UF Landscape Alum Jack Caldwell Joins 2026 40 Gators Under 40 Honoree List
Jack Caldwell (BLAE ‘10) was recently named to the University of Florida Alumni Association’s 2026 40 Gators Under 40 honoree list. Caldwell currently serves as Principal for RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture in Orlando, FL.
“It’s very special and truly humbling to be honored alongside such an incredibly talented group of Gators,” said Caldwell. “I dreamed of attending UF for as long as I can remember, so to realize that I’ve now become a small part of the University’s legacy is beyond rewarding.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation the Department of Landscape Architecture gave me and for how well it prepared me for the opportunities and challenges throughout my career.”
A Career Built on Mentorship
“I would not be the professional I am today without the belief and mentorship that certain individuals have invested in me,” said Caldwell. “I’m especially grateful to RVi President Ryan Binkowski for his leadership and to my other colleagues and peers at RVi who continue to inspire me daily.
“Over the years, I’ve had many rewarding days seeing how the work we do can better people’s lives through placemaking. But there are also plenty of days when I don’t feel cut out for this. I think it’s in those challenging moments that we often experience the most growth—when we press forward, take ownership, work hard, stay curious, and remember the impact our work can have on our communities. One thing I try to remind myself is not to trade what I do know for what I don’t. There will always be more to learn.”
Advice for Students
“When I was first entering the workforce, I didn’t feel like I had a ton to offer. I think that’s a natural insecurity for many of us. But don’t underestimate your ability to impact a team with your unique talents, fresh perspective, knowledge of new software, passion, and youthful endurance,” said Caldwell.
“Go in with an open mind and an attitude to learn. Be helpful wherever you can. Put in the extra effort when it matters, and never underestimate the value of simply asking, ‘Is there anything else I can help with?’ before walking out the door. You may be surprised by how quickly those small habits build trust and create opportunities to learn.”
Collaboration is Key
“I’ve worked with the same firm for over 16 years, so this group has meant everything to my career path. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of a firm that strives for excellence in the industry, which has given me the opportunity to learn from so many talented people and leaders,” said Caldwell.
“My attitude has always been that if someone gets hired above me with more experience—great. I just gained another person whose strengths I can add to my own toolbox and who can help shape the professional I’m becoming. I think collaboration is one of the best teaching tools we have, and it’s incredibly valuable in a landscape architecture firm. We all bring a unique perspective, and it becomes a superpower when those perspectives come together to make the design better.”
Looking Ahead
“We’re in a time of significant change in the tools available to us. But that isn’t unique in the history of our profession, we’ve always adapted. I believe these tools will allow us to spend less time on assembly and more time shaping meaningful places,” said Caldwell.
“As development challenges become more complex, landscape architects will increasingly be on the front lines helping clients find creative ways to solve problems, make strategic design decisions, deepen storytelling, and ensure that the vision is successfully executed.
“I would encourage students to continue honing their craft, to be curious, but not dependent, when it comes to new technologies, to carefully observe the built environment, engage with people, and draw! Keep an open mind about where you might fit within the industry. Our profession offers so many different paths to pursue, but across all of them we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to positively influence how the built environment gets shaped.”
