Closing out Landscape Architecture month with Lia's interest with landscape architecture and sports field design. Thanks for following and reading our contributions to LAM this year. Hope you've enjoyed learning about some of our colleagues, their interests and passions, and what makes them unique. Happy Landscape Architecture month from Lloyd Sports + Engineering. 

While learning more about what roles a landscape architect’s knowledge can help with, my mind never gravitated towards sports field design. When I was introduced to Lloyd and the idea of sports design, I immediately thought it was awesome.
I recently finished up my senior project at Cal Poly, which was focused on enhancing the wine tasting experience through recreational activity. It was a challenge to integrate these two ideas due to the lack of precedent work within the United States. Despite this, it allowed for my project proposal to remain unique.

Through this design process, I realized how challenging it is to design around a precise, sharp-edged field or court. Conceptualizing a space involves understanding how to blend high activity recreation with low, leisure activity. For this specific project, I also faced the challenge of finding a way of blending wine tasting with recreational activity.

In conclusion, this project lead up to my entry into the workforce, making me feel even excited for more challenges to come.
--Lia Delucci
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#lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #lloydengineers #lloydengineering #LAM #LAM2023 #WLAM2023 #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #sportsdesign #sportsfielddesign #sportsfield #calpoly #designprocess #sportscourts #design 

Yerba Buena High School is a public, four-year high school located in San Jose, CA, and is part of the East Side Union High School District. The Lloyd team is part of a comprehensive Design Build team with Robert A. Bothman for the design and construction of the schools new baseball and softball facility. Check out this photo received this week showing grading operations on the site.

#lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #sportsengineering #sportsdesign #highschools #ESUHSD #yerbabuenahighschool #yerbabuena #sanjose #CA #california #highschoolsports #softball #baseball #grading #Bothman #Gilbaneco

To closeout Landscape Architecture Month, we're highlighting our newest landscape architecture team member Lia Delucchi, and why she chose landscape architecture.​

At the beginning of junior year of high school, when the college application process began, my parents encouraged me to think about what I wanted to do in the future. This was mainly to make sure I was applying to the right schools that carried towards my major. Apart from my younger self having an interest in animals and always playing some type of sport, I also loved to draw and sketch out what I thought my stuffed animals and dolls' bedrooms would look like if they were to have one. Then in high school, I was introduced to the concept of architecture. I was complimented on my organizational skills and precise way of thinking, which are two great qualities for an architect to have. I was fortunate enough to shadow a few local firms, who explained the various pathways into the realm of architecture that one could take. After taking four years of ceramics and studio art, I knew this would be a great fit for me. 
 
I was accepted into Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo's Landscape Architecture program in 2018 and will never forget the excitement I felt. Despite having no real experience within the profession, I decided to go for it! I remember enjoying being able to express creativity for the better of a space or people. Learning about how many different jobs a Landscape Architecture should be able to tackle/ have knowledge on always amazed me for the opportunities I would have post-graduation. 
 
Not to forget, I have a huge love for flowers. Before my father started his career as a firefighter, he owned his family's flower shop and nursery in San Francisco. I always love seeing the work he did and helping him when I could. I utilized his plant knowledge when studying for my weekly plant identification quizzes and his tips on planting design.
--Lia Delucchi

#lloyd #lloydsports #lloydengineers #lloydsportsandengineering #LAM #WLAM #WLAM2023 #thisislandscapearchitecture #CalPoly #CalPolySLO #recentgrad #landscapearchitecture #sketching #plants #sanfrancisco #ASLA 

I love to draw, and am always thrilled to do so any chance I can, and especially on a work project. From hand sketching my meeting notes or an educational session, to concept sketches, perspectives, sections, and elevations. The ability to hand sketch on the spot to convey ideas for a project, to finding personal time to shift one's mindset, and let the creative juices flow on the spot. I find sketching calming, relaxing, and at the same time fun and creative. Past time iconic artist known for some of their unique sketches that I've come to admire early on, include Le Corbusier, Degas, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Frank Gehry, and Frank Lloyd Wright to name a few. -- Yes biased on the art and architecture side, but remember, my passion started there.  Today in the Landscape Architecture industry both locally in Arizona and nationally, you may come across some amazing sketches of folks such as Teneyke, Martino, Blossom, Sullivan, and Richardson to name a few. (Did you see National ASLA's LAM post on sketching? If not, you should!) All of these amazing designers and sketchers have inspired me at one point or another. And a special shout out goes to my dear friend Duane Blossom, FASLA, who inspired me through his own artistic sketches early on while in graduate school. And the most rewarding memory I have of Duane was watching him sketch in action over lunch. 

