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ASLA Florida Elections: 

Full, Associate and International ASLA Florida Members in good standing are allowed one vote.  

You will receive a unique voting link via email from SurveyMonkey and will need your ASLA ID Number to cast your vote. If you do not see your voting link, please check your spam or junk folder. If you still do not see the link, please email info@aslaflorida.org

Voting will close on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 11:59 PM ET. 

Candidates:

President-Elect (2023-2026)


Helen Cohen

For the past seven years I have been involved in the leadership of the ASLA Florida Chapter, first as Conference Chair, after which I was selected as Education Chair and then was appointed by the Executive committee to fill the vacant Member-at-Large Education and Research position. I was subsequently elected by the membership to two consecutive terms as Member-at-Large Education and Research.

During this time, I have become familiar with the business of the chapter and worked on many exciting educational and strategic initiatives, gaining much experience along the way, including hands on planning of seven annual state conferences. I have participated in Executive Committee meetings and worked with the chapter leadership overseeing the transition of the chapter’s management team, our current ASLA Florida Staff, and worked with them to become familiar with the educational programming for our chapter. I have worked to initiate a program of online webinars and continue the development of continuing education and LARE review programming and study materials. 


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I enjoy serving the membership and I am committed to representing landscape architects and promoting the profession. It would be an honor and a privilege to continue my service to the chapter as President-Elect.

Thank you for your continued support.

PROFESSIONAL BIOGRAPHY

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture Cornell University 1980

Master of Landscape Architecture

University of Michigan 1987

Registered Landscape Architect

State of Florida #LA0000734

LEED AP 2009

PROFESSIONAL WORK SUMMARY

Senior Landscape Architect Urban Design Studio, West Palm Beach, Florida 2005-- Present .

PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES

Member-at-Large Education & Research ASLA Florida Chapter 2019 – Present

Education Chairperson ASLA Florida Chapter 2017 – 2019

Annual Conference Chairperson ASLA Florida Chapter 2017

Caeli Tolar

Caeli has been involved in ASLA Florida since 2016. In the past, she has held the position of Section Chair (Gainesville-Ocala) and she currently serves as Secretary (since 2020).  She is a Florida native and two-time graduate of the University of Florida (B.L.A. 2012, Master of Historic Preservation 2014).  She has also been involved in many committees within ASLA National and the Florida Chapter including the ASLA National Emerging Professionals Committee, ASLANational Membership Engagement Committee, ASLA FL Membership Committee, and others. As a UF graduate and a Gainesville native, Caeli is also a regular visitor to the University of Florida campus, providing mentorship through portfolio review workshops and interacting with students through guest speaking at classes.  Locally, she is also a member of the Thomas Center Associates, providingexpertise for the Historic Thomas Center Gardens.  

Treasurer (2023-2025)


Richard Klar

I began my formal landscape architecture education at the University of Arkansas in 1987 and finished my landscape architecture degree at the University of Wisconsin in May 1994 after a brief interuption of military service for Desert Storm. Post–graduation I worked various landscape jobs both in design and construction in Wisconsin and Missouri before moving to Kissimmee Florida in 1999. I obtained licensure as a Professional Landscape Architect first in Missouri and later here in Florida. Since 2001 I have worked in a worked in a small Civil Engineering firm in Osceola County as their sole Landscape Architect.  My scope of work is diversified between municipal, school district, commercial and residential subdivision projects primarily in Osceola Countyand I have the benefit to see the positive impacts of my professional  work within the community I serve. 


Member-at-Large | Leadership and Membership (2023 – 2025)


Abigail Reimel

Beginning as a student and continuing to today, Abigail Reimel has shown a dedicated involvement within the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) at both a State and National level. She is looking to continue advancing and building upon ongoing membership initiatives with another term as Member-at-Large for Leadership & Membership within the ASLA Florida Chapter. Abigail is a landscape architect licensed to practice in both Florida and Washington State working with the multi-disciplinary firm WGI as a project manager. In 2022 Abigail was selected by the Florida Chapter for the Exceptional Emerging Professional award in addition to her election to the Executive Committee. 

