Spirit of Joe Book Draft 4 by Keyu Yan

SPIRIT OF JOE

Stories and images in memory of Joseph J. Lalli

October 25, 2014 was a difficult day. Joseph J. Lalli -- wonderful husband, admired mentor, supportive brother, loyal friend, sensitive artist, talented designer, animal lover, industry-leading landscape architect and land planner, and award-winning creator of spaces around the world -- was taken on a long journey. For 40 years, Joe was employed by EDSA, the globally renowned landscape architecture and planning firm where, for a quarter of a century, he served as President and CEO and, most recently, as chairman. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects and was nominated twice for an ASLA medal. He took the lead in opening the Chinese market for the profession. The world is a better place because of Joe. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Dawson-Lalli, and his two brothers, Vincent and Anthony Lalli. A celebration of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life was held on November 15, 2014 at the Joe Lalli Studio in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

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My experiences have taught me that the fabric of multiple backgrounds can create something wonderful, exciting and timeless in quality. Our continued success is dependent upon diversification of projects, places and people and involving future EDSA generations in all aspects of operations, design and management.

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Joseph J. Lalli Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects

1943 - 2014

This book is a collection of stories and images capturing moments and experiences shared with Joe Lalli from his family, friends and peers who loved him and remember him fondly. We delightfully dedicate this book to his lovely wife Jeanne, his wonderful brothers Vincent and Anthony, and his life-long friend and colleague Teresa, and hope that we can, with these stories and pictures, pass on his spirit to others. The Forever Team

Contents Foreword Kona Gray 6 Introduction 7

Chapter One | Stories, Letters and Poems 10 Stories, Letters and Poems from Family and Friends 10 Stories, Letters and Poems from Peers 70 Stories from China 108

Chapter Two | The Landscape Architect 122 Landscape Architecture Design Studio 122 Favorite Projects 126

Chapter Three | The Artist 136 The Studio of Art 138 Watercolor 140 The Calendar 148

Chapter Four | The World Traveler 158 Chapter Five | Favorites 168 Chapter Six | Good Times 180 Chapter Seven | Memorials to Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit 190 Acknowledgments 196 5

Everyone has a person in their life who provided support, inspiration and compassion. For most people this person is a parent, relative, friend or colleague. Joe played this role for all who knew him around the world. This book truly exhibits his generosity and contribution to humankind. His parents provided the foundation and his mentors fostered his purpose in life. It seems to me he realized early that his legacy would be rooted in making the world a better place by improving the lives of the people he loved. Joe always embodied an ability to give back. It could be a small gesture: a hello to a stranger, a helpful hint to a co-worker or a hug for a loved one. He also performed major acts of kindness by supporting worthy causes, giving financial support to those in need and creating opportunities for all the people in his life. By example, Joe instilled this culture of giving in everyone. Recently I spent time with Jeanne, Gregg and Rand at Crawford Pond in Union, Maine. It had been 4 years since my last visit. The trip was organized by one of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friends, Rand Gentry. The purpose of the visit was to complete a project Joe had envisioned many years earlier. Joe and Rand planned the construction for the fall of 2014. The project is a pavilion that is nestled adjacent to the main cottage and the chapel on the property. The structure completes the composition of structures in the landscape originally imagined by Joe. We came together in June of 2015 to realize the vision. It was a magical experience. Sometimes we were very sad and emotional. Then, the feeling would shift to joy and remembrance. There are so many reminders of Joe at Crawford Pond. This will always be Jeanne and Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place. I love them both for creating such an incredibly spiritual environment in which to be an artist, a creative writer and, simply, just a good person. I will always love Jeanne and Joe for providing me the opportunity to be human. There is no doubt that they have touched so many lives and we will all pay it forward for decades. Kona Gray 10.15.2015

foreword

introduction

Courtesy Landscape Architecture Magazine December 2014 Issue | Page 36

[left] A card of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents. Its simplicity and timelessness inspired the format for the collection of notes.

