COMMUNITY Archives - Page 4 of 22

Register for ASLA Oregon’s Design Symposium

The O regon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is gearing up for their largest education event of the year: the 2024 ASLA Oregon Design Symposium. This year’s theme, Symbiosis: Better Together, explores the power of collaboration – between fellow designers, the environment and our communities.

Managing the event is Mayer/Reed’s Taylor Bowden, landscape designer and vice president of ASLA Oregon chapter services. Taylor has been working with a team of volunteers (including Mayer/Reed’s Laura Hartzell, ASLA president-elect; Michael O’Brien, ASLA; and Reece Vissia, ASLA) to program a day full of motivating, educational and inspiring content for the local design community.

Symbiosis: Better Together takes place online and at the World Forestry Center in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, April 13th. Early-bird registration is open now through March 15th. We hope to see you there!

Kathy Fry Reflects on Term as SEGD President

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 (front row second from right) and the SEGD Board

Committed to the Future of Design

In continuation of our commitment to the future of the landscape architecture and experiential graphic design professions, Mayer/Reed has pledged multi-year support for two new programs. We have joined fellow design firms as founding donors of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Ignite program and the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) 50^th Foundation. These foundations address the imperative for a richer diversity of future designers who are well-prepared for the growing challenges of designing for the built environment.

LAF Ignite supports BIPOC landscape architecture students from acceptance into the program to completion of their landscape architecture degrees. Participants receive annual $10,000 scholarships and paid summer internships as well as mentorship throughout their academic experience.

The SEGD 50^th Foundation marks the 50^th anniversary of the organization with a recommitment to the future of experience design. It provides resources to educational institutions and emerging professionals and reduces barriers to and within the field through mentorship programs.

As the professions of landscape architecture and experiential graphic design confront increasingly complex social and environmental responsibilities, we are inspired by the undaunted ambition we’ve seen in the upcoming generation of designers. Please join us in contributing to their success.

Celebrating AFO’s 2023 Honored Citizen

On October 10^th, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon (AFO) hosted its 30^th annual Honored Citizen event in recognition of 2023 honoree, Hermann Colas Jr. Mr. Colas established Colas Construction in 1997 and the family-run business has gone on to record-breaking achievements such as leading the $39 million Oregon Convention Center renovation, the largest contract of any BIPOC contracting firm in the state.

The spectacular and heartfelt evening at the Oregon Convention Center featured stage and tablescape design contributed by Mayer/Reed. Inspired by Colas’ Haitian heritage, we crafted lush foliage accents, branded table graphics and a dramatic stage design lit with the changing colors of a sunset. The installation offered a perfect backdrop for an outpouring of enthusiastic storytelling in praise of Hermann Colas’ contributions to the region’s built environment.

The warmth and respect for Mr. Colas was palpable at the event. It was a joy and privilege to participate in celebrating Hermann Colas, Jr. and the 30th anniversary of AFO’s Honored Citizen Award.

_{Photos by Mayer/Reed and Andrea Lonas}