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oN the coVer: A metal canopy retrofit at this medical center visually connects several buildings as it provides protection

for staff, patients and visitors.Image courtesy of Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.

L e t t e r f r o m t h e p r e s i d e n t

2014: Volume 8, Number 2 michigaN chapter of the americaN Societ y

As the end of May comes and goes, we find ourselves in the transitional time of graduations. Kindergarteners are becoming ”big kids”, high school students enter the real world toward whatever path they have decided (or are still figuring out), and the future of our profession, landscape architecture students, are graduating. We wish all of the Michigan State University BLA and University of Michigan MLA landscape architecture graduates best wishes! In this edition of our publication, we showcase two of the top students from the University of Michigan MLA program.

In other transitions, we reflect from time to time on what our legacy is or will be. How have we affected the world around us and how will be remembered five, ten or 20 years from now? In May, the world mourned as global renaissance woman, poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou passed away. Ms. Angelou, with gifts of acute perception, self-reflection and communication, inspired multiple generations. Through 86 years of life, she connected with many around the world, firsthand and through the fruits of her labor, leaving behind a phenomenal legacy. The social media outlets were flooded with her quotes, one of which seems especially apropos when held up to our profession:

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou

As a profession, landscape architecture takes this idea and embodies it. Through master planning, design and

built works, community involvement, and even policymaking, we create experiences, places and a fertile ground for incredible memories in streetscapes, non-motorized trails, zoos, college campuses, splash pads, playgrounds, healing gardens and more.

This month, we are privileged to feature some great articles in SITES that show some excellent Michigan-based case studies of retrofits in design and a revitalized “heart of the community” for the Coast Guard City.

With just shy of 40 years of professional experience, we honor Robert E. Ford, ASLA, with our landscape architect legacy feature. Through a lot of effort, hard work and a genuine passion for landscape architecture, Mr. Ford has influenced many professionals and students and has carved a well-deserved niche in the competitive design community for himself. As he was told by a client, “the fruit is in the labor” – which has resulted in a personally rewarding career for Mr. Ford and an inspiring legacy.

As we all aspire toward a legacy worth leaving, through our personal and professional works, we thank you for an incredible lifetime of inspiration, Maya Angelou.

For more information, please visit our website at www.michiganasla.org, or find us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

of laNdScape architectS

tabLe of contents

Retrofit Tips for Today’s Landscapes by Michael Arvidson, ASLADuo-Gard Industries, Inc.

A Streetscape Makeover for the ‘Coast Guard City’By Greg Branch EJ

Student Spotlight:Emily Lauderdale, Student ASLA Rachel Visscher, Student ASLA

A Tribute to Bob Ford, ASLA: Michigan ASLA Landscape Architect Legacy SeriesLandscape Architects & Planners, Inc.Edited by Andy McDowell

July 30, 201427th Annual MiASLA / Contractor’s Golf ClassicCoyote Preserve Golf Club, Fenton, MI

September 10, 2014MiASLA Annual MeetingRadisson Hotel, Kalamazoo, MI

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Please remind your friends that SITES has gone digital. Send updated email addresses to: manager@michiganasla.org

editor’s notes

events caLendar

SuLin Kotowicz, LLA, ASLAPresident, Michigan Chapter of ASLA

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Retrofit Tips for Today’s Landscapesby Michael Arvidson, ASLA

Existing bike racks at University of Michigan’s North Quad were retrofit with shelters to add security and convenience for a growing cycling population.Image courtesy of Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.

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The country’s current focus on retrofitting brings new opportunities for landscape architects. Coincidentally, designers can be assured that working within existing sites also brings unique challenges. No matter how much the community clamors for change, designers are challenged to satisfy everybody’s expectations. Some questions landscape architects may face include:

How can we complement the site’s existing elements?How can we make the most of what’s already there? How can we improve the community’s economy?How can we increase the site’s energy efficiency?How can we ensure durability and longevity with our additions?How can we enhance the site’s sustainability?

