The Landscape Architecture + Environmental and Urban Design Industry Advisory Board convened yesterday at FIU for its Spring Board Meeting. Dean Brian Schriner warmly welcomed members, expressing sincere gratitude for their ongoing service and emphasizing the tremendous value they bring through their guidance, insight, and unwavering support for the department and college.
Chair Ebru Özer shared the exciting news of the program’s successful six-year accreditation from the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)—the longest term currently possible. She also presented highlights from the LAAB visiting team’s recommendations and shared updates on curriculum developments, as well as recent student and faculty accomplishments.
The board meets three times annually in person and three times virtually, ensuring consistent engagement and meaningful input throughout the year. Its thoughtful recommendations continue to play a vital role in strengthening the curriculum and informing key departmental initiatives and priorities.
Members and representatives in attendance included : Carolina Monteiro, RLA ’10 (CLAD), George Puig(Kimley-Horn), Deena Bell-Llewellyn (City of Coral Gables), Ben Hutchens ’06 (ArquitectonicaGEO), Joanna Ibarra, PLA’12 (representing Laura Reyes, PLA, EDSA, Inc.), Robert Colón’20 (representing James Murley, Miami-Dade County), and Bryan D. Harrison (representing Barry Miller, Savino and Miller Design Studio).
A special thank you to Helen Cohen, President of the Florida Chapter of ASLA, for joining the board meeting and graciously moderating the deliberation and voting process for the ASLA Student Honor and Merit Awards.
Congratulations to our outstanding students:
• Anne Coke and Aditi Chaphekar – ASLA Student Honor Award recipients
• Elizabeth Newberry and Sofia Hernandez – ASLA Student Merit Award recipients
Anne and Aditi will present their work at the upcoming ASLA Florida Annual Conference in Ponte Vedra Beach this July, contributing to continuing education sessions for licensed landscape architects. They will receive their certificates during the conference’s business meeting.
We are deeply grateful to our board members for their steadfast support and invaluable contributions to the continued growth and success of our department.
