Steve Strom Memorial Lecture - Laurie Olin

This years Steve Strom Memorial Lecture given by Laurie Olin was exceptional. As host, Mr. Olin had the crowd entranced with each design he presented. The lecture started with a brief history of Laurie's life and work given by Kate John-Alder.
Designing with a vision and keeping the future in mind, stood out to me during his talk. As time changes it is important for our landscapes at times to do the same and a great design will allow for its vision to be achieved and for new ones to be born.
The understanding of the culture in a landscape is important to appreciate and acknowledge. We should also understand how users of our spaces will interpret them. (sometimes you have to show people the water) As designers at times we have ideas of how we see our intended plan at work, but we should also accept the reality of how it may be used and percieved.
As a word of advice to future graduates and Landscape Architects, Laurie informed the audience that what his firm looks for is great artists. The hand, according to Mr. Olin, is the most fluid tool we can use, sure computer renders look good, but a hand drawing and sketch can be done on the fly. Good thing we have Freestyle Sketch Thursdays.
One of the last pieces of advice Mr. Olin left us with was, "The most interesting thing you will ever design is yourself."
At the end as Mr. Olin was walking out, I got to thank him on giving a great lecture and even gave him a pound, too bad he didn't make it blast, maybe next time.