UF Landscape Architecture Shines at Annual ASLA Florida Conference

Faculty, students, and alumni from the University of Florida’s Department of Landscape Architecture recently attended the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Florida Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra, Florida. 

Each year, this conference brings together landscape architects from across the state to explore how the discipline is moving towards the future by adopting innovative strategies to foster resilient and thriving communities. The theme for this year’s conference was “Nature’s Course: Finding Balance in Changing Tides”, emphasizing the vital role of landscape architects as creative leaders in designing places and spaces situated at the intersection between ecology, economy, and community.

Student Honors

Five students from the University of Florida’s Department of Landscape Architecture, part of the College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP), have received top recognition from the Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) through the 2025 Student Honor and Merit Awards program. These awards celebrate students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, creative design excellence, and strong leadership and collaboration skills throughout their academic careers.

Elizabeth Myers and Marc Grossberg were recipients of this year’s ASLA Florida Honor Award. Erick Gomez, Megan Laffey, and Michael Valenti earned the ASLA Florida Merit Awards.

Student Project Recognition

BLA student Hayden Germanis receiving his Award of Excellence

BLA student Hayden Germanis won an Award of Excellence for his studio project “Framework for Belonging: A Landscape Approach to Inclusive Housing” Developed in collaboration with two UF School of Architecture undergraduate students, the project demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary design in addressing complex social and spatial challenges. 

Student Presentations

Jacob Ville, MLA ’25, presents his project “Designing Emotionally Resonant Florida Native Landscapes”

UF students also presented various projects at the conference. Jules Bruck introduced Jacob Ville, MLA ‘25, who presented his graduate terminal project titled “Designing Emotionally Resonant Florida Native Landscapes,” and Megan Laffey, BLA ‘25, who presented her capstone project called “One Trail at a Time.”

Highlights from Megan Laffey’s capstone project “One Trail at a Time”

“The ASLA Florida Conference allows our students and faculty to engage with pressing issues in the field and showcase the caliber of work being produced at UF,” said Dr. Jules Bruck, chair of the UF Department of Landscape Architecture. “The recognition our students received emphasizes the department’s role in preparing the next generation of leaders in resilient and innovative design.” 

Alumni Connections

The conference was also a great reminder of the strength of our alumni network. Students had the opportunity to meet and learn from Gator graduates during presentations, at the Expo, and through networking opportunities during the conference. It reiterated the importance of our alumni in supporting students, fostering mentorship, and strengthening the profession as a whole while sharing a commitment to building resilient, thriving communities across Florida and beyond. 

Check out more photos from the conference below!