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Originally from Michigan, Abigail Reimel attended Michigan State University (MSU) where she earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and a business minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She initially joined the MSU student chapter of the ASLA as class representative and as her time at Michigan State continued, so did her involvement. Abigail took on roles within the ASLA Michigan Chapter and eventually forged a path to serve as a member of the inaugural National Student Advisory Committee, where she assisted in rebuilding and shaping relationships with the more than 70 Student Chapters of the ASLA. In her second year with the committee, she was elected to serve as its chair as well as the National Student Representative to the ASLA Board of Trustees. In her role as Chair of the Student Advisory Committee, Abigail coordinated with state chapters for development of better engagement practices with student chapters through direct contact and support. These practices came with a focus on lending a voice to issues faced by students and emerging professionals on a national level, targeted recruitment for increasing diversity across student groups, and created tangible value in membership for both young professional groups. While serving as National Student Representative, Abigail was also elected as the ASLA Student Chapter President for Michigan State University where she worked to re-engage the student body and bring back programs that would help support students academically and professionally. Additionally, during her fourth year at MSU, Abigail was selected as an LAF University Olmsted Scholar. Following her graduation from Michigan State University in December of 2018, Abigail relocated to South Florida where she became licensed to practice landscape architecture in both Florida (2020) and Washington State (2023). Since passing her exams, she has worked to make the steps clearer for other young professionals also pursuing their license by mapping a path to help better navigate the entire licensure process.

On a national level, Abigail has been involved with a variety of ASLA committees including the Member Services Committee (2017-2022), State Licensure and Government Affairs Committee (2019-2022), Constitution and Bylaws Committee (2021-Present), Emerging Professional Committee (2017-2020), Landscape Architecture Magazine Editorial Advisory Committee (2017), in addition to serving as a non-voting member of the ASLA Board of Trustees (2017). During her time with each group, Abigail has been able to participate as part of the teams working to bring together the many licensed landscape architects that exist outside of the society, the review of the ASLA Constitution and Bylaws, as well as the teams providing membership value through licensure defense and professional development. After having the opportunity to participate in the annual ASLA Advocacy Day in Washington D.C., Abigail gained an interest in licensure and the value of advocating for our profession at a local, state, and national level driving her governmental affairs and licensure committee involvement.

After moving to south Florida, Abigail quickly became involved with ASLA Florida by attending local section events, and within three months, she stepped up to serve on the Executive Committee as the Broward Section Chair. With the support of a dedicated team, she facilitated the coordination of numerous events over 18 months including the annual Broward PARK(ing) Day, Women’s Networking Webinar, Community Volunteer Events, and Firm Showcase Series. As the Broward Section Chair, her primary goal was to bring together a wide range of landscape architects to develop a local community of individuals built around a shared passion for landscape architecture. Since her term as Broward Section Chair ended, she has remained involved in the Broward Programming Committee. In addition to serving as the Broward Section Chair, Abigail has also been involved in the planning and implementation of the 2019 ASLA Florida Conference as volunteer coordinator, 2020 Conference on Landscape Architecture as the Host Booth co-chair, 2020 ASLA Florida Design Awards Jury as moderator and South Florida group leader, the 2021 ASLA Florida Conference leading volunteer coordination and graphics development, in addition to serving her first term as the ASLA Florida Member-at-Large for Leadership & Membership from 2021-2023.

Abigail’s service to the ASLA and her community is highlighted not only by her continued engagement, but by her actions and work. As this work with both the ASLA Florida Chapter and National ASLA continues, her primary goal is to gain a better understanding of how the Florida Chapter operates as a unique extension of the ASLA, especially within the realm of growing membership and advocacy to re-envision how this position can serve as a catalyst and platform to educate, grow, and engage the ASLA Florida Membership. Additionally, she aims to offer insights from her national committee involvement to invigorate and contribute to the chapter leadership overarching mission and vision. At a local level she will continue her involvement with the Florida Chapter and communicate the value of membership across all levels of the profession.

It would be an absolute honor to again represent the ASLA Florida chapter as the Member-at-Large for Leadership and Membership in a second term.

Member-at-Large | Public Relations and Marketing (2023 – 2025)


Olga Mekari

Olga Mekari is a Venezuelan-born architect and landscape architectural designer. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Architecture in her home country before obtaining a master's degree in Landscape Architecture + Environmental and Urban Design in 2020 from Florida International University. She is currently working as Landscape Designer and Project Manager at Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design. Olga has been working in the landscape architecture field for 3 years now, she has been involved in high end residential, commercial and urban projects. She is also passionate about art and creating art installations using strings and nails, inspired from the forms and fluid movements of tropical landscapes.

Member-at-Large | Emerging Professionals (2023 – 2025)


Phoebe Prentner

Phoebe Prentner joined Cotleur & Hearing as a Landscape Designer in 2022. Phoebe graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's Degree in Landscape Architecture and minors in Visual Arts and Ecological Cities. Since joining Cotleur & Hearing, Phoebe works on site, landscape, and irrigation plans, concept development and uses her skills and background in visual arts to assist with graphic designs for projects in Fort Pierce, Indian River County, Port St Lucie, St. Lucie County, and Vero Beach. Phoebe made her way down to the Sunshine State by following her passion in resilient community placemaking. Phoebe enjoys design, sketching and graphic design work and has a deep love for the outdoors and its endless discoveries.