Advances in products, technologies and approaches can help answer these questions.

For instance, America’s landscape is changing to accommodate an increasing number of bicyclists and pedestrians who have sophisticated expectations about their streetscapes. Until a few years ago, communities considered a few bike racks adequate facilities. Now, riders demand much more of their facilities in the form of safe, secure bike shelters. Does that mean we must remove of all the old bike racks and start from the ground up? No. Existing parking racks can be retrofitted to achieve the level of accommodation desired. One such example can be found at the University of Michigan’s North Quad.

Even more significantly, retrofit projects can add economic opportunities, such as personally-paid parking for bikers who use their own bikes for daily transportation, either commuting or recreation. New cycle stations that accept membership on a daily, weekly or annual basis provide the safety and security riders demand. Owners/operators commonly set their own fees.

Pedestrians call for the protection and convenience of canopies and covered walkways, as well as shade structures and pavilions. These enable landscape

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architects to retrofit, redesign and update a site’s image to add not only new aesthetics but also energy efficiency. Such structures easily lend themselves to the addition of solar technology.

Solar has long provided a superior approach for providing retrofit lighting and power in remote areas as well as urban sites where typical infrastructure requirements would be prohibitively expensive. Today, new technology in solar photovoltaics (PV) enables landscape architects to design for aesthetics and energy efficiency, plus daylighting and sustainability advantages. New, rapidly emerging technologies include those built on a glass substrate with the cells surrounded by open space which allows natural light to be transmitted; thereby positively affecting the landscape. They can be custom-sized and spaced to fit existing structures and can achieve higher efficiency per square

ABOVE: Newly emerging solar technology features a range of colors plus options for allowing daylight to shine through.Image courtesy of Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.

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Retrofit Tips for Today’s Landscapes c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 3

inch. Moreover, bifacial cells, used on a retrofit canopy for example, produce power from both sides, directly from above and reflected from a concrete surface below. Solar PV today is much more efficient, offering more opportunity for savings.

A range of color options enhance aesthetic opportunities, which eliminates long-standing concerns regarding the limited options of black or blue solar cells. These latest versions are available in green, gold, pink, and red so designers can choose to complement or contrast surrounding features.

In addition to PV’s many advantages, there are pitfalls, especially pertaining to solar lighting. One factor often overlooked when considering solar lighting is the importance of understanding the site’s solar orientation throughout the year, not just the summer’s best-time scenario. Winter creates undue stress for a system that’s not properly implemented. So, for optimum efficiency it should be sized according to the worst time of the year. Advancements in LEDs complement those in solar PV, making retrofit more attractive.

Materials make a huge difference in retrofit projects, especially in structural details. Aesthetics should be considered, but durability and longevity are even more critical – and, unfortunately, often overlooked. While wood first comes to mind, the consideration of aluminum or steel is crucial, depending on structure size and climatic conditions. It has long been known that aluminum has the advantages of lighter weight and rust resistance, as well as easier prefabrication and installation. Steel is heavier and harder to install, but often required for larger structures and spans. However, landscape architects should make sure to specify the proper finish for rust protection, including high-quality, high-performance zinc primer. This is often missed in specifications, and many products simply don’t have it. To ensure that your structures will last for the next 30 – 50 years, specify the best possible finish; it’s well worth the price.

Widely recognized for high-performance daylighting applications, translucent multiwall polycarbonate is emerging as an aesthetic accent in landscapes. The high-strength, shatterproof material is available in a wide range of

ABOVE: New pay-for-parking cycle stations add an economic impetus for communities to provide safe and secure bike parking for individuals.Image courtesy of Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.

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For more information contact:Michael Arvidson, ASLA248.761.7990www.duo-gard.com

Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.marvidson@duo-gard.com

thicknesses, colors and textures. It’s light weight, easy to work with, completely recyclable and lends itself to many applications, such as wind screens, rain screens and canopy covers.– all of which can easily integrate solar PV. Translucent polycarbonate allows varying ranges of diffused light transmission, both natural light and backlighting for visual effects.