Sketching and drawing in the landscape architecture profession (or any design profession) provides opportunities to play with ideas, space, lines, and shapes in plan view; all with a simple drawing instrument and paper. In perspective and elevation, the sense of scale starts to unfold even further. And add color, you bring depth, aesthetics, and even emotions to a visual. Don't get me wrong, the use of technology these days is amazing, including AI, and for many, is now a substitute for sketching and drawing. But I find one's ability to sketch or draw ideas on paper, in a single instance, is far more valuable and outweighs the tedious time it can take to sometimes computer generate an idea.  As a past teaching assistant and studio reviewer I'd see the limitations that students had with the restrictions of a computer, and at times, the inability to look "outside the box"....

I've been in project meetings where ideas are verbally communicated, but visually lacking, and on the fly a diagram or perspective is formed to provide a visual. I've been in situations where technology wasn't readily available, and providing a colored sketch perspective of what the space could be, sufficed to win the client over. Sometimes sketches help to test concepts, or scale, or just bring people into a visual consideration of a design. I'll even try to find opportunities to drawing something outside of work -  a gift to a friend, custom thank you card, or even just a drawing of something one of my kids want. A quick sketch, can be far more powerful than words alone.

So start with a paper and pencil, or start carrying a sketchbook wherever you go, and get sketching! Who knows what you might come up with, what might inspire you, or who you might inspire next!

#LAM #landscapearchitecture #sketching #sketches #handsketching #WLAM2023 #LAM2023 #thisislandscapearchitecture #ASLA #lloyd #lloydsports #lloydengineers #sportsengineering #landscapearchitect #art #drawing #perspective #plan #sections #elevation #admarkers #sketchbook

For week three of Landscape Architecture Month we would like to highlight team member, Valerie Ahyong, and her unique path into landscape architecture.

As a child I grew up drawing a lot. I also took a lot of art and vocational courses throughout high school, including drafting classes. I really enjoyed hand drafting, and in my sophomore year I competed in my first AIA Alaska Frank Maier High School Design Competition and placed third in State, then first the following two years after. I attended architecture school for two years in southern California. I then took a break and transferred to Arizona State University (ASU) finishing my degree in Business and Marketing, while interning at CMX Sports Engineers as a marketing coordinator. Upon graduation I stayed with CMX providing both marketing and business development support, and assisting with reports for the planning department. The exposure to local design firms through proposals re-peaked my interest in design. I returned ASU for a dual masters, and within my first year, I began to fall in love more with landscape architecture. I have my then professors Ken McCowan and Joe Ewan to thank -- Ken exposed me to bioregional design, while Joe taught me to appreciate the Sonoran Desert and landscape design -- and at that instance I chose to just finish my masters in landscape architecture.

After graduation, I landed a job with JJR|Floor,(now Smithgroup). I had wonderful opportunities to work on projects across the country and overseas. My very first project through design was the Madison Improvement Club in Phoenix. Others included Sky Harbor T3 Renovations, CAC Phase 1, and Mountain View Health Center. I eventually returned to Floor, working on ASU Health Innovations, ASU Wexford, and Pima Dynamite Trailhead. After having my second child, I wanted to work closer to home and an opportunity to work for the City of Mesa became available. As a City Landscape Architect I managed a handful of bond park projects, and designed projects such as the view park renovation at Falcon Field Airport and the IDEA museum courtyard renovations project. Working in public sector definitely gave me a different perspective and opportunity to work with the general public, councilmembers, and various City departments. I eventually made a switch back to private development and landed here at Lloyd.

