NWAEP Lunch & Learn
Sense of Place: A Panel on Balancing People and the Environment in Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture is steeped in the art of balance. Landscape architects are often faced with the task of balancing the permitting process and design without losing focus on the purpose. Through this balance, Landscape Architects promote the practice and interdisciplinary concept of Sense of Place: the integration of social values and culture to create a sense of belonging and attachment within a particular landscape and its surroundings.
How do environmental professionals experience this concept of sense of place in our everyday practice? This panel will discuss the dynamic regulatory considerations behind designing public spaces in the Pacific Northwest and ensuring that the outcome is sustainable from an environmental perspective while representing a project for the people; in other words, a project that is aesthetically and psychologically healthy that complements our built environment.
Panel Members:
Amber Raynsford, PLA, GISP, MLA, Senior Landscape Architect and GIS Analyst, Watershed Company
A native of Alaska, Amber returned to the Northwest after living in Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Prior to joining Watershed, Amber worked for the State of Florida, first under the geologic survey division and then as a Park Planner for the Florida Park Service. Throughout her education and work in Florida, she observed the importance of resilient and sustainable design, as well as the consequences of inappropriate or unchecked development. Out of these experiences, Amber aspires to create context-specific designs that respect natural systems and processes. Her passion for parks, recreation, and natural resource management can be seen in her work.
Peg Staeheli, FASLA, PLA, LEED AP, Principal Landscape Architect, SvR Design
With over 37 years of practice, Peg has focused in the public realm where landscape design meets engineering. Her work includes green infrastructure, complete streets, accessibility, utility systems, urban forestry, parks and site design. She encourages her coworkers in consistently pushing the local and national agenda to improve urban conditions. Peg brings a comprehensive understanding of the issues large infrastructure projects present: site conditions, feasibility, construction sequencing, maintenance and operations. Her thoughtful insights and approach – collaborating with clients and agency staff, understanding regulations, working with the community, and maintaining a deep commitment to the environment – allows her to envision integrated solutions where balance is brought to site infrastructure.
Peter Hummel, ASLA, LEED AP, Principal Landscape Architect, Anchor QEA
Peter Hummel, FASLA is a Principal Landscape Architect at Anchor QEA in Seattle. He has over 30 years of experience focused on designing shoreline projects that serve people and benefit the environment. He thrives in an interdisciplinary setting and appreciates the contributions of environmental planners , scientists, engineers, landscape architects, and other professionals.
Please join us for this lunch and learn presentation at the Seattle Anchor QEA office. This presentation is FREE for members and $10 for non-members.
Date and Time: Thursday, May 26 from 11:30 to 1:00pm
Location: Seattle (Anchor QEA, 720 Olive Way, Suite 1900, Galena Conference Room)
Cost: Free to members; $10 for non-members
Lunch: Bring your own; light snacks will be provided by The Watershed Company
Please contact Josh Jensen at jjensen@anchorqea.com for any questions about the Seattle event.