[right] Celebration of Life, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Chapter one | stories, letters and poems from family and friends Story from Jeanne Jeanne is Joe’s wife. This story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

Seeing so many people here today who loved, respected, and appreciated the man he was is all anyone could want. I know some of you came from very far away. He was your friend, your boss, your family member, your team leader, your visionary, your problem solver, your associate, your supporter, your mentor -- and a tough one at that … many things to many people and often a combination of all of the above and more. I know some of you also came out of love for me… SO thank you for just being here in this space that he loved above all his places. We have gathered here many times -for fundraising events, meetings, pasta dinners, studio Christmas parties,

volunteer parties for APR staff and volunteers, our annual Christmas Eve party, client gatherings, even a dance party. He wanted all those he loved and cared about to experience this place and he shared it with his characteristic generosity…and mostly he loved coming here to paint, sketch and work on drawings for such personal projects as the new kennels for APR and the house we were renovating a few blocks away from here … and to watch HEAT games on the big screen TV of course! Some of you who love him and who will speak after me to remember him, will no doubt speak of his talents, integrity, leadership, courage, and fearlessness. For me, he was my partner of almost 40 years. I met him on Spring Break when I was 28 - not too long ago.

We had a long distance affair for seven years, I finally moved down here to cohabit. And then 15 or so years later we were married. Let it not be said that we rushed into anything. . . We were physically apart a lot of the time, doing our own thing, but we know each other inside and out and are and always will be each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one support system and emotional connection. We had a relationship that worked for us. Most of what I have been able to do is because of his generosity, tolerance, and love. He gave me my heartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place in Maine. He gave me trips to so many places, especially all those Italy times for painting and food and drink. But most of all, he let me be who I was and let me know in a myriad of ways that I was loved for me. He was loyal to a fault to those he loved, even if we managed to drive him crazy on occasion. He knew what he liked and was not reluctant to mention it. When he found a place, person, restaurant food, or drink that he liked, that

was the choice for a long period of time. He was equally at home with princes and ordinary folks alike and judged all by the same standard. He trusted you or he did not. He respected you or he did not. He loved you or he did not. He was altruistic, and if financial support would help someone in a difficult situation, he never hesitated to give it. Be they family members or not. He did not want to sell or give his paintings to anyone unless he thought they really appreciated them, and some pieces he just never was ready to part with -- like his friends.

While saying goodbye to this man is the hardest thing I will ever do, I will accept it as the price for having him in my life and all that he gave and still gives me. He is the love of my life in the finest sense of the word. I could go on and on, but it is time to turn this over to Teresa Hugentugler, his friend and assistant of 37 years and the person who spent as much time with him on a daily basis as I did. It is her turn to see if she can get through this. Jeanne Dawson Lalli

And many of us know what a decent cook he was. It was his way of showing his love both of the food and the people he fed. He could make something out of nothing, as his mother was able to do, and he never followed a recipeâ&#x20AC;Śjust looked at the pictures in cookbooks for inspiration or stuck to the current favorite spice and went from there.

Story from Vincent Vincent is Joe’s brother.

Story 1 - 2522 Porch

In October 1989, after a long search for a cottage in the Finger Lakes, I finally found a house on Cayuga Lake in Seneca Falls. After Joe’s first visit to my new place, I asked him what he thought of the house. He said, “I like it, but you need a porch.” I said, “Design it, and I’ll have it built.” These drawings are Joe’s initial sketches. The following spring I hired Brian and Phil Olmstead of Seneca Falls to do the work. The Olmsteads proved to be a good choice. When Joe and Jeanne returned at Thanksgiving, I asked Joe how he liked the way the front of the house turned out. He said, “Let’s go down by the road and look at it from there.” Joe asked me what I especially noticed about the porch. I told him I liked the way it fit. “It looks like it’s always been there.” He agreed. “Anything else?” he asked. I told him the angle of the roof line seemed to match the peak of the dormer. “You’re right again,” he said. “Anything else?” When I hesitated, he said, “Actually, it’s the same design of Ma’s porch on Reed Street” (our family homestead growing up). This little story tells a lot about Joe. He always challenged people to