​​My path into the profession was definitely not a typical journey for most Landscape Architects. My involvement with ASLA National and the Arizona chapter over the past 15 years have given me life-long friendships and opportunities; being a working mom of two has given me challenges and major life decisions in my career; and I will always be forever grateful for all of the opportunities, projects, and life-long connections I've made along the way. - Valerie Ahyong, PLA

#thisislandscapearchitecture #LAM #LAM2023 #WLAM2023 #landscapearchitecture #sportsengineering #sportsengineers #lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #lloydengineers #landscapearchitecturemonth #projecthighlights #AZASLA #WxLA #floorassociates #smithgroup #cityofmesa #publicworks #parks #commercial #healthcare #highered #landscapedesign #sonorandesert #aridregion #details #AIA #architecture #ketchikan #kayhi 

Many perceive the design of a sports field or facility to be simple, however there are several decisions to be made, that impact the quality, usability, performance, aesthetics, environment, or a sense of place. Landscape Architects are uniquely qualified to design such facilities because it’s not only the field that makes a venue great, but it’s everything else around the field that can make the venue notable.
 
While designing a sports facility, Landscape Architects are looking at the bigger picture of how all the sport specific components will work with the needs of the athletes, visitors, maintenance personnel, facilities operations staff, as well as the site topography, existing circulation patterns, and utility connections. There are sport specific needs that can be less visually appealing or impede pedestrian or vehicular circulation. However, with a little thought, these elements can gently slip into the landscape, while remaining completely functional. Take a look at some of these sports facilities where it’s more than just a field. 

#thisislandscapearchitecture #landscapearchitecture #sportsengineering #sportsengineers #lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #lloydengineers #LAM2023 #LAM #landscapearchitecturemonth #projecthighlight #sportsfacilities #athletes #pedestrians #circulation #aesthetics #senseofplace #venues #morethanjustafield

As we continue to highlight our team for Landscape Architecture Month, we'd like to feature Associate, Jane Theobald, and her interesting background into the profession!

As a kid, I was always drawing house floor plans or building houses with Legos or blocks. Somewhere in middle school, I remember my Mom suggesting landscape architecture instead of architecture since I was the one who kept creating gardens at our new house. In high school, I did a year long research project on landscape architecture, for an “Honors Diploma” and was also allowed to convert my parents grass filled front yard, to a drought tolerant landscape and I loved every minute of both projects.
 
While I was in college, I worked on the Cal Poly Rose Floats for three years, and ultimately ended up as the Program Leader, my last year. It was through this demonstration of leadership and project management skills, plus a background of building things with my dad, that I landed my first job as a project manager at a landscape construction firm. That’s where I learned how important correctly detailed information really is…
 
After getting my license, I transitioned back into the design world where I landed on the Sports and Recreation team at a large, multi-disciplinary firm. I’ve helped design facilities for public schools, private schools, Cities, Community Colleges, and Universities. I love being able to personalize each facility, based on their needs as well as the community at large.
-- JANE THEOBALD, PLA

#LAM #thisislandscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #landscape #lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #lloydengineers #sportsdesign #iamalandscapearchitect #WLAM #WLAM2023 #iworkhere #green #biodiversity #publicspaces #designprocess #design #calpolySLO #calpolySLOalumni #calpoly #droughttolerantlandscape #calpolyrosefloats #projectleader #leadership #landscapeconstruction #projectmanager #sportsandrecreation 

​Successful sports and recreation facilities require more than a relatively flat field these days.  Multiple sport flexibility, gathering spaces and environmental considerations are all necessary to create places where communities and students can thrive. St. Anthony High School Athletic Complex in Long Beach California is a fine example of putting this into action and is wrapping construction with a fully integrated design approach.  
 
The athletic complex boasts a state of the art track and field and multi-sport stadium with team buildings and training center. However, what sets this project apart are the exceptionally landscaped gathering spaces that are intimately tied to competition and training venues.  Additionally, stormwater from the large surface areas are gathered in landscaped retention basins to clean runoff, recharge groundwater and provide a park setting and habitat for birds, birds and wildlife that can be found in the adjacent canals. 
 
