Beyond Number Crunching 2.0: Managing Projects, Processes and People - 1.0 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)
- Registration Closed
Delivering innovative design solutions on time and on budget, with happy teams and clients, healthy profit margins, and high quality is essential for business. Using real project scenarios, these firm leaders will share methods and insights on the challenges, dynamic nature, and artful approach of project management in design practices.
Learning objectives:
- Understand how project management is prioritized, valued and taught at a variety of design practices—and how each firm treats the project manager role.
- Learn project management protocols, rules of thumb, reporting and tools through real project case studies.
- Understand challenges in managing design projects and people (both staff and clients)—and what the speakers' firms have done to address them resulting in happy teams and satisfied clients.
- Learn common project management pitfalls, how to recognize risks to the financial health of the project and client satisfaction, and avenues to take when things go south.
- Learn best practices for a project manager to "manage up" with a principal or design lead.
- Participate in interactive exercises that model uncomfortable situations and conversations in which a project manager might find him or herself—and gain ideas for how to successfully navigate them.
Aida Curtis, ASLA
Principal
Curtis + Rogers Design Studio
Aida Curtis has over 35 of experience as a landscape architect, arborist, certified landscape inspector and leader of her firm Curtis + Rogers Design Studio. Leading the Hispanic/Woman-owned landscape architecture firm in South Florida has allowed her to create sustainable spaces that are economically and socially inclusive. Aida’s portfolio includes award-winning transportation, recreational, institutional and civic projects. She serves on the American Society of Landscape Architects National Climate Action Committee and lectures on landscape architecture’s ability to address climate change. Her commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable development and resilient landscapes has benefitted hundreds of municipal, transportation and other civic projects.
Allyson Mendenhall, FASLA, LEED Green Associate
Director of Professional Practice
Sasaki
Allyson Mendenhall is Director of Professional Practice at Sasaki. She leads practice-based research and thought leadership initiatives, and the development of standards, best practices, and training in support of design and operational excellence. Allyson is recognized for bridging design practice and academia through research partnerships and publications. She serves on the Harvard GSD Dean’s Leadership Council and is Immediate Past President of the Harvard Alumni Association. A recipient of the 2020 Denver Business Journal Outstanding Women in Business Award, she sits on the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning Advisory Board.
Mark Dawson, FASLA
Principal
Sasaki
Mark is a landscape architect and principal with Sasaki Associates. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the firm and Site practice. Mark views the cities in which he lives and works as vital and dynamic ecosystems. Synthesizing the complexities of social, economic, environmental, and cultural influences, he is able to create coherent, enduring, sustainable civic designs. Mark speaks to communities about the importance of public open space and how their voice in the process ensures social dialog and contribution, environmental stewardship and lasting positive contribution.
Alexis C. Landes, ASLA
Managing Principal
SCAPE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DPC
Alexis Landes is a designer, urban planner, and Managing Principal at SCAPE, where she has overseen the firm’s expansion from 12 to 90 staff members within the past eight years. Within SCAPE, she plays a critical role overseeing firm-wide operations, strategy, project management, business development and finances.
She has also served as Principal-in-Charge of several portfolio-defining projects. Externally, she manages client relationships and firm partnerships, developing tailored design solutions, teams and strategies to meet ever-changing needs. Alexis has taught professional practice courses and presented nationally at numerous conferences discussing collaborative approaches to business management and firm building.