2025 BSLA ExComm Elections

Are you eligible to vote?

ALL BSLA members, students and professionals, are eligible to vote.

All current members of BSLA — the “Boston” (Maine + Massachusetts) chapter of ASLA — were emailed a link to the ballot on August 4, 2025. If you did not receive it, email the chapteroffice@bslanow.org. 2025 elections are open through August 31.

If you’re not yet a member or need to renew, anyone who joins/renews by August 31 will be eligible to vote. Join/renew here.

Please join us in saying THANK YOU to this year's candidates for stepping up to run, and thank you to all of our volunteer leaders!

Meet the 2025 ExComm Candidates

Position: Member-at-Large

Candidate: Jamie Hark

I am a landscape designer, resilience planner, and cartographer in coastal Maine.  Originally from Massachusetts’ North Shore, I have devoted my career to the design and planning of coastal landscapes along the Gulf of Maine, especially within the context of climate change.  Following my MLA program at the University of Virginia, I have interned with STOSS Landscape Urbanism in South Boston, and worked with Richardson & Associates, VIEWSHED, and now Acorn Engineering in Maine.  

I am committed to creating landscapes that build on historic and cultural legacies, supporting healthy biodiversity, meeting rural and urban communities where they are.  I am specifically passionate about supporting coastal adaptation and resilience efforts in my design work and volunteering for coastal communities like Harpswell where I live with my wife and 1-year old daughter.  In my spare time, I am a hand drawn map-maker, aerial photographer and active participant in Harpswell’s Land Trust and Conservation Commission.  You’ll find me exploring the diverse landscapes of Maine by foot, ski, bike or paddleboard.  

As a member at large with the BSLA, I would like to focus on climate adaptation and resilience efforts in our discipline, especially in coastal communities along the Gulf of Maine.  This would continue the incredible work in creating Climate Lightning Talks in bringing together local practitioners and sharing current developments in the field. In addition, I would like to create a symposium that would highlight current coastal residential and community work, bringing diverse expertise and precedent work together to showcase the amazing work already happening in our communities. I would also like to use this position to reach more Maine practitioners, especially those in cross-disciplinary offices and in more rural locations, to expand the BSLA’s network and give Maine a stronger voice in the landscape architectural community of New England.  

Candidate : Andrew Arbaugh

Position: Trustee

Candidate : Ricardo Austrich

Now more than ever, we must work closely with ASLA National to ensure that the hard-won progress our profession has made—in environmental stewardship, climate resilience, the transformation of urban and post-industrial landscapes, and advancing social justice—is not undermined by shifting national priorities.

I bring a unique blend of leadership experience to this role: as a past president of BSLA, as a senior leader at an environmental engineering firm, as an educator and mentor in landscape architecture, and as a Boston zoning commissioner. These roles have equipped me with the perspective and skills needed to represent our chapter effectively at the national level.

The BSLA is widely recognized as one of the most dynamic and respected chapters in the country, thanks to the talent and vision of its members. Inspired by our community, I am committed to being a strong advocate for students and professionals at every stage of their careers, across all scales of practice—from sole practitioners and small firms to large multidisciplinary teams and public-sector professionals.

This is a time that calls for visionary, engaged advocacy. As trustee, I will work to ensure ASLA National reflects and supports the needs of our local and state chapters, as our members strive to build meaningful careers and forward-thinking practices rooted in environmental excellence, inclusive design, and user-focused solutions.

Position: Member-at-Large

Candidate: Laura Knosp

Hello! I'm Laura Knosp (the "K" is silent), and I'm excited to be considered for Member at Large for the BSLA. I'm a registered landscape architect with over 20 years of experience (how has it already been 20 years?!), and during that time, I've had the opportunity to work at a number of firms alongside some fantastic people. Since 2014, I've been at Ryan Associates in Waltham, where I'm now a principal and an owner.

I've worked on all kinds of projects, from tiny neighborhood parks with no budget to large regional landscapes and multi-million dollar residences. What I've learned is that my values aren't defined by a project's size, budget, or perceived glamour, but by the quality of the relationships we build throughout the process.

For me, the most important work lies in building and nourishing a team, not just in shaping the physical landscape. Landscape is our medium, but what we're really creating is an environment that nurtures the people who have chosen this profession, their lives, and their families. Landscape architecture asks a lot of us, creatively, technically, and emotionally. If elected, I'd focus on how we can better encourage each other in building not just careers, but balanced and fulfilling lives.

I'd be proud to contribute to that work as a Member at Large. Thanks so much for your consideration.

Position: President-Elect

I’m Andrew Arbaugh and I’m excited to be running for BSLA President. I am currently a Principal at Copley Wolff where I have worked for the past decade. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, I spent a formative year with AmeriCorps NCCC, volunteering across the Southeast. Our team worked on projects including the construction of affordable housing, the development of accessible trails for the visually impaired, rail-to- trail conversions and school gardens. That year of service opened my eyes to how design can make a tangible impact on communities and led me to pursue a degree in landscape architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Following graduation, I moved to Somerville where I still live with my husband and our twin 14-year-old sons. I have been active in our community, volunteering for East Somerville Main Streets, the Friends of Healey School, and serving on the Somerville Urban Design Commission. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach at the Boston Architectural College for over ten years and will be joining the landscape faculty at Northeastern this fall.

I’ve been an active member of BSLA since 2009, starting as a scribe for the Awards Program and eventually serving as Vice Chair. With Joe Strayer, we worked to institute changes aimed at making the Awards Program more transparent and equitable.

