BY DENNIS TONSOR

Here in the landscape architecture world, we have been celebrating April as World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM).  This international occasion aims to introduce our profession to the public by showcasing spaces designed by landscape architects around the world.  A noble endeavor, indeed – as many landscape architects will attest to the fact that not even our own close friends and family members really understand what it is that we do! 

At RVi we also enjoyed participating in the month-long WLAM social media campaign, which encouraged people to share photos of landscape architect-designed spaces to promote a better understanding of the profession.  I know that a picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words, but in this case I can’t help but think these photos are only telling half the story.

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BY HALEY BARTLEY

We are excited to share the news that two RVi projects received awards at this week’s Texas ASLA Conference in Fort Worth. The annual event draws entries and attendees from across the state, seeking to recognize outstanding examples of recent and past works by Texas landscape architects and to publicize their contributions to an enhanced quality of life for everyone.

The Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill at the Dallas Arboretum received an Honor Award in the Design-Realized category. This beautiful garden stands as a shining example of quality design, stewardship, and respect for nature. Water was used as a principal organizing element that moves across the land, celebrating its expressions and opportunities in creative natural ways. Together with the adjacent Concert Lawn Amphitheater, these two gardens feature a full collection of 85 varieties of maple plants. This project was designed by NJB, a firm that merged with RVi in 2014. The design team included Rowland Jackson, Gene Newman, and Lori Lazarine.

The Williamson County Quarry Splash Pad also received a Merit Award in the Design-Realized category.  The design concept takes its cues from the site’s history as a working ranch quarry, as well as from the broader nature of limestone geology in Central Texas.  The Quarry Splash Pad seeks to recreate the ambiance of a Hill Country swimming hole through a magical world of waterfalls, geysers, and streams.  The design team for this project included Barbara Austin, Chris Lalich, and Dennis Tonsor, in close coordination with design-build contractor Kraftsman Commercial Playgrounds & Water Parks.

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Congratulations to our own Lisa Horne, who was honored at this week’s ASLA Conference with the Kay Tiller Chapter Service Award.  This award is presented to individuals who have provided outstanding and commendable direct service to the ASLA and to the profession of landscape architecture in Texas. 

A Project Director in RVi’s Dallas office, Lisa’s leadership abilities extend far beyond her daily job responsibilities.  Lisa is a member of The Real Estate Council where she has participated in volunteer and community service initiatives.  She has also spearheaded RVi’s involvement with the Dallas Center for Architecture, including helping to organize a panel on the positive impacts of trail development in 2015, which was moderated by RVi President Chris Crawford.

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