Think BIG! Exploring Strategic Roles to Increase Transparency and Impact of Practice - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Recorded On: 10/07/2024

In an ever-evolving industry where professionals seek new paths for career growth, a spark for creativity, and engaging work, how do you cultivate a studio that supports long-term planning and creates space for discovery? Hear from leaders in roles strategically developed to change practice culture and elevate the profession's impact.

Learning objectives:

Learn how to prioritize strategic roles and partnerships focusing on long-term planning and new approaches to design that enhance your firm's impact.
Learn how to create an intentional structure for firm growth and career growth that supports the diverse needs of all staff and increases investment in the profession.
Learn about opportunities and challenges when building and maintaining a studio culture.
Understand how to foster a studio culture rooted in collaboration through all phases of the design process.

Shawn Balon, ASLA, PLA

Studio Director

Timmons Group

Shawn is an accomplished visionary leader and landscape architect with experience spanning the design, education, and nonprofit sectors. He has collaborated on projects with award-winning firms across the US and China. Shawn’s design skills combine conceptual design, community visioning, master planning, documentation, and project management. As Studio Director, he leads creative, collaborative teams dedicated to design innovation, envisions new approaches to the design process, supports the studio in long-term planning, and mentors next-generation talent. Previously, Shawn was executive director for a local nonprofit design center where he collaborated to implement creative approaches that strengthened the organization and the communities served.

Nicole Warns, ASLA

Director of Design

TBG Partners

Nicole Warns is a licensed landscape architect and Design Principal at TBG Partners in Austin, TX. With 20 years of experience at EDSA, EDSA Orient and TBG, she has been design lead on multiple projects of varying scale in the US and internationally. Although she has had to opportunity to lead design on several award-winning projects, her true passion lies in teaching and mentoring younger staff—especially when advocating for the growth of young female designers. In her current role, she not only guides vision for major projects, but also works to develop tools and platforms to elevate the design practice.

Erica J. Christenson, ASLA

Managing Director

TEN x TEN

Erica Christenson is a Managing Director for TEN x TEN, and is a registered landscape architect, ASLA member and SITES AP. In her firm leadership role, she is responsible for supporting staff development, office operations and mentorship through transparent and equitable systems. Additionally, she regularly collaborates with Directors and Principals on firm-wide technical standards, project management strategy, marketing endeavors, and staff development.

She has over 16 years of experience designing and managing landscape projects and has been supporting TEN x TENs projects most often as a Senior Project Leader and Technical Expert.