be observant and wanted their input. Whatever the project, whether it be the Wildlife Park in Al Ain or my front porch, he gave it his full attention. It also shows all his projects have similar characteristics: his eye for design, a natural ability to sketch, and, most important, Joe’s sensitivity and passion.

Vincent Lalli

[right] Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original sketch for the porch [left] Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas card picture at the porch

Story from Vincent I was sitting alone next to Joe’s bed at Holy Cross Hospital holding Joe’s hand. 2 - About Kimberly

A young woman walked in. I was somewhat surprised because I didn’t know her, and Jeanne was restricting visitors to family and very close friends. She sat down in a chair on the other side of the bed and held Joe’s left hand. She spoke to Joe, “I love you, Doc. It’s me, it’s Kimberly.” “You must be very close to Joe,” I said. “I am,” she said. “He made me all that I am today.” I said: “Tell me how.” “I always have wanted to help take care of people who cannot take care of themselves. It’s always been my mission in life. My goal is to become a registered nurse. When I was 18 I wanted to take nursing courses to become a nurse assistant. I didn’t have the money for tuition. I asked Doc if he would help me by paying for the courses.” “Who’s Doc?” I asked.

[above] Photo of Kimberly with Joe and Jeanne

“Joe is Doc,” she said. “How did he get that name?” I asked. Kimberly explained: “My dad worked for Doc for many, many years trimming his trees. Your brother carried a briefcase. My father and his crew thought it was a doctor’s bag. That’s how it happened. They would sometimes ask Doc what to do about a cold or something like that. Doc would say something like this: take a couple aspirins tonight, drink a lot of water and get a good night’s sleep. In the morning you’ll start feeling better! “ “So, did Joe agree to help you out with your nursing studies?” I asked. “He did. Doc paid for all my courses. In return I told him I would study hard and pass”. Kimberly continued. “After completing the program, I passed the exam to be certified on my first try. Most people take the test at least two times before passing.” Then she applied for jobs. Kimberly got the assistant nursing job she wanted and was ready to begin work in several days. However, her dilapidated

car died. Without transportation, she went to Joe again for help. Joe called Jeanne, “Kimberly has a job as an assistant nurse but her car died. Go out and find her a car.” They found her a 2004 Chevy Cavalier, a car Kimberly still drives. I spoke with Kimberly after Christmas 2014. In addition to working two jobs, she was starting a patient care tech course on January 5th. If she passes, she’ll be able to work in a hospital. Kimberly has an ambition to become a registered nurse. Joe and Jeanne should be proud of Kimberly.

Vincent 01.05.2015

Poem from Anthony Anthony is Joe’s brother. He couldn’t attend Joe’s life celebration, but his poem was read at it by Vincent.

Only in America Dreams that are hollow are usually carved out of fluff and pillowy stuff, so without much substance they are plunged into a state of emptiness and their gases can engulf us. Yet, deep in any crevasse of the brain’s wrinkles, some will discover barrels of dreams analogous to cucumbers and pickles, that is, today you are one thing, but tomorrow you can be something else.

From left to right: Anthony, Vincent, Joe.

From left to right: Vincent, Anthony, Joe.

From left to right: Vincent, Anthony, their mother, Joe.

