We are thrilled to share the news that our esteemed colleague, Laurie F. Hall, ASLA, PLA, ISA, has been honored as a 2023 University of Florida #40GatorsUnder40 honoree! The prestigious program celebrates outstanding young alumni who are making significant contributions to their fields and communities, and Laurie’s recognition is truly well-deserved.
Laurie’s dedication to the design and construction industry is evident in her extensive accomplishments and community engagement. As a Professional Landscape Architect and ISA Certified Arborist, she has played a pivotal role in numerous projects, and her extensive portfolio has shaped, among others, the University of Florida’s campus with projects such as the Florida Football Training Center, the Wertheim Center for Engineering Excellence, Florida Ballpark at Alfred A. McKethan Stadium, and the new Malachowsky Hall for Data Science and Information. She has also led the design of numerous UF Health facilities, student housing, recreation, and master planning efforts, including the UF Campus-wide Trails Master Plan, which fosters interaction with the campus’s unique ecological features while emphasizing conservation management. Her ongoing commitment to empowering women in the field has inspired numerous aspiring professionals at the UF College of Design, Construction + Planning’s Women of Influence event, where she has served as a panelist multiple times.
Throughout her career, Laurie has consistently demonstrated her passion for mentoring students and emerging professionals. By guest lecturing in professional practice classes, facilitating professional panels, and leading student design reviews at institutions like University of Florida and Florida International University, Laurie has profoundly impacted the career paths of numerous future landscape architects. Her proactive response to the pandemic in early 2020, organizing a panel of professionals who graduated during the recession, offered invaluable guidance and reassurance to landscape architecture students during an uncertain job market.
Beyond her professional achievements, Laurie’s contributions to community initiatives have had lasting, positive effects on the lives of many. By leading a team of pro-bono consultants in developing a Master Plan for the City of Alachua’s Legacy Park, designing an interactive children’s garden at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, and advocating for sustainable community design through her work in municipal code development, she has created spaces for people to connect, heal, and thrive while helping to shape more environmentally responsible practices and policies.
Laurie’s recognition as a 2023 #40GatorsUnder40 honoree is a testament to her unwavering dedication, impressive portfolio, and the far-reaching impact she continues to make within her profession and beyond. We are incredibly proud to have her as a part of our team, and we wholeheartedly congratulate Laurie on this well-earned accolade!