#thisislandscapearchitecture #landscapearchitecture #sportsengineering #sportsengineers #lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #lloydengineers #LAM2023 #LAM #landscapearchitecturemonth #projecthighlight #stanthonyhighschool #stanthonysaints #athleticcomplex #longbeach #trackandfield #multisportstadium #trainingcenter #highschools #CAhighschools #california #catholichighschool #longbeachsaints

Lloyd is excited to announce and welcome our newest team member (but not so new!) Lia Delucchi.

Here at Lloyd, we love hiring and developing the talented team members who exemplify our core values of expertise and integrity. We are excited to announce Lia Delucchi has joined our team full time. Ms. Delucchi majored in Landscape Architecture, with a minor in Sustainable Environments, from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Originally from the Bay Area, Ms. Delucchi has been interning with Lloyd over the past two years while finishing her degree. Her senior project examined athletic recreation in a winery setting to help expand the wine tasting season. 
 
“Being an intern at Lloyd for the last two years allowed me to compare and receive advice on the skills I was learning in the classroom. Working alongside professionals has helped me understand the balance between creativity and feasibility within the design process.” - Lia
 
Lia is also a self-professed foodie, baking since high school and expanding her cooking knowledge and expertise through traditional Italian dishes and recipes passed down from her parents. She loves trying out new restaurants and spending time with friends and family.
 
Welcome to the team Lia!

"I am excited and honored to transition from a student intern to a full-time employee at Lloyd! I recently finished my time at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, receiving a Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Sustainable Environments. I also recently completed my senior project, and it is surreal to think my time at Cal Poly has come to an end. With the numerous focus design studios and supplementary courses I have taken, I feel prepared for the next chapter, yet still bittersweet. 
Being an intern at Lloyd for the last two years allowed me to compare and receive advice on the skills I was learning in the classroom. Working alongside professionals has helped me understand the balance between creativity and feasibility within the design process. Thank you to the amazing Lloyd team and I cannot wait to continue learning from you all!"
- Lia Delucchi

#lloyd #lloydsports #lloydengineers #lloydsportsandengineering #landscapearchitecture #calpolySLO #thisislandscapearchitecture #newhire #newteammember #foodie 

Happy Landscape Architecture Month!
To kick off the month, we will be highlighting some of our Landscape Architecture staff throughout the month of April. Learn more about Senior Associate, Brett Long, and his journey to finding the landscape architecture profession!

When I was 13; my dad who grew up on a farm and wanted me to gain an appreciation for physical labor, got me a summer job landscaping where we lived in South Lake Tahoe.  Initially, it was really hard work for a 90 lb. kid and I hated it.  But I kept at it and continued landscaping jobs among others through college.  In high school I was lucky to have a drafting class and had some art in my background from my father who was also an art teacher. 

I grew up appreciating outdoor spaces with my childhood split between Bermuda and Lake Tahoe.  When it was time to decide about college my background in landscaping seemed to come together and I relished the idea of being the guy pointing with plans in his hands rather than at the backend of a shovel.  I was fortunate to get a track and field scholarship to Cal Poly Pomona where there was an excellent Landscape Architecture program. 

After college my adventures of landscape architecture really took off and continues amaze me.  From living and designing resorts in the islands of the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii to shore zone restoration in Lake Tahoe I have had a varied experience.  The past 15 years my work has been focused on recreation and athletics and our current work at Lloyd Consulting Group is always dynamic and expanding.  We are fortunate to be involved in many complex and high profile projects that satisfy our design craving and connect us to the sports world.  -- BRETT LONG, PLA, QSD

#LAM #thisislandscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #landscape #lloyd #lloydsports #lloydsportsandengineering #lloydengineers #sportsdesign #iamalandscapearchitect #WLAM #WLAM2023 #iworkhere #green #biodiversity #publicspaces #designprocess #design #calpolypomona #calpolypomonaalumni #calpoly #resortdesign #recreationdesign #athletics