Session 1: 1:00–2:15 pm ET

Brad McCauley is a passionate advocate for landscape architecture, who has spent the last 17 years putting people first and making a difference in the profession. A dedicated member of ASLA, Brad has tirelessly served the profession on local, regional, and national stages. This service has resulted in increased membership, advocacy for STEM designation, and a broader awareness of the profession.

As a practitioner, Brad has led the team at site design group for the past decade as the Managing Principal. The recognition of awards throughout the Midwest and on a National level has been a testimony to Brad’s leadership.  More important has been the steady and managed growth of the firm from ten professionals in 2012 to over sixty professionals today, including full-time employees in Tokyo, Brazil, and an entire team based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Brad’s commitment to inclusive recruiting, hiring, and retention has transformed the culture of the firm to meet today’s market demands and leadership expectations. Under his guidance, the firm’s $2 billion portfolio reflects his commitment to design excellence improving the quality of life for all. For him, good design is not a luxury; it's a right that should be accessible to everyone. 

Brad extends his leadership to various organizations, including The Cultural Landscape Foundation’s Stewardship Council and his Alma Mater’s Department of Landscape Architecture Resource Committee at the University of Illinois. His involvement in local and regional consortiums, panels, and publications showcases his dedication to the broader profession.

Evan Mather, FASLA, PLA, SITES AP, is a Los Angeles based landscape architect and filmmaker who integrates ecological systems, civic design, and storytelling. As a Principal and Director of Landscape Architecture at MIG, he leads multidisciplinary teams on parks, streetscapes, campuses, and regenerative public realm projects throughout Southern California. His work blends technical rigor with narrative sensibility, advancing resilient, climate responsive landscapes rooted in community identity. A Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, he is committed to design excellence, mentorship, and shaping equitable, future ready cities.

Scott Rice, ASLA, is the President and Managing Principal of Community Works Design Group (CWDG), a medium-sized landscape architecture and accessibility planning firm based in Southern California. In addition to nearly 25 years with CWDG, Scott transitioned from employee to full owner of the firm through a succession plan. Scott is one of only three licensed landscape architects that also hold Certified Access Specialist (CASp) credentials. He recently completed his term as President of the Southern California Chapter of ASLA. When not working or volunteering, Scott enjoys spending time in parks and outdoor spaces with his wife and five children.

Mia Lehrer, FASLA, is president and founder of Studio-MLA, a landscape architecture, planning, and urban design practice based in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Drawing insight from ecological systems, Mia is recognized for a research-based design process that advocates for resilient and just relationships between individuals, communities, and nature. She has led the design and implementation of ambitious public and private projects including Sofi Stadium, Dodger Stadium, the revitalization of San Francisco’s Levi’s Plaza, the LA County Natural History Museum, Vista Hermosa Park, and many urban river and waterfront related projects. The recipient of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum 2021 National Design Award for Landscape Architecture, Mia is on the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power Commission and served as a member of President Obama’s U.S. Fine Arts Commission from 2014-2018.

Dawn Dyer, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP, is a Principal at Studio‑MLA with over 20 years of experience. Trained first as an architect, she discovered the expansive creative and ecological potential of landscapes, ultimately shaping a career that bridges both disciplines. Her work reflects this progression—integrating architectural clarity with sensory‑rich, resilient landscape design. Dawn was integral to the Nature Gardens at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, transforming an asphalt lot into a living urban ecology, and contributed to the renovation of the historic John Anson Ford Theatres. Her practice centers on sustainable, adaptive, community‑connected public spaces.

Kush Parekh is a Design Principal at Studio-MLA with over 20 years of experience leading complex civic, cultural, and urban projects. He plays a key role in shaping firmwide design direction while guiding multidisciplinary teams through large-scale work. Kush translates community priorities and big ideas into clear strategies that connect landscape and infrastructure within the urban fabric. He has led many of Studio-MLA’s most complex and consequential projects, including Hollywood Park and SoFi Stadium, and currently leading the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and the California Indian Heritage Center. His work advances ecological performance, climate resilience, and lasting civic value.