It’s imperative to assess your site and know when you’re going to need structural components. Are you going to require advanced engineering and structural analysis for foundations, wind and snow loads and other code requirements? It’s important to do this before you begin implementing the plan and run afoul of rules and codes.

Certainly, cost is a critical component in any retrofit project. At some point it comes down to a standard vs. a custom approach. Typically, a standard structure will cost 15% - 25% less than custom. It can be fabricated and installed more quickly and can often accommodate some custom touches. However, there’s no standard, one-size-fits-all solution for every situation. If you’re working near an existing building’s exterior or in a tight space – which if often the case in retrofit – the solution you want may require the flexibility of a custom configuration for a more tailored approach.

An example is the new Family Pet Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Designed by GBBN Architects, the 250-square-foot, three-sided structure was designed to complement the hospital’s existing architecture and is located in a previously underutilized concrete courtyard. Retrofitting this existing space enabled the hospital to include the therapeutic benefits of allowing kids and their pets to maintain contact during extended stays.

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ABOVE: Translucent multiwall polycarbonates in a wide range of colors and textures can add an aesthetic accent to landscape applications.Image courtesy of Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.

LEFT: Retrofit into an unused courtyard, this Pet Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital lets kids enjoy therapeutic visits from their four-legged friends. Photo courtesy of GBBN Architects.Image courtesy of Duo-Gard Industries, Inc.

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With its iconic lighthouse and pier, musical fountain and quaint downtown, Grand Haven, Michigan has left a beautiful imprint on the memories of millions of vacationers. The “Coast Guard City” is in the second phase of a streetscape transformation that will make that imprint even more enduring.

Phase 1: DowntownDesign: C2AE

The first phase, started in the fall of 2009 and completed in late 2010, included the three downtown blocks of Washington Avenue that end at the Grand River. It was a complete replacement of “everything from building front to building front,” according to Roger Marks, director of transportation services for C2AE and project manager for the design phase.

The streetscape design, Marks says, “was drawn from a number of different studies that set the project up. And there were a lot of decisions and choices to be made to accommodate all the things that went into it,” such as a hot-water snowmelt system. “The goal,” he says, was “to create a setting that offered greater pedestrian mobility and was ADA compliant.” It also had to maintain the charm of the historic downtown while replacing aging water and sewer infrastructure. So while much of the work was underground, the completed streetscape has a number of distinctive touches which demonstrates the landscape architect’s eye for detail.

LEFT: Nova tree grates are one of several new amenities that make up the improved Grand Haven streetscape.Image courtesy of EJ

a StreetScape makeoVer for The ‘CoasT GuaRd CiTy’By Greg Branch EJ

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ABOVE: Landscape architects designed a streetscape unique to the City of Grand Haven. The community is proud of their downtown, which features custom products, such as the manhole cover shown here.Image courtesy of EJ

continued on page 8

Key among them are the Nova tree grates that surround dozens of new trees. The grates allow for barrier-free passage close to the trees, maximizing the pedestrian capacity of the sidewalk. They feature centers that can be removed as the trees grow. “These accommodate 30 to 40 years’ worth of tree growth,” says Grand Haven City Manager Pat McGinnis. “We won’t be faced with grates restricting the growth of the trees or eventually killing them.”

Much improved hydrants, access covers and curb inlets were also installed. “[The products have] a well-earned reputation,” Marks says. “You know you’re going to get quality, and that’s important. You need to leave the city’s maintenance people with something they’re going to be able to take care of.”

The project added a number of mid-block crosswalks to increase pedestrian mobility. A new wayfinding system features covered, enclosed cases near crosswalks. These contain directions as well as a way to post community information.

