ASLA-San Diego Emerging Professionals

Aspiring Landscape Architects can join the SD-ASLA Emerging Professionals Committee to grow as profe

As the enthusiastic and active leaders of the future’s landscape design and development, ASLA San Diego Chapter Emerging Professionals enrich their careers and their neighborhoods through gratifying activities. Benefits

+ Connection with a direct resource for education and information on the path to licensure
+ Networking and relationship development with professional Landscape Architects, Landsc

ape Designers, and other professionals
+ Enjoyable experiences at social events with other design-minded colleagues

List of current members:

- Michael Watts, EPC Chair
- Patricia Trauth, Board Liaison
- Kristen Koehrn, EPC Vice-Chair
- Tim Smith, Mesa Community College student advisor
- Michelle Landis, Southwestern Community College student advisor
- John Thomas, President Cuyamaca Student Affiliate Chapter ASLA-SD
- Megan Allison, MiraCosta Community College student advisor
- Sara Bendrick, BS Landscape Architecture Cal Poly SLO
- Ellyn Lester, Career Services Director, NewSchool of Architecture and Design
- Michael Stepner, NSAD professor of Urban Design
- Richar Risner, Committee Chair Residential Landscape Professionals ASLA-SD
- Joe Dodd, Vice President Social Activities ASLA-SD
- Maria Swift, Vice President Programs/Education ASLA-SD
- Ty Sterns, Vice President — Chapter Visibility/Public Affairs ASLA-SD
- Claire Ehrlinger, Horticulture Instructor MiraCosta College
- Brian Johnston, SquareRoot Design Studio

How to Become an ASLA-SD Emerging Professional:

Members include individuals who are National ASLA Members ($50/year) and ultimately want to become a licensed Landscape Architect professional and fit into one of these categories

1) a student, currently enrolled in at least (1) course related to the Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or related field
2) a graduate without a license
3) a graduate with a license for 5 years or less
+ professionals licensed for more than 5 years will be considered for membership on a case-by-case basis as mentors for unlicensed members. Email Michael Watts [email protected] or Kristen Koehrn [email protected] to join or with any questions.

06/03/2026

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qrf6bdt/lp/809dbbaa-9d7a-48c4-888a-a404a6684f81?source_id=0f3a98e9-61e5-4a49-979f-04cda0202c3b&source_type=em&c=GjHpWNb2xXddgFC7-3fYN3YuxMA3VvfKFaQ-8h8wPtAIorbU62Xelw==

06/02/2026

https://www.asla.org/news-insights/land/2026-asla-emerging-professionals-design-competition?_zs=ghBgh&_zl=Tit15

05/29/2026

Register for the June 13th Sketch Crawl here:

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/93tr96a/lp/3ca44ab1-d9f9-4989-8058-b063a2ccfbec?source_id=ae8e4c63-e954-4139-b2ae-da6ec8a7b22c&source_type=em&c=vkeRiW51gIqhuv9AFWGB7IjfJSRnLqqZ8DHpRdOOHyw2FQza2BkTTA==

05/20/2026

🌳 Looking to get more involved in your community?

The City of Encinitas is accepting applications to fill one unscheduled vacancy on the Parks & Recreation Commission. Commissioners help advise the City Council on parks, recreation facilities, and community programs that serve residents across Encinitas.

📅 Applications due: May 28, 2026
📍 Applicants must be registered Encinitas voters
🔗 Learn more + apply at the link in our bio.

05/14/2026

Get ready for ASLA's L.A.R.E. prep week webinars on June 8-11. Master key sub-domains and learn the reasoning skills needed to pass with confidence. Register here:
https://www.asla.org/news-insights/land/dear-larey-a-week-to-level-up-your-l-a-r-e-prep-in-june

05/08/2026

Are you an ASLA Member and want to get training in advocacy for free? Here is your chance!

https://your.asla.org/account/login.aspx?returnUrl=https%3a%2f%2fyour.asla.org%2fevent-registration&_zs=ghBgh&_zl=jn705&reload=timezone

05/06/2026

🗓️Save the date!

🎨The Sketch Crawl in Old Town is on June 13th! Join renowned artist Jacqueline Gold as well as fellow landscape architects in sketching some of the beautiful sights in San Diego, such as iconic buildings, plantings, and gathering spaces.

This event is FREE for ASLA members! Non-member registration is $20.

Registration is opening soon!

05/04/2026

Navigating Your Career: A Town Hall with ASLA President Brad McCauley 🌿

📅 Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5, from 11:30AM-1:00 PM online!

Join Brad McCauley, President of American Society of Landscape Architects, for an engaging town hall focused on navigating the journey from student to project leader.

From early career challenges to stepping into project management, this session will explore the skills, resources, and real-world insights you need to grow with confidence. Be part of the conversation, ask questions, and connect with peers shaping the future of the profession.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Register at the link in our bio now.