Acomb, Parisi inducted into ASLA Council of Fellows
September 22, 2009
At first glance, Glenn Acomb and Rick Parisi seem to have little in common. Acomb is a Florida resident while Parisi hails from New York. Acomb teaches for a living, while Parisi works for an architecture firm. However, there are three things that these men do share in common: the University of Florida, a dedication to architecture and two new spots on the American Society of Landscape Architects Council of Fellows.
The designation of Fellow is conferred on individuals in recognition of exceptional accomplishments. Only members of ASLA who have been in good standing for at least 10 years are considered for this honor, and they must be recommended by the executive committee of their local chapter, the executive committee of ASLA, or the executive committee of the Council of Fellows.
Glenn Acomb
UF landscape architecture lecturer Glenn Acomb was nominated by the Florida chapter for 37 years of contributions as a practitioner and educator. He earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Louisiana State University in 1972 and his master’s degree in landscape architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design in 1978.
He began teaching at UF in 1996, and as lead faculty member in construction and sustainability in landscape architecture, he cofounded a multidisciplinary research consortium on sustainability. He also co-designed the university’s first green roof, a 2,600-square-foot effort to reduce the use of both potable water and stormwater runoff on campus, as well as to provide a research and teaching tool in green roof technology.
Acomb’s work can be seen from New York to Melbourne, Australia and encompasses new town planning, historic sites, resort design and urban revitalization. He has been a major contributor to ASLA on the state and national levels, and also contributes to his local community.
Rick Parisi
UF graduate Rick Parisi earned his bachelor’s of science in landscape architecture in 1986. He is a project manager and partner for M. Paul Friedberg and Partners LLC, one of the most prominent landscape architecture firms of today. He has led projects around the world, ensuring quality at all levels of design and construction.
Parisi was nominated by ASLA’s New York chapter; during his 22 years of practice, he has contributed to all facets of landscape architecture design. Parks, plazas, waterfronts, and educational, health, and recreational facilities are just a few examples of his work.
An active and engaged professional, he has mentored more than 100 students, interns and graduate students within the M. Paul Friedberg and Partners firm, and is a frequent volunteer and participant in ASLA events and functions.
Former Governor and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham
In addition to Acomb and Parisi, Bob Graham, former governor and senator of Florida and UF alumnus, received honorary ASLA membership, among the highest honors ASLA bestows upon non-landscape architects in recognition of notable service to the profession.
The Board of Trustees selected Graham for this honor because throughout his political career he has led local, national and international initiatives to protect and conserve natural resources. As governor, he led the charge to secure public ownership of more environmentally endangered lands than any other state in the nation. A champion of the Everglades, he recognizes that conservation and sound development can coexist.
ASLA has awarded only 134 honorary memberships since its inception in 1889.