The downtown project was really two separate ones, according to McGinnis. The utilities, street and streetscaping was a $3 million project, while the snowmelt system was another $3 million. The projects were funded primarily through tax increment financing, along with local sewer and water funds and grants from the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

The ten month project’s biggest challenge was timing, says the project’s construction engineer, Timothy J. Hoffert, PE of Moore & Bruggink.“It’s a very high-profile vacation area,” Hoffert says, “and this project was the first three blocks of downtown; a complete streetscape. We tore everything out, water, sewer, sidewalks, storm sewer, and started over.” Crews completed one block in the fall of 2009 and went back to work in the spring of 2010. “We would do one block, then stagger the work up the street. But we couldn’t work during the summer when tourism peaked,” Hoffert says. That made logistics a critical part of the operation. “It was a lot of staging work to get this to all come together,” Marks says.

Phase II: CentertownDesign: The Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio; Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber

The Centertown Streetscape project, just underway, includes two blocks of Washington Avenue from the railroad tracks east to Beacon Blvd. (US-31). The $1.1 million project will also include replacement of water and sewer infrastructure, new pavement and streetscaping. More than half the cost is covered by a Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant.

This project is the first step in a larger plan developed by The Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, a Michigan landscape architecture firm, to bring new life to the Centertown district. The Washington Avenue improvements are critical

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a streetscape Makeover for the ‘Coast Guard City’ c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 7

The landscape architect specified utility structures produced by a well known Michigan manufacturer to complete the improved Grand Haven streetscape.Image courtesy of EJ

because these two blocks are the most heavily-used gateway for tourists heading to Grand Haven’s downtown.

As such, the plan called for a blend of beauty and durability. The beauty is in the visible elements of the streetscape — tree plantings, decorative planters and lighting, platforms for sculpture and other spaces for public art. Durability is critical in the infrastructure elements: water, sanitary and storm sewers, catch basins and the road surface itself.

The need for the combination of those elements is part of the reason Mark Robinson, PLA, ASLA, principal of Johnson Hill, wrote performance specs specific to a top manufacturer’s products, including custom ones. “I’m a long-time specifier of [premium] products,” he says, “because of both the quality of the product and the service they provide.” That service helped solve two of the project’s biggest ADA challenges: detectable warning plates and tree grates along the sidewalk.

“Most of the pedestrian crossings in this area are on some kind of radius,” Robinson says. “[The manufacturer] really worked with us to come up with custom fittings of detectable warning plates around curved intersections.” This ensured crossings were fully covered.

Robinson also used a different design for sidewalk pavers — one the frames of standard tree grates would not accommodate. “We had to modify the frame on the grate to accommodate the pavers in a different way,” Robinson says. “[The manufacturer] worked with us to determine how to make that modification, then helped us prepare a detail so paving contractors could bid on it.”

Of the “custom” touches designed into the Centertown project, the one that has City Manager McGinnis most excited, is the rollout of Grand Haven’s own distinctive manhole covers. “It’s a custom Grand Haven mold,” he says, “Grand Haven originals. They have the city seal on them. This is the first time we spec’d out a custom one, and we’ll be using them in all new projects from now on.”

One of the first off the line, in fact, has already become an attraction in its own right. “Someone took one and had it decoratively painted,” McGinnis says. “It has been hanging in the Coast Guard station, and it will be on display in the historical museum.”

“We had to cut out a few other bells and whistles to be able to produce these,” McGinnis says, “but the long-term benefit can’t be measured.” That is a comment every landscape architect should be proud to receive.For more information contact:Greg Branch231.536.4440http://www.ejco.com/

EJgreg.branch@ejco.com

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student spotlight: Michigan asLa student Members

hoNor awardemily lauderdaleStudent ASLA

Neenah, WisconsinUniversity of Michigan3rd year MLAEmail: ejlauder@umich.edu

UnIvErSITy oF mICHIgAn 2014 mLA, ASLA STUDEnT, AwArD wInnErSmerit awardrachel ViSScherStudent ASLA

Ann Arbor, MichiganUniversity of Michigan4th year (dual MLA/MUP)Email: rachsteh@umich.edu

I was introduced to the field of landscape architecture as a sophomore at Northwestern University. I took a course about parks and urban open spaces in Chicago as part of my minor in Environmental Policy and Culture. The course was taught through a landscape architecture lens, and I was intrigued to learn more. A field that blended history, art, technologies, and the environment seemed like an exciting path that would never grow dull.

