Beyond the Sample Closet: Strategies for Smarter Materials Management - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Recorded On: 10/10/2025

Effective management of a materials library requires intention, organization, and a thorough understanding of user needs. In this session, discover how digital tools and research-backed strategies can be used to establish, streamline, and enhance your firm’s materials library and commitment to innovative and sustainable material practices.

Learning objectives:

Recognize the challenges of materials libraries—Understand common inefficiencies in materials management and their impact on design workflows, sustainability, and firm operations.
Apply research-backed strategies for more efficient materials management—Learn key takeaways from firm surveys and academic case studies to improve materials library organization and accessibility.
Leverage technology and automation for efficient inventory tracking—Explore how digital tools, automation, and user-friendly interfaces can streamline material sample management and reduce material waste.
Rethink sample use and waste in professional practice—Gain insights into how firms can implement sustainable material management strategies, reduce sample duplication, and hold manufacturers accountable for sample reuse.

Chloe Gillespie, Assoc. ASLA

Landscape Designer

RDG Planning and Design

Chloe Gillespie is a designer with a passion for blending creative design with emerging technologies. With a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University, Chloe approaches design with a forward-thinking mindset that seeks innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. Chloe is known for a meticulous and thoughtful approach to each project. With a deep passion for learning, mentoring, and helping others succeed, Chloe is driven by a desire to continuously grow, take on new challenges, and support the next generation of designers.

Jessica Canfield, ASLA, PLA

Associate Professor

Kansas State University

Jessica Canfield, PLA, ASLA, frames her award-winning teaching and creative practice through making and storytelling to create memorable and meaningful outcomes. Her work emphasizes landscape performance, focusing on conceptual site design and materials. Before joining the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning faculty at Kansas State University, Canfield’s professional practice focused on high-profile public spaces. Notably, she founded the Sitework collection for K-State’s MatLAB and co-authored LAF’s “Evaluating Landscape Performance: A Guidebook for Metrics and Methods Selection.” Canfield holds a MLA from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and a BSLA from Colorado State University.

Angel Gonzales

Senior Associate | Resource Director

Gensler

As a Resource Director at Gensler in the South-central Region, Angel consults with Designers, Industry Partners, and clients on various projects, from workplace to hospitality, to retail and food + beverage. While it is a relationship-oriented role, his priority is connecting Design teams with the best quality and sustainable products. As a connector he bridges gaps, linking Designers with resources, contacts, or materials they may need, and is trusted to consult on the quality of a product. He enjoys the innovative nature of Gensler, who allows him to push the envelope of design and material application..