Story from Teresa Teresa is Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colleague at EDSA and a friend. The story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014

I met Joseph in 1977. He was a young, quiet, polite man. EDSA was then a small firm working hard to meet the deadlines for both projects and payroll; major work was in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and that is where Joseph was always going in those days. As I look back I remember that when he was gone (three of us shared the end of a hallway and the open area next to it), his quietness was missed. Even in his youth, his presence was big and filled the space. Joseph and I were thrown together by destiny. I was hired by Ed to translate booklets, specs, contracts and correspondence for what was beginning to become an important market sector for the practice. Oil price wars and the principals settling down and being unwilling to travel far for long periods, made South America attractive. And thus a need for Spanish speaking staff arose. Because we shared the space, Joseph would ask me for assistance from time to time and I remember his face lighting up when he discovered I was able to decipher Armboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handwriting. That was considered an epic accomplishment and thus our association began, Armbo

followed suit and we were a happy threesome for 18 years, until I had to divorce Armbo because of workload. As time went by, what had been a part-time job, became my lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career, and the decision to take what was then seen as a menial position was made easier because I realized that I would be party to greatness. I was looking at the chance of being involved with the most brilliant mind I had ever encountered. And the best part was that not only would I be witnessing genius first hand, but that it came in a most fascinating persona - here was a brilliant man, but so quiet as to almost qualify as introverted, so nonintrusive but yet so courageous. You did not want to push him because what he might lack in bulk he made up for in tenacity and intrepidity. I remember loving the birds he used to draw back then, pen sketches, minimalistic and lovely; he was obsessed with birds and would make book markers and cards for his friends. Little did I know that that was just the prelude. Joseph was, I knew right away, the most interesting choice and from that point on, things just got better and better. I discovered Joseph: the son, the brother, the friend;

I heard stories of a girlfriend from Elmira, in upstate New York, but for a couple of years I did not meet her, I was in awe as well as intrigued by how he could be so committed to what then seemed a myth, but eventually, I met Jeanne and understood. As Armbo once said: They are good for each other, two peas in a pod. Joseph kept life exciting, interesting and sweet. He thrived on adrenalin and kept us living on the edge. Deadlines were so fast and frequent, sometimes we thought we could not make them, but he kept pushing himself and us harder. His projects and clients were amazing and once someone saw him in action, they kept coming back for more. A beautiful example of this is the Sanchez family from Puerto Rico. Joseph started working with the father and then with the son, both among his favorite friends. Fede Sanchez Jr. attended the celebration of Joseph’s life. Another of his lifelong friends from Puerto Rico is Hugh Andrews. He

was there for the celebration and in earlier years they shared many memorable occasions. Joseph’s relationship with Rob Davies spanned decades and, in addition to being a client, Rob was one of Joseph’s best friends; Joseph had big plans for the future with Rob. Rob too traveled from Europe just to be at Joseph’s celebration; the trip probably lasted longer than his stay, such a special bond they shared. Imagine what it was like having a first row seat for 38 years! I could really go on and on, so many feats when just one of his accomplishments would make anyone proud. But he was always thinking ahead and seeing things differently. I remember when EDSA was on the brink of bankruptcy and Joseph decided he had to share the helm with Ed in order to not only save EDSA but to raise the bar. He was brilliant and intrepid; I was both in awe and petrified. So many experiences that kept life exciting and the intellect stimulated. Joseph was a great man to so many of us, too many to list, and many

who were influenced by him went on to become successful in their own right. Many came to pay their respects and have acknowledged his influence in their lives. I must stop before this becomes a book, however not before speaking of Joseph, the man. Joseph believed in loving and taking care of your own folk. He was the prototype of a mama’s boy; he adored, protected and doted on his mom, Mary. Jeanne’s talk at his celebration is a first-hand account of what he was like as a husband/life partner; these two were truly made for each other, and I mostly saw the spark in his eyes when he spoke of big D ( Dawson, Jeanne’s maiden name). His brothers Vincent and Anthony, whom he loved dearly, have nothing but wonderful memories of times spent as children and youths and adults. Joseph told me so many stories of growing up in Geneva and I know these three rascals had a lot of fun. Sadly, they also tasted the bitter tears of tragedy. But rather than break the Lallis, it brought them closer together, and they became allies for life; their unspoken common goal to succeed

and to take care of their mom and each other was unbreakable and they honored it.

pans, my vases, my kitchen knives, clocks, all of my spices, paintings are reminders of my dear friend.

for the pleasure of doing them and doing them quietly or simply because it was the right thing to do.