The areas of landscape architecture in which I wish to specialize are recreation and trail designs in addition to edible landscapes. Both of these areas have the potential to foster healthy communities, which is a priority across my career goals. I am very interested in how the concepts of permaculture and initiatives for sustainable land design might enhance these two areas in the future.

My favorite part about landscape architecture is working with the organizations and individuals that will eventually use the space being designed. It’s rewarding to be able to help people solve problems and meet goals through design.

My favorite part about landscape architecture is that it allows me to do a multitude of different things. I enjoy science, drawing, working with data, and thinking about large social issues. I do not think that there is another profession out there that would allow me to employ such a diverse range of skills on a daily basis.

I just completed a dual Master of Urban Planning and Master of Landscape Architecture at the University of Michigan. It has been a fantastic experience, giving me exposure to a wide range of activities and courses; I am excited to start working and apply all of the things I have learned in graduate school.

I have worked with Joan Nassauer throughout my time at Michigan conducting research on human perceptions of landscapes. Specifically, we conducted a web survey of Southeast Michigan homeowners to find out about yard management behaviors and preferences. I used the survey results to complete my master’s thesis, “Exurban Backyard Preferences: Implications for Design to Enhance Ecosystem Services.”

do you haVe SomethiNg to Share with the miaSla commuNity? publiSh aN article

iN SiteS! The Michigan Chapter would like each of its members to have an opportunity to use the chapter’s quarterly publication, SITES, to showcase an important study, project or trend. We are now planning for the 2015 calendar year. Articles should communicate landscape

architecture in Michigan.

If you or your organization is interested in writing an article for SITES, please email SITES Editor Andy McDowell at andy.mcdowell@cardno.com to discuss article criteria and

reservation deadlines.

We look forward to working with you in our upcoming publications!

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Bob Ford, asLa, PLaLAPLansing, MichiganEdited by Andy McDowell, ASLA

DETROIT, MI., 1951: Robert E. Ford was born to Lorne and Kathleen Ford, a Detroit Firefighter and a housewife plus strong supporter of the church, respectively. Bob grew up on the southwest side (downriver) of one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in America; Detroit. At the age of ten his family relocated to Dearborn Heights, MI., due to the construction of the Fisher Expressway, which replaced their house. Here is where he became a young entrepreneur, managing over six lawn mowing accounts each weekend. During High School and early college Bob performed golf course maintenance, furthering his love for the outdoors, especially in the early mornings. He excelled in Drafting, English, and Math in high school but considered himself an average student. At the time he didn’t know that these fundamental experiences were the underpinnings for a career in social science and landscape architecture (LA).

Bob spent three years studying social science (societal issues, opinion surveys and of course, statistics) at Western Michigan University, through which he realized this topic did not capture his enthusiasm at all. His grades were still average, but one day he went to the book store and canvassed the many professions that were available, such as oceanography, psychology, and landscape architecture. Oceanography required too much science and psychology wasn’t tangible enough, leaving LA as the final option. After discovering the only LA baccalaureate degree in the state was offered at Michigan State University, a school who demanded a pretty high grade point, he set his mind to enrolling. In the summer of 1972, his determination and hope were strengthened after observing, then falling in love with, the student drawings that were hanging on the walls of the former Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture Building. As a provisional student (his only option), he spent all summer perfecting a residential design and 3-D model as part of Intro 101 under Professor Dean Glick. Glick was duly impressed with his effort and he received an A+ and acceptance into the program (provisional status). It was here that he spent the next three years toiling away with his beloved classmates and enjoying every minute.

Realizing that he needed to supplement his studies with more tangible “hands on” projects, he pursued a student intern position offered by the Lansing

a Tribute to Bob Ford: Michigan asLa Landscape architect Legacy series

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Shigamatsu Garden, Lansing, MI. Lansing Community CollegeImage courtesy of LAP, Inc.

