Jim Smith

Jim has been part of the Landscape Architecture Program for over 40 years. In his tenure, Jim he has contributed in a variety of ways. He was instrumental in the development of the program’s first curriculum sequence, which we still use parts of today. Jim also served as interim Program Director for the Landscape Architecture Program in the early 2000s, at which time he created the program’s annual design charrette. Currently Jim teaches two sections a year of the Landscape Design 2: Site Design course. He volunteers for student Portfolio Reviews, Capstone Crits and is always available to students for letters of recommendation and to mentor.

Jim’s devotion to the design process has been key in his teaching landscape architecture, he is a dedicated and respected part of our program. Students and staff alike, consider themselves fortunate for all that Jim does.

Always willing to participate, Jim encourages students to be creative and to push themselves within the design process. One student wrote “a wonderful mentor and teacher. He inspires and challenges everyone in their unique direction and creates a great learning atmosphere. He brings extensive knowledge and sharp architectural vision. He is a dynamic, inspiring person - one of the best teachers I have ever had.” Jim is no pushover either, as students note: “Jim is top notch. He has a way of providing criticism that pushes you to do your best.”

Attending the final presentations of Jim’s classes is always a joy. Each presentation shows the growth and understanding each student has of designing in a world that is far from flat. Understanding elevations is key to landscape architecture and architecture, and Jim is a master at teaching students site analysis, site awareness, elevation limitations and how to address this all in an artful design.

In addition to his time at UCLA Extension, Jim has been an active volunteer at the City of Burbank as a member of their Sustainability Committee. Jim recently retired as Chief of Design for the Parks and Recreation Department of the County of Los Angeles, where he has had an enormous impact on the landscape of Los Angeles County.

Finally, in Spring of 2020, Jim, like most other Extension instructors, dove into teaching design online, which included mastering Canvas, PowerPoint, Zoom, and many other digital softwares, from his garage in Big Bear, which we all can agree was challenging enough, but Jim did it with dedication, a great attitude and patience.

The Landscape Architecture Program thanks Jim for his dedication and commitment to the program and profession and we are delighted to honor him as a UCLA Extension 2022 Distinguished Instructor.