aimed at including more native plants on public projects. With any project, putting the right plant in the right place for the right purpose is paramount—it starts with planting design and affects everything from vegetative management to resilience. This session will cover helpful strategies for specifying native plants that not only survive in stormwater features and on slopes, but also provide key ecological benefits. Using examples of regionally native, herbaceous perennials, we’ll explore how they help slow and filter runoff, promote drainage, reduce erosion, and improve soil health.
Speaker Bio: Shannon Currey is a horticultural educator with Izel Native Plants. She began her work life as a social scientist, investigating the interplay of attitudes, health behaviors, and quality of life. She changed careers in 2003 to study horticultural science and landscape design at North Carolina State University. She’s worked in the nursery industry since 2006, establishing herself as an expert on grasses and sedges. In recent years, she has expanded her expertise to native perennials. Shannon has shared her knowledge in nationally published articles and traveled the country speaking to professional organizations, community groups, and at public gardens. She currently serves on the North Carolina Plant Conservation Program Scientific Committee, advises several organizations on horticultural programming, has served on the Boards of the Perennial Plant Association and the Perennial Plant Foundation, and has been recognized by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association with the Libby Wilder Award for her contributions to the industry. Shannon lives in Durham, North Carolina and loves exploring horticulture and native flora everywhere she goes.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Networking with Exhibitors
Have some refreshments while engaging with our exhibitors.
Session L8
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Curt Jackson; Designing Green Roofs: Strategies, Challenges, and Case Study Insights
(1 PDH) [LACES HSW approved] <Virtual>
This presentation will explore the design of green roofs from the landscape architect’s perspective, addressing the benefits and challenges faced when starting a green roof project. Attendees will gain insights into the design approach, key features, technology, and planting selections. We’ll take a deep dive into the Star Metals rooftop project as a case study, showcasing the full spectrum of design complexity. Participants will learn how to create functional, sustainable, and visually engaging green roofs that meet diverse needs while enhancing the built environment.
Speaker Bio: Curt Jackson is the Atlanta Director of Landscape Architecture at W&A Engineering, where he leads a diverse range of landscape architecture initiatives. With over 15 years of experience as a landscape architect and planner, Curt has worked on projects across the country, including in higher education institutions, mixed-use developments, and residential communities. He has a deep passion for community-building design and applies his expertise to create meaningful, sustainable spaces that enhance both the built environment and quality of life. Curt’s connection with the University of Georgia began in childhood, shaping his decision to pursue his education at UGA. He graduated from the UGA College of Environment and Design with a degree in Landscape Architecture, which laid the foundation for his career. Curt is deeply engaged with the Georgia Chapter of ASLA, where he has served in leadership roles, including President and lead coordinator for the Southeast Regional Conference. He is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Environment and Design.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch
Session L9
Buck Bacon
Scott Haines
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Panel Discussion and Tour; Southern Mills: A Redevelopment Story
(3 PDH) [LACES HSW approved]
Comprising over 18 acres of land, Southern Mills is an example of a successful modern reuse of a decommissioned turn of the century mill complex. Participants will learn about the history of the site and the timeline incurred for redevelopment, the challenges faced and the benefits found from retrofitting old structures for new uses.
Speaker Bios:
Buck Bacon currently serves as W&A Engineering’s Government and Community Services Director where he leads planning and land development programs and projects focused on non-profit organizations, local, state, and federal government agencies, industrial and economic development programs, and projects with a regional impact. Buck has previously served as the Director of Engineering and Director of Corporate Culture and Career Planning at W&A. He also worked in local government before joining the W&A team. Buck’s efforts are client focused with an emphasis on applied civil engineering and urban design principles in support of W&A’s client’s missions.
Scott Haines is Director of Landscape Architecture at W&A Engineering. Haines obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from The University of Georgia in May 2004. Since joining W&A in September 2004, Haines has proved to be a valuable asset to the firm. His responsibilities as project manager include coordination of all rezones, analysis and design for commercial and residential projects, entrance/amenity design, and construction management. He also coordinates the color renderings and models produced through the latest CAD and other advanced computer graphics software programs. Haines is a LEED Accredited Professional and has worked on certifying teams for both LEED NC and LEED for Homes projects.
