Landscape architecture students shine at AZ ASLA Awards Gala, Expo

April 4, 2025
Overview
Landscape architecture students recognized during the 2025 Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Awards Gala & Expo
Image
BLA students recognized during the AZ ASLA Gala in 2025

A number of Landscape architecture students were earned awards for student excellence during the 2025 Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Awards Gala & Expo. 

The event, held at Clayton House, recognized outstanding achievements in landscape architecture, with CAPLA students making an impressive showing. In total, over 40 members of the CAPLA community were highlighted, showcasing the exceptional talent and innovation within the program.

An Honor Award was presented to “Rodeo Wash Watershed,” a project developed by students from LAR 301/610 Design Studio 3. This award was accepted on behalf of the team by Professor Kirk Dimond

The project was completed under the guidance of Dimond, Lecturer Erik Schmahl and Teaching Assistant Cynthia Ruelas Balderrama

The following students contributed: 

MLA Students

  • Akshaya Bharathi
  • Ashley Danforth
  • Esmeralda Carrasco
  • Darin Jin
  • Quinn McElvain
  • Renee Peters
  • Sam Pratt
  • Greeshma Singireddy

BLA Students

  • Elizabeth Allen
  • Mireya Ballesteros
  • Jaden Barnum
  • Chase Birch
  • Allison Castro
  • Miranda Cortes
  • Danielle Covey
  • Violet Dasse
  • Julia Esslinger
  • JP Estupinan
  • Mia Ferring
  • Sid Fichter
  • Diego Gomez
  • Alexa Hopkins
  • Michael Lawson
  • Paulina Lazcano
  • Jorge Leon
  • Ashley Limbaugh
  • Chase Linzey
  • Aziz Murodkhujaev
  • Michael Obi
  • Abigail Power
  • Isabela Santos
  • River Spangler
  • Paul Suarez Cors
  • Isabella Temur

In addition to the group awards, several individual students received special recognition. 

Julia Nunn received an Honor Award for her project, “De Urbanite Park.”

BLA Student Excellence Awards

Honor Award 

  • Ava Bezaire
  • Ashley Limbaugh

Merit Award 

  • Arden Cherry
  • Joseph Graph

MLA Student Excellence Awards

Honor Award 

  • Christian Aguilar Murrieta

Merit Award 

  • Jackson Ells

These recognitions showcase CAPLA’s continued excellence in landscape architecture education, fostering the next generation of innovative designers. 

  

Subscribe to The Studio

Sign up for CAPLA's monthly e-newsletter to get the latest news and events, insights from faculty and leadership, profiles of students and alumni and more.

Subscribe Now

Latest CAPLA News, Projects and Profiles

Image
From left, Diane Jacobs, Nancy Pollock-Ellwand and Chuck Albanese

Alumna and Architect Diane Reicher Jacobs Shares Journey and ‘Triple Dare’ with Graduates

Architect and alumna Diane Reicher Jacobs, FAIA '88 shared during her convocation address her unconventional path into architecture and the core values that have guided her work: truth, beauty, and love. She encouraged graduates to embrace the uncertainty ahead with curiosity and care, ending with a heartfelt “triple dare” to go forth and build better places.

Image
People gathered together and posing for a photo.

Drachman Institute celebrates community partners, impact

The Drachman Institute recognized 28 community leaders nominated by CAPLA faculty for their outstanding collaboration and leadership across diverse organizations. These awardees represent a wide range of sectors, including local government, nonprofits, and tribal communities, highlighting the strong partnerships fostered through the Drachman Institute.