Tiffany Rose Gilson

Rose Gilson graduated in 2023 with a Master's in Landscape Architecture + Environmental Urban Design from Florida International University.

Rose’s academic work and volunteerism reflect her core beliefs on the importance of people's influential connection with the landscape. She served as FIU's 2022-2023 ASLA chapter president, where she dedicated herself to uplifting fellow students through workshops, community service, and team efforts. She has also been a proud member and advocate of the ASLA Mentorship Program since 2021. Rose developed an interest in the environment and art from a young age, which gave way to her passion for art and design, ecology, and analysis. These passions were the gateway into Landscape Architecture, where she developed an interest in the art of how the land shapes people and, conversely, how people shape the land.

For Rose, being a leader means encouraging and supporting those around us, striving for collective well-being by sharing knowledge and fostering creativity.

Southwest Florida Chair (2023-2025)


Will Liu

After 12 years of study and work, Mr. Will Liv became a member of RVI, bringing him one step closer to the dream of applying his creativity and enthusiasm to the field. Before attending graduate school in the U.S., Will worked for two years in Beijing and gained valuable professional experience at HOK Beijing Office, Architectural Design & Research Institute of Tsinghua University and AECOM Beijing Office. He was involved in multiple projects, scaling from site furniture to urban design and planning, which built a solid foundation for his work at RVI.

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Mr. Liu has varied opportunities to interact with clients and consultants, working with local and international developers. He has involved in variety of projects ranging from hotels, resorts, universities, community development, urban planning to parks.

He received his Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA) with Honors from The University of Pennsylvania and received an Associates in Graphic Design and 3D Modeling. He is currently studying for the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam so that he can obtain his Florida License.

Mr. Liu is proficient in Auto CAD, Sketchup and Rhinoceros for both 2D and 3D Modeling as well as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign for post graphic production. In addition to landscape architecture design, he is interested in arts, history, photography, and travel. His footprints can be found around the world including Singapore, Russia, North America, the Caribbean, Latin America, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Miami Chair (2023 – 2025)


Patricia Matamoros

Patricia is a landscape designer and senior project manager at Savino & Miller Design Studio in Miami with a background in both landscape architecture and architecture where she has worked on award-winning projects including "The Barnacle Historic State Park Master Plan" & "Miami Baywalk-Riverwalk Design Guidelines. She is an active advocate of resiliency, bringing five years of experience working on large-scale resiliency public space projects in Miami, engaging in public speaking opportunities, and volunteering in efforts to raise awareness and take action to adapt to climate change.

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Additionally, Patricia has five years of professional practice as an architect licensed in Venezuela with experience in Latin America and the Caribbean. She is an MLA graduate from Florida International University in 2019 with a 4.00 GPA, an FIU Latin American and Caribbean Graduate Fellowship recipient, and honors include: two FLASLA Student Design and an ASLA Outstanding Academic Achievement awards.

Why this Nominee: Leadership Patricia exhibits leader/mentorship instinctively though as a FIU Review Juror and WOLAND Foundation mentor these are dearest to her. She engages in our profession through the following: member of ASLA Professional Practice Committee, Honors and Awards Advisory Committee, and Women in Landscape Architecture PPN; SKILLED moderator 2021 & 2023; and ReVISION ASLA 2020 - Workplace New Realities - Discussion leader.

Katie Riddle, ASLA, Director, Professional Practice states "As a member of the Associate Advisory Committee, Patricia was a fantastic contributor to the ASLA SKILL | ED event - through participating in program development and devoting her time as a moderator for each day of the SKILL I ED event. She brought professionalism and energy to her role. Patricia is also an exceptional contributor to ASLA'S Professional Practice Committee, serving as a peer reviewer for the soon-to-be-released accessibility report by the committee. I appreciate her ASLA national volunteer leadership at many levels".


Carolina Monteiro

Carolina Monteiro, FASLA, is founder of the Miami-based Landscape Architecture firm, CLAD Landscape Architecture & Design, recognized for excellence in the design and implementation of numerous projects throughout the United States.  