Registration Options
Registration is now open, click here to sign up!
Register by midnight EST January 26 to ensure you are included in the count for meals and snacks. Registrations made after this time may not include food.
FULL ONSITE PACKAGE
Full Conference Package
Up to 14 PDH, $460.00
Tuesday night opening lecture, tour, and Buck Jones / The Outdoor Lights social hour at Rivet House
Wednesday and Thursday lectures, tours, and Buck Jones social hour
Includes all breaks, breakfasts, lunches, and social events
LIMITED PACKAGES
Virtual Conference Package
Up to 8.5 PDH, $280.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday lectures streamed via Zoom, denoted with <Virtual> in the schedule above.
Tuesday Night Opening Lecture and Social
In-Person, up to 2 PDH, $75.00
Includes lecture, tour, and Buck Jones / The Outdoor Lights social hour at Rivet House
Virtual, 1 PDH, $35.00
Lecture only
Wednesday Package
In-Person, up to 7 PDH, $235.00
Wednesday lectures and tour, and social event
Includes all breaks, breakfast, lunch, and Buck Jones social hour
Virtual, up to 5.5 PDH, $175.00
Lectures only
Thursday Package
In-Person, up to 5 PDH, $170.00
Thursday lectures and tour
Includes all breaks, breakfast, and lunch
Virtual, up to 2 PDH, $75.00
Lectures only
EXHIBITORS
Exhibitor Registration
$670.00
Wednesday and Thursday
One person at the table, $100 per additional person at the table.
This includes a 6’x3′ table in the lobby outside the lecture room or in the lunch/break room, with space for two people. Spaces assigned on first come first serve basis. See map below showing table locations. Power and wi-fi provided at each table. Company logo displayed in the conference program. All meals, breaks, and Buck Jones social hour included.
There is a large paver plaza adjacent to the Foundry Building entrance, a map of the venue and exhibit space is below. You may use this paver plaza for loading and unloading exhibit materials. You are welcome to begin setting up at 8:15 am on Wednesday Feb. 5th. When you arrive, please check in at the registration desk. You’ll get your name badge, and we’ll show you to your table. Your first chance to interact with our attendees is at 9:00 am Wednesday. Your last chance to interact with our attendees is from 12-1 pm Thursday. Please breakdown and load out from 1-2pm.
Once you register, please send us your most recent company logo in an .eps file format. If you do not have an .eps file, you may send a .jpg that is minimum 1000 pixels wide. We will provide you with a list of all attendees after the conference begins.
Exhibitor Table Locations
Registration is now open, click here to sign up!
Register by midnight EST January 26 to ensure you are included in the count for meals and snacks. Registrations made after this time may not include food.
Parking
We are NOT selling parking passes as a part of the conference registration package. You will need to purchase parking passes when you arrive at the conference. For all Classic Center parking information follow this link.
Directions
For driving directions to the Classic Center follow this link. The event will be held in the Oconee River and Empire Rooms at the Classic Center, click the venue map above for an enlarged facility map.
Hotels
We have reserved room blocks in the Hotel Indigo ($159/night, plus tax) and Springhill Suites ($149/night, plus tax) .
Hotel Indigo
500 College Avenue, Athens, GA, 30601
706-546-0430
Group: UGA Landscape Short Course
Click here to reserve
$159/night, plus 15% tax and $5 state fee
Parking $12/night
Reservation deadline January 22, 2025
Springhill Suites
220 S Hull St, Athens, GA 30605
706-850-2072
Group: 2025 UGA Landscape Short Course
Click here to reserve
$149/night, plus tax and $5 state fee
Parking $15/night
Reservation deadline January 21, 2025
Other nearby hotels include:
Hotel Abacus (formerly known as the Graduate): 295 E Dougherty St, Athens, GA 30601
Hyatt Place: 412 N Thomas St, Athens, GA 30601
Homewood Suites: 750 E Broad St, Athens, GA 30601
