Seminar Dates: November 5, 2026 9:30 AM
Seminar Cost: $30.00 Register Now
Seminar Description:
A beautiful design means nothing if it can't be maintained. This candid panel brings together a landscape architect, a landscape maintenance professional, and the latest research for an honest conversation about what happens when design and maintenance align — and when they don't. Panelists will explore real-world successes and cautionary tales from various landscape projects, with a focus on designing within realistic maintenance budgets, identifying chronic pain points in the field, and building the cross-disciplinary communication habits that lead to spaces that truly last. Attendees will leave with practical tools for bridging the design-to-maintenance gap on their next project.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify common landscape design decisions that create downstream maintenance challenges as well as early collaboration methods between designers and maintenance professionals that can prevent them.
2. Evaluate how client maintenance budgets should inform design choices from the onset, including plant selection, hardscape, irrigation, and long-term material durability.
3. Apply practical strategies for fostering ongoing dialogue between Landscape Architects and maintenance crews to improve project outcomes, reduce costly corrections, and build more sustainable, maintainable spaces.
Scott Rice, PLA, CASp, ASLA, BIA - RHA Community Works, ASLA SoCal Past President
Mr. Scott Rice is Managing Partner and Principal Landscape Architect at RHA Community Works (RHA+CW). Prior to the recent merger with RHA Landscape Architects Planners Inc, Scott served as President and Managing Principal of Community Works Design Group (CWDG), where managed over 100 park projects.
He is a full member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). Rooted in 20+ years of experience in the development of public spaces as a Licensed Landscape Architect, Scott refined his focus toward creating universally accessible environments. Most notably, he has provided accessibility evaluation services for more than 500 city-owned properties for the City of Los Angeles, spanning more than a dozen departments. Scott has also served as the City Landscape Architect for the City of Highland, California since 2005, as a Contract Park Planner for Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) since 2003, and Consultant Park Planner/ Plan Checker for Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District (JARPD) since 2015. Specialized areas of involvement include Skate Parks, Dog Parks, and Accessible Play.