Parks Department. After three rejections they finally agreed to give him a try due to his persistence. He must have met their expectations, for he spent the next three years between MSU and Lansing amid work and classes to gain the tangible experience that he yearned for. His grade point finally skyrocketed for the first time because he found a path and a passion.

Bob’s MSU class hosted LABASH in 1975. He volunteered as a board member and to his surprise, despite never thinking in these organizational terms before and unsure of what he was getting himself into, he found the experience very appealing. Organizing the three day national conference was a great challenge, which taught him many organizational skills that helped prepare him for the career ahead. In 1975, Bob became the first member of his family to graduate from a university, let alone a top ten university!

Upon graduating, tough times (a full blown recession and the soldiers were returning from Vietnam) led Bob to work for Midland County, MI. He quickly learned that county government moved slower than he preferred, but he made do and learned a lot about planning, zoning, and parks & recreation. Soon thereafter, the City of Lansing offered him a position as a full time park designer. He said “yes” and moved back to Lansing as soon as he could. Over five years he designed projects, created budgets, performed construction oversight, and managed CETA (unskilled youth) and Green Thumb (semi skilled elders) personnel. This experience taught him that it wasn’t so much as what you said to people but how you said it that mattered. It wasn’t long, however, until the federal recession money stopped flowing, the work slowed and the park design staff dwindled from nine to four designers. No longer feeling the challenge, he decided to work for Bob O’Boyle’s firm in Kalamazoo, OCBA, Inc. He worked on legendary projects like designing and implementing the first phases of the Lansing River Trail, Traverse City Boardman Riverfront, streetscapes, parks, prison redevelopments and many other large scale public projects. Bob recalls, “Bob O’Boyle, Bob Cowell and Peter Roher were great mentors,” and he truly felt at home there, but then another recession hit in the mid 80’s. From here, he learned under another great mentor named Paul Baerman at Snell Environmental Group Inc. Bob learned the value of natural resources, supply and demand, and economic development through

continued on page 14

projects ranging from mine reclamation, public park design, comprehensive city planning, waterfront developments, and environmental projects. Bob claims, “The firm taught me even better managerial skills. I would have stayed if the firm had not changed ownership.” Not long after that he decided to become a designer / developer, spending two great years developing housing (over 200 home sites) and a few commercial properties until he had a falling out with his partner. This left him unemployed for the first time. Picture this, at the age of 38, strapped with a mortgage, supporting a wife and three young daughters, two dogs and a parakeet, and no job. After a little thought he decided it was time to plan his own destiny and created “Robert Ford & Associates” (‘89).

It was during this vulnerable period that Bob’s past professional relationships became very important. He credits the legitimate start of his firm to a park master plan that he designed after being notified of the opportunity by Joe Figa, LA, Oakland County Parks Department. Tony Bauer allowed him the privilege to teach in MSU’s LA program for three years as a part-time instructor,

ABOVE: The Ningxiang riverfront, one of Bob’s completed projects in China.Images courtesy of LAP, Inc.

ABOVE: Conceptual rendering of one of Bob’s landscape design projects in China.Images courtesy of LAP, Inc.

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a Tribute to Bob Ford, asLa c o n t i n u e d f r o m pa g e 13

which helped pay the bills. Tony later became a partner in the mine reclamation work that Bob’s current firm is known for. Bob proclaims, “My most coveted award by far was the “Faculty of the Year Award” in 1992 which was voted on and presented by the LA students… I will always reflect on those years with sincere gratitude and joy due to the student engagement, Tony’s guidance, and working alongside the faculty.” His teaching experience expanded to the Landscape Architecture Technicians Program at Lansing Community College, where he spent over 20 years as a part-time teacher. In 1994, Mark Hornung, LA (Bob’s mentor at the Lansing Parks Department) partnered with him, forming Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc. Their work ranged from public parks, commercial and industrial developments, and housing, to school grounds, sports facilities and trail projects. Mark passed away in 2010, but his spirit still lives within the firm, and staff often refer to him and reflect upon his idiosyncrasies and toast his life and legacy. To this day Bob is still in disbelief that they took that leap of faith and Bob is still practicing today.

