Mayer/Reed Principal/Owner, Kathy Fry wraps up her 2-year team as president of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD). Read her letter as outgoing president on SEGD’s website.
Kathy Fry Reflects on Term as SEGD President
A Reimagined Errol Heights Park Opens
On December 23rd, Portland Parks & Recreation will reopen Errol Heights Park to the public following a major project designed by Mayer/Reed. Bundle up and explore the new amenities, which include a vibrant play area, an intriguing sculpture crafted by artists Terresa White and Mike Suri and an ADA-accessible elevated pathway connecting the upper park with trails in the lower restored natural area. Stay tuned for a formal grand opening celebration in the spring.
ASLA Oregon Names Taylor Bowden “Outstanding Emerging Professional”
Mayer/Reed landscape designer Taylor Bowden has been named 2023 Outstanding Emerging Professional by the Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). The award recognizes an individual early in their career who exceeds expectations and shows promise in making contributions to landscape architecture.
Taylor accepted the award during the annual ASLA Oregon Awards Soiree, stating, “I’ve been blessed with so many encouraging peers and mentors who have supported me thus far.” In her acceptance speech, Taylor acknowledged the challenge of believing in oneself – an obstacle that many people, especially women, face when embarking on their careers. She concluded with advice to “advocate for yourself so you can advocate for those after you.”
Taylor’s current projects include Cleveland High School Modernization, the Portland Street Plaza Program and inclusive and accessible viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge. She serves on the ASLA Oregon Executive Committee as Vice President of Chapter Services.
Celebrating Mayer/Reed Founders Month
During November we celebrated the legacy of our firm by revisiting pivotal projects through the eyes of founders Michael Reed, FSEGD and Carol Mayer-Reed, FASLA. Their passion for design and equitable public spaces has shaped communities and defined the design studio of Mayer/Reed.
Throughout the year leading up to our Founders Month, we unearthed archived drawings and sketches from significant projects of the last four decades. We marveled at the work, along with the reminder that although tools and technology have changed, the core of good design remains. Earlier this year, Carol and Michael shared reflections on how key projects and creative design staff influenced their careers and the firm over time.
Today, Owners/Principals Jeramie Shane, ASLA and Kathy Fry, SEGD lead the studio along with Associate Principal, Shannon Simms, ASLA. We are rooted in the values of environmental stewardship, collaboration and community upon which Michael and Carol established our practice. As we forge ahead, we celebrate the importance of passing down our rich firm history. We hope you’ve enjoyed this look back with us.