Georgia Chapter ASLA (GAASLA)

⭐️Awards submission now open! Apply by April 17th! ⭐️

As we near the year's end we reflect on what we're grateful for and what we hope the new year holds. We hope you'll join us Saturday morning on Dec 6, 2025 for an interactive workshop that will include a hands-on crafting experience along with guided community conversations.

By creating a safe and inclusive space for people to share stories of both angst and aspirations, we hope to foster meaningful dialogue around belonging and inclusion in the AEC industry, promote mental wellness, and build community through shared hopes and aspirations.

Mark your Calendars for the Atlanta Section Holiday Party!

GAASLA and the UGA CED is proud to welcome ASLA president Kona Grey!

Tomorrow The College of Environment + Design is pleased to welcome Kona Gray (BLA ‘97) back to UGA’s campus for “Higher Ground – Designing with Nature Towards a Resilient Future.”
A firm leader bringing 30 years of experience in 30+ countries, Gray’s global design and management sense has positively shaped many environments. His portfolio includes award-winning developments that solve meaningful global issues with emphasis on communities, parks, hospitality, museums, aquariums, healthcare and campuses.
A bona fide ambassador, Gray has contributed to more than two decades of outreach heightening awareness for the profession through sharing global projects, individual experiences, and external inspirations. He’s enthusiastic about growing the profession and committed to inclusion initiatives through mentorship, internships and scholarships.
Gray is a registered Landscape Architect and holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the CED and a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University. In private practice at EDSA, Gray co-leads design and business development as a firm resource. Gray is an ASLA Fellow and currently serves as ASLA National President. In 2022, he received the ASLA President’s Medal. In addition to serving on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the College of Environment + Design, Gray also serves on numerous other boards and committees around the country.

Congratulations to this years General Design - Built project honor award winners!

Project: Mercer University College Street Transformation – From Vehicular Divide to Civic Spine
Firm: HGOR
Slides 1-5

Description: Mercer University’s College Street transformation turns a once-vehicular corridor into a vibrant, pedestrian-first promenade at the heart of its Macon campus. Previously a dividing road and deteriorating parking lot, the corridor now links residence halls, academic buildings, and student life spaces through universally accessible routes, native landscaping, and stormwater-friendly bioswales. Retaining walls, shaded gathering areas, and multi-use lawns create inviting spaces for dining, events, and reflection, while thoughtful design maintains service access and honors Mercer’s architectural legacy. Completed in 2024, this project enhances daily life for over 4,800 students, prioritizing safety, community, and placemaking.

Project: Douglasville Town Green and Amphitheater
Firm: TSW
Slides: 6-10

Description: The City of Douglasville has transformed a former county jail into the Douglasville Town Green, a signature public space and catalyst for downtown revitalization. Completed in 2023, Phase 1 features a contemporary amphitheater, adaptive reuse of jail structures, a multi-use park, splash pad, playable art, and trail connections. Sustainable design elements like stormwater collection, native plantings, and permeable surfaces enhance the site, while year-round programming fosters community gathering, economic development, and social equity. Once a blighted site, the Town Green now exemplifies creative placemaking and sets the stage for future public and private development downtown.