ASLA Honors 33 Outstanding Members with Fellowship

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The American Society of Landscape Architects has elevated 33 members to the ASLA Council of Fellows for 2012. Fellowship is among the highest honors the ASLA bestows on members and recognizes the contributions of these individuals to their profession and society at large based on their works, leadership and management, knowledge, and service. The Fellows-elect will be recognized at the 2012 ASLA Annual Meeting & Expo, September 28October 1 in Phoenix.

The designation of Fellow is conferred on individuals in recognition of exceptional accomplishments over a sustained period of time. Individuals considered for this distinction must be members of ASLA in good standing for at least ten years and must be recommended to the Council of Fellows by the Executive Committee of their local chapter, the Executive Committee of ASLA, or the Executive Committee of the Council of Fellows.

Gerdo P. Aquino, ASLA SWA Los Angeles

Gerdo Aquino was nominated by the Southern California Chapter in the Works Category. In addition to his many design accomplishmentshe has revitalized wetlands and vacant and unusable urban spaces throughout the worldhe is an accomplished lecturer, professor, and author. He established the SWA Los Angeles office in 2005 and has since expanded the practice into Asia. His involvement in the firm's projects begins at their inception and continues through final completion. His long list of national and regional awards is a testament to his close stewardship. He also strives to elevate the social well-being and health of communities through landscapes that conserve and filter water to maintain ecological balance. He holds a BLA from the University of Florida and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

Julia M. Badenhope, ASLA Iowa State University Ames, Iowa

Julia Badenhope was nominated by the Iowa Chapter in the Knowledge Category. She is an associate professor and director of Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program at Iowa State. She integrates teaching, research, and outreach in the statewide community design assistance program she directs, and her efforts have been recognized by both the American Planning Association and Federal Highways Administration with their highest national awards. Notably, she has been able to bring both funds and design talent to the state's smaller, often-underserved communities. She integrates poly-disciplinary collaboration and inspires grassroots design even as she adeptly publishes, mentors, and advises. She earned her BS in agriculture from the University of Tennessee and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

David Jay Berkson, ASLA SWA Group Laguna Beach, Calif.

David Berkson was nominated by the Southern California Chapter in the Works Category. He designs places that have meaning as well as function and contain a strong accessible experience. He demonstrates that the quality of our surroundings directly influences the quality of our lives. His focus on the interplay of contextual forces is like that of a weaver of fine tapestry. He is an intellectual, a consummate collaborator, and master multi-disciplinary team weaver. Mr. Berkson harbors a private passion for making special places in the public realm. His decade-long effort to plan the replenishment of Beverly Hills trees was just one of the many legacies he has bestowed on Southern California. His BFA is from Tufts and MLA from the Harvard GSD.

Christopher Brown, ASLA SmithGroupJJR Phoenix

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ASLA Honors 33 Outstanding Members with Fellowship