Having been raised by an Architect father and Landscape Architect mother, Carolina followed their lead and was trained as an Architect in São Paulo, Brazil where she resided until she completed her studies. She obtained her degree, with honors, from the Mackenzie University in São Paulo, Brazil in 2004. In 2005, after relocating from São Paulo to Zurich, Switzerland for work, her childhood passion of practicing Landscape Architecture came to fruition. A new job as an intern Landscape designer with a renowned Swiss Landscape Architect taught her that the real passion was not about building structures and indoors spaces, but by using Architecture combined with nature to improve peoples lives, by preserving and protecting existing ecosystems and evoking human interaction. 

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After some time of practicing in Europe with the same firm, Carolina was promoted to be the studio director of a new operation in Miami, Florida, which she started up on her own in 2006, after relocating from Switzerland to the United States. In order to improve her knowledge in Landscape Architecture and learn about the Florida ecosystems, Carolina obtained her Masters in Landscape Architecture from Florida International University in 2010. In school, she enriched her appreciation of the interaction between plants, gardens, and people. Carolina Monteiro led the same internationally known Landscape Architecture firm until 2017, at which time she founded CLAD. Since conception, CLAD has designed over 150 gardens, over half of which have been successfully executed.

Whether designing visually appealing or functional gardens, Carolina has a keen ability to create results that appeal to the senses. She guides her clients through the design process, ensuring that her project meets their needs and incorporate the architectural details and exterior colors of the structures adorned by her landscapes. Carolina applies her knowledge of horticulture, design, and construction to deliver elegantly styled projects. Her exquisite attention to detail and perfectionism, sensitivity to scale and content, coupled with a determined commitment to design with her clients in mind, produce elegantly styled, tranquil, and harmonious spaces.

Education:

Architecture: Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil - 2004

Landscape Architecture: Florida International University - 2010

Accreditations:

Licensed Landscape Architect – Florida, 2017


Laurinda Spear

With over 40 years of multi-disciplinary experience, she has devoted her career to exploring complex challenges of contemporary built and natural environments. Her passion for developing innovative solutions that balance a modern aesthetic with an environmental practice that promotes environmental and social functionality in design as well as creating value for the client, the user, and surrounding community. Her design philosophy is to integrate landscape-based technologies and ecology to address the imminent threat of sea level rise in the urban environment that result in functional resilient landscapes that yield a return of investment. Under Laurinda's direction, ArquitectonicaGEO has produced award-winning designs for projects around the word such as the Dijon Performing Arts Center in France; the Taikoo Hui Development in China; the PortMiami Tunnel, Brickell City Centre, University of Miami Lakeside Village, and Perez Art Museum in Miami, Florida.

Check out her resume HERE.

Gainesville Chair (2023-2025)



Joey Amodo

Joey Amodo is the Parks Designer for the Marion County Parks & Recreation Department in Ocala ,FloridaJoey is responsible for planning and design of parks and recreation facilities, conducts site inventory and site and program analysis, develops conceptual site plans, and presentation graphics for the Department’s Capital Improvement PlanJoey also provides design and consultant services to other departments within Marion County Joey has been with the Department for 1 year and enjoys every minute of it.  

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Prior to joining Marion County, Joey has worked for architectural, electrical, civil, and structural engineering firms. These experiences have provided him with well-rounded knowledge of the built and natural environments.

He received his Bachelors in Landscape (BLA) with Honors from the University of Florida and received an Associates in CAD technologies. He is currently studying for the Landscape Architecture Registration Exam so that he can obtain his Florida License.

Joey is an active member in the Ocala community serving as a den leader for Cub Scout Pack 197 and Ocala Adult Softball league. Having grown up with diverse outdoor experiences, Joey finds designing parks and recreation facilities that serves the citizens of Marion County to be truly rewarding.

Tampa Chair (2023-2025)


Alex Anderson

Hello, my name is Alex Anderson. I’m originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, but before moving to Florida, I lived for over 6 years in the State of Alabama. I graduated from Auburn University in Auburn, AL with a degree in Environmental Design and a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 2019. Auburn University cultivated in me a passion for place making and community design, long leaf pine forests and boll weevils, and a love for sketching in nature. I believe that is what makes landscape architecture so unique and interesting: it requires a welded passion for art, ecology, architecture, and construction.  I enjoy bringing all these elements together to design places where people interact and engage with each other and with their environment.  At Clearview Land Design I assist our landscape architecture team from conceptual design all the way to final construction plans.  I try to bring a unique perspective to projects where design interacts with ecology and culture.  I’m very excited to be a part of the Tampa ASLA Section.

MISSION STATEMENT

Lead in promoting healthy and just communities through the design and stewardship of our natural and built environment.

CONTACT US

ASLA FLORIDA
P.O. Box 841
Pensacola, FL 32591
Office: 850.480.7332

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