Monday, May 20th, 2024 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM on Zoom

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We face complex problems such as climate change, ecosystem destruction, and social and humanitarian crises. As these issues intensify, so does our disconnection from the world and from each other. Landscape architects, in-particular, can bridge the gap between people and their environments and offer innovative solutions to tremendous challenges.

This session will provide professionals with climate change mitigation strategies that can be scaled and utilized across the design profession. We'll explore real world examples of award-winning Schmidt Design Group projects that demonstrate how design strategies can be implemented to create positive change in our communities. This session will discuss social, economic, and cultural sustainability and the design strategies that provide a comprehensive understanding of how to tackle extremely complex design problems associated with climate change.

Speakers: 

Alani Aguerre

Landscape Designer at Schmidt Design Group

Alani Aguerre is passionate about developing a sustainable and accessible urban fabric that relies on natural systems, joint community efforts, and quality design. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture at UC Berkeley, she went on to receive her Master’s degree in Urban Planning at the Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California. Her professional experience includes public parks, mixed-use developments, single-family residential, and campuses. While Alani is excited about sustainability and landscape design, she also enjoys experiencing her natural surroundings through running, surfing, and gardening.

Brianna Perkins

Landscape Designer at Schmidt Design Group

Brianna received her Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture with a minor in Urban Planning from the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design at the University of Arkansas, where she served as the ASLA student chapter president. She received both an ASLA Award of Merit, and Award of Honor for design work focusing on mitigating climate change and social justice. Since graduating in 2019, Brianna has been recognized as the 2020 University of Arkansas National Olmsted Scholar for work in leadership and advancing the profession of landscape architecture. She has also received an Alumni Design Award of Honor for design work creating food education and production in a food insecure community in San Diego. With a background as an artist, photographer, and landscape artist, she has had work showcased at multiple galleries across the United States, and has given professional lectures at both the University of Arkansas and the U.S. Embassy in Moldova. Brianna has studied landscape architecture and urban design across Europe in Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Amsterdam, and London. As an active advocate for landscape architecture and social and environmental justice, Brianna is devoted to rethinking how we interact with our environments in order to foster a beneficial relationship between people and the land.