I’m running because I love this Boston community. I have witnessed that we are at our best when we work together. More than a professional network, BSLA is a platform for action. In a time when our core values—equity, sustainability, access to public space—are being challenged, BSLA must lead with purpose. That means empowering members to be advocates, expanding pipeline programs, supporting equity-focused practice, and giving voice to work that reflects our shared mission. I’d be honored to build on the incredible momentum of our current leadership and help shape what comes next for landscape architects throughout Massachusetts and Maine.

Position: President-Elect

Candidate: Michael Grove

Landscape architecture has given me a purpose far greater than design—it’s given me a way to serve people, places, and the planet. For 28 years, I’ve had the privilege of doing that as a Principal at Sasaki, helping lead projects across the globe. But Boston is home. It’s where I began my career, found mentorship, and became part of a community that has shaped who I am. The BSLA has always been part of that journey.

As a past president of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF), I’ve seen firsthand how leadership can elevate our profession and expand its reach. I want to bring that experience to the BSLA—the first and oldest ASLA chapter and, in my opinion, the most dynamic. We have an extraordinary bench of talent here: designers, educators, advocates, and leaders whose voices and ideas deserve to be more broadly celebrated and supported. As President, I would focus on amplifying that collective voice and deepening our impact—locally, nationally, and globally.

I’m especially passionate about supporting students and emerging professionals, who represent a growing and vital part of our chapter. They need to feel seen, supported, and empowered to lead. Strengthening their connection to both local and national leadership is critical to the long-term health and inclusivity of our field.

Landscape architecture is a profession rooted in care—for the land, for communities, and for one another. I believe BSLA should reflect that spirit—uplifting our members, championing bold ideas, and shaping a better world together. It would be an honor to lead that effort.

Position: Trustee

Candidate: Michael Radner

I am honored to stand for election as your Trustee. I’m a long-standing member of ASLA (30 years); business owner (Radner Design Associates 2001-25); and now leading the newly established landscape architecture studio at Highpoint in Dedham, Massachusetts. I have served as a Member-at-Large on the Executive Committee; taught professional practice at the Boston Architectural College and UMass Amherst; and served as Public Awareness Chair for BSLA at the national level.

I am immensely proud of being an active member of the Boston chapter, the founding chapter of ASLA. As Massachusetts and Maine landscape architects, not only are we surrounded by the history of our profession, we practice at the epicenter of contemporary practice and philosophy. I am very aware that we are considered thought leaders at the national level, and we are not shy about ruffling a few feathers. I hope to continue this tradition.

A closer look at the Executive Committee positions: President-Elect, Member at Large, and Trustee.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

  • The At-Large members shall: perform such other duties as are customary for the position of at-large member or as may be assigned or delegated by the Executive Committee of the Chapter.

    Note: this is an intentionally flexible leadership position, with opportunity for the member-at-large to help define their area of focus during their term.

    The Member at Large shall be a Full or Associate ASLA Member elected for a term of three (3) years.

  • The trustee shall: be informed on Chapter (BSLA) and Society (ASLA) goals and objectives, policies and procedures, programs and services, and activities and events; serve as an officer on the Executive Committee of the Chapter and serve as the Chapter representative on the Board of Trustees of the Society; facilitate the conduct of the business of the Society by bringing the Chapter perspective to the Board of Trustees and the national perspective to the Executive Committee and members of the Chapter; and perform such other duties as are customary for the office of chapter trustee or as may be assigned or delegated by the Board of Trustees of the Society and the Executive Committee of the Chapter.

    The trustee shall be a Full BSLA Member elected for a term of three (3) years. The trustee shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive full terms.

  • The President-Elect/President/Immediate Past President shall be a Full ASLA Member elected for a commitment of four (4) years: one as President-Elect, two as President, and one as Past President.

    As President-Elect, s/he is a voting member of the Executive Committee and involved in most leadership/chapter management decisions. The President-Elect also acts in the place of the President when asked or appointed by the Executive Committee. S/he prepares a slate of committee chairs and members to take effect when s/he becomes President. Preference is given to the current chairs.

    As President, s/he presides over all chapter and Executive Committee meetings, represents the Chapter with other organizations, represents ASLA at the Chapter President Council meetings, sets the chapter agenda with the consent of the Executive Committee, and is the primary point of contact for the Chapter Executive Director on most issues.

    As Immediate Past President, s/he supports the new President in his/her duties, provides counsel, advice, and direction as needed. S/he assumes the role of President when asked by the President or the Executive Committee and attends the ASLA Spring and Fall Meetings on behalf of the Chapter with other chapter leaders.

    Throughout his/her term of office, s/he is also an ex-officio member of BSLA Fund, the Chapter's sister 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.

    The President-Elect/President/Immediate Past President must be a Full ASLA member.

A note about BSLA chapter elections:

BSLA thrives thanks to the generosity, energy, and actions of dozens of volunteers: committee chairs and co-chairs, section leaders, student leaders, and all of you who participate as speakers, donors, members, authors, awards jurors, event attendees, and in many, many other ways, big and small. Thank you.

BSLA is governed by our "ExComm," or Executive Committee. These ExComm positions are defined by our bylaws and elected in an annual process, similar to every other ASLA chapter across the country.

As we enter this year's election cycle, BSLA is pleased to remind you that in 2022, our Executive Committee amended our chapter bylaws so that EVERY member of our chapter has a vote in our annual elections.

That is, in our chapter -- Massachusetts and Maine -- student members and affiliate members are allowed to vote alongside associate and regular full members. "A member is a member is a member." (Historically, only full and associate members were allowed to vote.)