The LAP - China experience began in 2007, fortunately ahead of the 2008 recession, with a phone call from a fellow graduate student that Bob met while taking post graduate classes at MSU in Urban Planning twenty years prior.

The friend simply stated that Bob had to come to China to do “landscape design” for a Chinese architectural firm that he represented. Bob quickly learned that landscape design is really city planning on a very large scale (two million people is considered a village along China’s eastern coast). Through 2013, LAP completed a variety of projects, made multiple trips, and was treated like royalty while visiting China. The culmination of his experiences demonstrated that the Chinese work hard, play hard, and have a good sense of humor.

Bob’s reflection as a professional landscape architect can best be summarized in the following statement, “When it comes to providing service to the profession I was taught it is important to volunteer and give back.” His willingness to participate started with the “LABASH experience” which provided him the confidence and skills to seek and become the president of the MALA (a Michigan LA and Landscape Contractor Association in the 1970’s, which later merged with MiASLA during Bob’s tenure). Bob was an active leader in an eight year battle to preserve title registration in Michigan, during which he became president of MiASLA. Bob recalls, “this was vital… I couldn’t believe how such a small number of LA’s were able to succeed against such a large and well greased political machine determined to sunset us along with many other professions.” In 2010, he was asked by Warren Rauhe and Dr.

IMAGES THIS SHEET: Renderings of some of the designs Bob created that were installed along the Ningxiang, China riverfront.Images courtesy of LAP, Inc.

For more information contact:Bob Ford, ASLA, PLA517.485.5500 www.lapinc.net

Owner, Landscape ArchitectLandscape Architects & Planners, Inc.

bford@lapinc.net

Scott Witter to become the first President of the inaugural Landscape Architectural Alumni Advisory Board (LAAAB) at his beloved MSU. His response, “How could I refuse that?” Currently, the LAAAB, faculty and administration are planning for the upcoming MSU Speakers Series, featuring a celebration of Fredrick Law Olmsted’s work in Michigan during the first full week in October. Ethan Carr, an Olmsted Scholar from the University of Massachusetts, will be presenting at MSU and at Belle Isle.

Bob firmly believes that “the fruit is in the labor.” Thank you Bob for your legacy, we hope you are fortunate enough to have an abundance of fruitful labor in the coming years.

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Want to get involved? MiASLA is always looking for chapter members to participate at a greater level. Please feel free to reach out to the Executive Committee or staff members: manager@michiganasla.org

(517) 485-4116 visit us at: www.michiganasla.org

find us on: linkedin.com, facebook.com and twitter.com

1000 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Suite 200 Lansing, MI 48915

PresidentSuLin Kotowicz, ASLA

President ElectJohn McCann, ASLA

Immediate Past PresidentMark Robinson, ASLA

TrusteeVanessa Warren, ASLA

VP of Marketing, Craig Hondorp, ASLA

VP of Education Joane Slusky, ASLA

TreasurerMonica Schwanitz, ASLA

SecretaryChristy Summers, ASLA

Member at LargeRobert Gibbs, ASLA

Associate at LargeTina Fix, Associate ASLA

VP of Government Affairs Bill Sanders, ASLA

Executive DirectorDerek Dalling

MSU Student RepresentativesBen Clone, Student ASLA

U of M Student RepresentativesRachel Visscher, Student ASLAAmy Motzny, Student ASLA

SITES:Editor and LayoutAndrew McDowell, ASLAandy.mcdowell@cardno.com

Advertising SalesJoane Slusky, Associate ASLAjoane@junosolutions.us

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2014: Volume 8, Number 2 michigaN chapter of the americaN Societ y of laNdScape architectS