But taking care of next of kin, was not Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only quality. In my book, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s admirable but could be our obligation and it gives us personal pleasure. What made Joseph a giant in my eyes, what set him apart from other brilliant people, and made me always forgive any transgression (in addition to the fact that he always forgave mine too); was his unending generosity. Joseph was one of the most frugal people I have met; however, he was quick to part with any amount of money in order to help out a friend, or a friend of Jeanne, or even my friends. It seemed this is what money was for in his book, to help others; it definitely was not to buy flashy stuff to advertise his financial success. He bought what he liked regardless of whether someone else may or may not be impressed with it; if he loved it, he bought it, and numerous times he also bought one for each of the people he loved, I know half my pots and

He also saved many people from bankruptcy and foreclosure, put so many through school and then helped out to buy their first cars; shared his miles so someone could travel for pleasure or an emergency; made sure less fortunate friends had turkeys for holidays, wreaths and trees for Christmas, and received handmade cards on birthdays. I remember when the friend who did all the painting of his houses transitioned; Joseph was the first one to support his wife; he even helped do some physical work at her house. He and Jeanne visited her and made sure she did not feel abandoned as they had no children. I remember her calling more than once to ask him to do something for her. There were just so many random acts of kindness when the only guarantee was that they would not be reciprocated. They were not done for show; these were regular folks who nobody knew; the good deeds were done

Joseph also strongly believed in giving back to the communities he loved. He did this by donating his own (and EDSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) time and money to community landmarks, by personally becoming a member of museums, the opera. Over the years, personally and through EDSA, he supported sports and education. He felt you did this to make the community strong and desirable; he felt if you wanted to attract the best, you had to offer the best. He believed that when the economy was at its worst, successful individuals and companies needed to step up the most. He also believed in helping whenever a catastrophe hit, not only in this country but abroad, since he had benefited from working all over the world. He loved cats and protected them, as they were a source of joy and fascination to him. He also supported dogs, birds flora, fauna and nature at large.

His generosity alone made it impossible not to love and admire Joseph. He was so much more than a fabulous professional and gifted artist; he was an outstanding person and exemplary citizen. He was not perfect; no human being is, but he is on the very top of my list of wonderful people. He definitely left the world better than he found it, and the standing room only crowd at his lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebration proves many agree. His parting gift to me was that, through his generosity, I was able to retire early, at the perfect time. I can only hope I can be half the friend he was to me. Joseph will continue influencing and sharing his greatness and his love with me for as long as I live. With love and gratitude, Teresa Galeano Hugentugler

Poem from Michael Michael Dawson is Joe’s brother-inlaw. The poem to his sister Jeanne Ann was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

And on your finger… was his ring When first I saw it, my breath pulled in Your fingers spun it reverently, absent-mindedly, the color blue I was surprised it stayed… your hands so thin And yet there it was, a perfect fit, not unlike the two of you You like bird with broken wing And on your finger… was his ring I touched your hand and there saw your pain I asked if this were his. A shaky yes and yet another twist I could not help but feel the same Wondering what if I were the one sitting where grief had kissed You like bird afraid to sing As on your finger… was his ring I will not pretend to know the ache Loss and loneliness and fear and hurt and questions that won’t abate To have a heart that just wants to break For your other half, your partner, your cutie, your love, your helpmate As you the queen to his king For on your finger… was his ring Take heart Big D, for you have others Family and friends, artists, relatives and cats and cats and cats Find hope my sister in God the Father Who loves and forgives and shares your burdens and died on your behalf Joy that circle one day will bring

There on your finger… Joe Lalli’s ring

It is the symbol of Joe’s promise Of life and death, of joy and of sorrow, of good times and of bad Like the WHY that God sent Jesus To show His grace, unmerited favor, for all now to be had So to His cross you yet can cling See… round your heart is found God’s ring

Story from Mark

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Mark is one of Joe’s life-long best friends. The story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

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A great loss for the A/E world Mark Zweig offers remembrance on passing of dear friend and firm leader Joe Lalli.

