ASLA UTAH JANUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER

LEADERSHIP EXPRESS -

Jesse Allen, ASLA Utah President

I recently signed up to participate in the 2026 USU LAEP Department-Wide Design Charrette on January 27th. I usually feel a bit of pressure going into these design reviews, thinking about what I will say and emphasize, and I almost always leave them mentally stretched, a little tired, and so glad I showed up.

When I am there, I try to follow the example of one of the most impactful professors I had. He had a way of meeting students one on one and helping them quickly see the crux of the problem they were working on. He always challenged me and left me motivated to find a better and more thoughtful solution. His favorite saying was simple: “Don’t make it interesting, make it good.”

That phrase has stayed with me as I have spent time with ASLA National’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, which outlines three outcomes: Prominent Voice, Professional Sustainability, and Unrivaled Expertise. The third outcome resonates with me and connects closely to the work we have been doing in the Utah Chapter to raise public awareness of landscape architecture.

The language around Unrivaled Expertise is intentionally bold. It challenges landscape architects to lead, to claim our role as experts in the outdoor environment, and to be recognized as essential contributors to society. It raises the bar and reminds us that our profession brings important knowledge to environmental systems, public space, health, resilience, and everyday human experience.

We have all experienced what it feels like when a client recognizes our expertise. Extending that understanding to a broader public audience requires us to clearly position our profession as capable of addressing the complex challenges communities face today. ASLA’s mission to lead the planning, design, and stewardship of healthy, equitable, safe, and resilient environments aligns directly with that responsibility.

As we move into the year ahead, I encourage all of us to focus on applying our individual and collective expertise to create better outdoor spaces and communities, strengthening the visibility and impact of our profession.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2026 ASLA Utah Annual Conference

May 7th-8th 2026

The Ballpark at America First Square home of the Salt Lake Bees

THURSDAY, May 7th 6:30-8:30 PM — Evening Social/Tour

FRIDAY, May 8th - Conference and Vendor Expo

2026 Conference Pricing:

ASLA Member $250
Allied Professional eg: AIA/UNLA/ACEC Member $250
Non-Member: $275
- Want to save $50? JOIN ASLA NOW! The savings for this event covers Utah Chapter dues! Plus gains access to all ASLA Benefits!
- Have questions about membership? Reach out to anyone on the Executive Committee!
Emerging Professional: $100
Student $45
Non-LAEP Student: $100
ASLA UT SubCommittee Member: $100
Conference Speaker: $150

2025 ASLA Utah Professional Awards Recap

Critter McCoughlin, VP of Membership

**DEAR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT**

Please take a minute and submit a question RIGHT NOW: **dearlautah@gmail.com**

Dear Landscape Architect is a monthly feature from ASLA Utah exploring the art, ethics, and evolving practice of landscape architecture — written to spark conversation, reflection, and renewed care for our living medium. Submit your question to dearlautah@gmail.com.

Did you miss last month? Here is the link to a question about continuing education and the core of Landscape Architecture: October’s Dear Landscape Architect

Special Thanks to ASLA Utah 2026 Sponsors & Corporate Partners for their Support!

Platinum Sponsors
BioGrass | Great Western Recreation | Rain Bird

Gold Sponsors
Belgard | Hunter/FX Luminaire | LuckyDog Recreation | MADRAX/Thomas Steele | Victor Stanley

Silver Sponsors

Corporate Partners
Denton House | FenceTrac | G Brown Design