Alma Du Solier

“Walk the Talk”  

Interrogating the Role of the Landscape Architect: Practitioner, Steward, Advocate, Politician, or Activist.

Drawing from several recent projects by Hood Design Studio, this lecture examines how our role as practitioners today increasingly extends beyond the development of landscape plans—often because the communities we serve expect us to engage more deeply. This expanded role presents an opportunity to reframe the profession, but it also raises questions about scope and capacity. At times, these expectations conflict with the practical realities of running and sustaining a design practice: from recruiting and retaining talent at competitive rates to balancing the demands of clients whose goals may not fully align with the needs or aspirations of the communities we aim to serve.

While this lecture does not propose definitive solutions, its intent is to spark dialogue and to share candid, and at times imperfect, examples of how Hood Design Studio—and my own practice—have sought to navigate and adapt to this evolving professional landscape, as I understand it.

Alma Du Solier, studio director and principal at Hood Design Studio, seamlessly blends environmental planning with landscape design. Alma began her journey with a Bachelor in Architecture from ITESM Campus Monterrey, Mexico, then further honed her skills in landscape architecture under Walter at UC Berkeley. As the third member of Hood Design Studio, she significantly contributed to landmark projects like the DeYoung Museum, elevating the firm’s prominence in the cultural sector. While her career saw stints at various studios, including monumental projects in Latin America, China, and the Bay Area, she eventually circled back to Hood Design Studio and to teaching at UC Berkeley. Renowned for bridging gaps between designers and environmentalists, Alma often functions as a pivotal communicator, orchestrating harmonious solutions across diverse stakeholders. Boasting over two decades in the industry, Alma’s adaptability shines, managing projects of any magnitude with finesse, embedding narratives, and illuminating her profound love for design.

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