Michigan State University Landscape Architecture

RSVP Now for the 2026 SPDC Speaker Series!

SPDC will host a six-person panel discussion to examine the intersection of our school's four programs in the planning and ex*****on of the Hudson's Detroit development project that is reshaping the city and now hosts the global headquarters for General Motors.

This event is open to interested professional as well as as students, and attendance qualifies for CEUs from the AIA, AICP, and LA-CES, FREE OF CHARGE!

Space is limited so be sure to RSVP in advance, and we'll see you Thursday, September 10th, from 5pm to 7pm in the MSU Union, Ballroom!

The School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC) at Michigan State University invites applications for an open Teaching Specialist (continuing) position in the Landscape Architecture program.

The Teaching Specialist will play a key role in advancing the program's educational mission. The successful candidate will address emerging issues in landscape architecture and contribute to a curriculum that emphasizes professional education in the field.

Proficiency in teaching core courses is essential. We are especially interested in candidates whose teaching can emphasize, but is not limited to, traditional and digital communication courses, introductory landscape architecture courses, and design studios.

Minimum Requirements:
1) Either a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture (MLA) from an accredited degree program, or an accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) or accredited Bachelor of Science (BS) in Landscape Architecture degree plus a terminal Master’s degree in a related field at the start of employment.

2) Ability to teach core courses in landscape architecture.

3) A proven track record (or demonstrated potential) of teaching activities that may contribute to the interdisciplinary focus of SPDC.

To read more about this position and read the full job description included other preferred qualifications and the application process visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/open-position-la-teaching-specialist-2026

RSVP Today for the 2026 SPDC Speaker Series!

SPDC will host a six-person panel discussion to examine the intersection of our school's four programs - Construction Management, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban & Regional Planning - in the planning and ex*****on of the Hudson's Detroit development project led by Bedrock Detroit.

Join us, September 10, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm in the MSU Union Ballroom as Katharine Merritt, teaching specialist in the URP program, moderates the panel's conversation about their work on a project that's re-shaping downtown Detroit.

This event is open to interested professional as well as as students, and attendance qualifies for CEUs from the AIA, AICP, and LA-CES, FREE OF CHARGE!

Students and guests will hear from and engage with:

Trevor Wilson - Senior Development Manager, Bedrock Detroit

James Kramek - Project Executive, Barton Malow

Michelle Kleinman - Design Architect, SHoP Architects

Stacey Tobar - Landscape Architect, Hamilton Anderson at time of project (currently Principal, OHM Advisers)

Lauren Minch - Interior Designer, Pophouse Design

Kevin Schronce - Associate Director (Design Director), City of Detroit Planning and Development Department

Space is limited and event is sure to fill quickly, so RSVP now to secure your seat!

To learn more, stay updated, and RSVP, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/2026-spdc-lecture-series

Or to RSVP immediately, visit: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3XcOvt2JEAepZeS

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) announced the 2026 Honors and Medals winners, and this year's list includes MSU's own Bob Chipman, who received the 2026 Outstanding Service Award!

Chipman's dedication and service to the Landscape Architecture program at MSU epitomizes the selfless and giving nature this award seeks to elevate. Congratulations, Bob!

Read more about Chipman and the award, at: https://bit.ly/3QqJCvR

Congratulations to Isaiah Ramsey, winner of the 2026 Council of Fellows Scholarship from the Landscape Architecture Foundation!

While on the path to attaining his bachelor's in landscape architecture and Master of Art in Environmental Design, Isaiah enjoys implementing sustainable design, therapeutic design, and ecological restoration. He has a strong love for sustainable urban development, residential design, and stormwater management. As an active member of MSU's ASLA Club, he participates by being his classes representative.

Congratulations to Spartan Alumnus, Robert 'Bob' Chipman on receiving the 2026 Outstanding Service Award from the ASLA!

Congratulations to the 2026 ASLA Honors recipients.

Selected by ASLA's Board of Trustees, these honors represent the highest recognition ASLA bestows each year.

Join us in celebrating the individuals, organizations, and firms whose leadership, service, and contributions continue to advance landscape architecture.

See the full list of recipients: https://bit.ly/3S2qnt3

ID students enrolled in IDES 352 and LA students enrolled in LA 243 during the Spring 2026 semester gave their Final Studio Presentations to fellow students, industry professionals, and interested stakeholders to end the year.

Five student groups, in collaboration with the Michigan DNR, worked to create and present proposals for the Pontiac Lake Day Use Area located at 2401 N Williams Lake Road in Waterford, Mich.

SPDC's Sustainability Partnership with the MI-DNR lets students problem-solve in real-world scenarios and shows them the interdisciplinary relationship between the school's programs in professional practice.

Not one, but five college awards and recognitions were brought to SPDC by our faculty and students, reflecting the excellence, leadership, and impact of SPDC across teaching, research, service, and culture, access, and belonging.

To learn more about these 2026 CANR Awards, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/facultystaff/awards_nominations/

With the academic year ending, we want to highlight one of SPDC's biggest end of the year events, the 2026 SPDC Awards Ceremony!

This annual event brings together students, faculty, staff, and our supporters and donors to recognize the excellence of SPDC's students.

It's always great to end the year celebrating our students' accomplishments and the impact our supports and donors have on their academic and professional success.

Congratulation to all scholarship and award winners, and thank you to our supporters and donors.

Enjoy these highlights of the evening, and be sure to stay connected with SPDC to learn how you can impact SPDC's ability to continue educating tomorrow's leaders and innovators!

Congratulations to all SPDC graduates!

It's impossible to condense years of hard work into one post, but here are some commencement highlights.

The celebration is well earned and we can't wait to see the impact you all will make in the world. Proving SPDC is the home of Spartans, BUILT TO LEAD!