Jan Striefel, FASLA, AICP, LLA
Principal and President

Education
Bachelors of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
Utah State University, 1978

Masters of Economics and Human Resources
University of Utah, 1985

Memberships/Registrations/Affiliations
Licensed Landscape Architect- Utah, Idaho, and Nevada (LLA)
Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects (FASLA)
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Board (CLARB) Certified

Until I arrived in Logan, Utah, in 1974, I had never heard the term "landscape architect," but after reading about the department of landscape architecture and environmental planning at Utah State University, I took my first class and was hooked. What appealed to me then and excites me now is the diversity of opportunity the profession affords. It blends art, culture, the natural environment, people, communications, and science and technology in ways that can be tailored to individual tastes, natural abilities, and skills. I love being a landscape architect, and cannot image myself in any other profession.

But before that experience, there had to have been something to interest me in all of those qualities of landscape architecture. That I owe to my mother, who helped me get my botany badge in Girl Scouts, allowed me to house snakes and tarantulas in my bedroom, never scolded me for reading all night by flashlight under the covers, tolerated my penchant for tree climbing, let me spend my "pop bottle money" on vegetable and flower seeds, and created a home built on trust and tolerance where I could explore and grow in ways I could never have imagined. I will always be thankful.

Throughout my years as a landscape architect, I have always tried to keep in mind that what we do as landscape architects affects the lives of people. I think it is important to set an example, to live what we exemplify as a profession, and to extend our knowledge well past the front door of home and into our neighborhoods and communities. I think it is important to be involved in community, to care about people, to live responsibly wherever we live, and to make those qualities an integral part of our work. Being elected a Fellow confirms that these are good values for me and for the work that I do. This great honor inspires me to be better at what I do, to be more diligent in remembering the things that are most important, and always to strive for goodness and excellence both personally and professionally.