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Joe was EDSA and EDSA was Joe. I never met a guy more dedicated and obsessed with both his company and his projects than Joe. He thought about his work 24 hours a day.

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e lost a great leader, design professional, and friend with the passing Joseph J. “Joe” Lalli, FASLA, in Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 25. The son of a New York shoemaker, Joe had an amazing and successful career, first as a professor and then for next for 40-plusyears at the internationally acclaimed planning and design firm EDSA (formerly Edward Durrell Stone, Jr., and Associates).

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I first met Joe in the early ’90s, when Ed Stone called me to get help with his executive committee, which wasn’t “getting along.” That trip resulted in Joe being named managing partner by the EDSA BOD, a job he held for about 20 years; a period during which EDSA enjoyed incredible success – growing from roughly $6.5 million in annual See MARK ZWEIG, page 2

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School of Architecture, he stayed at our house. The last night he was there, he and I stayed up late using our iPads to look for videos and sound clips of Ferrari engines. He just loved the sound! He was always looking at Ferraris but never bought himself one.

revenue to a peak of about $60 million near the end of Joe’s tenure. Joe was a powerful guy who defied all stereotypes. A tremendously talented designer loved by his clients, Joe could sell like crazy but was so soft-spoken that at times you had to strain to hear him. I think that was part of his success. He made you listen. Joe was EDSA and EDSA was Joe. I never met a guy more dedicated and obsessed with both his company and his projects than Joe. He thought about his work 24 hours a day. He called me most weekends, when he wasn’t overseas, just to check in and tell me what was going on with both the firm and his jobs. Our relationship was far more than that of consultant and client. The very last night I spent with the mother of my two oldest daughters was at Joe and Jeanne’s house in Maine. Several years later, it was because of Joe and Jeanne that I met my wife, Katie. My older girls and I were down in Ft. Lauderdale for Easter vacation and the Lallis invited us over to their house for Easter dinner. They also invited Katie, who at that time was a young landscape architect at EDSA just getting started out. She didn’t have any family down there and they didn’t want her to be alone on a holiday. Those are the kind of people Joe and Jeanne are. We picked the middle name of our first daughter together – Josephine – to honor Joe. Joe was an amazing designer – both large and small scale. It could be a 60,000-acre multi-use development in a foreign land or a tiny half bath retiling project in Massachusetts – he was never too busy to give design ideas on anything. I always got his input on my residential projects because he had such a unique and artistic yet functional way of looking at things. He was also a tremendous and prolific artist – particularly as a watercolor painter. He was an accomplished teacher and helped many people learn how to draw, paint, and design. Joe was very patient with others but not with himself. He pushed himself so hard... too hard... right up to the end. I never saw a guy who would travel like he did to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe – sometimes all in the same

Back in the ’90s, I was down in Fort Lauderdale visiting Joe when we went to an old warehouse they kept to store stuff in. There was his Honda 350 Scrambler – parked since the ’70s – rotting away. I convinced Joe to send it to me and I restored it for him. He took it to his vacation compound in Maine, complete with several small houses and a miniature replica of Fay Jones’ Thorncrown Chapel that he used for his art studio there. And every Spring Joe would call me to tell me he got the Honda going again (usually with a new battery!) and how much he loved it. month – for months and years on end! Joe was at the forefront of every challenge facing his firm in the ’90s and 2000s. His leadership got the firm into China. He negotiated every financial and business obstacle thrown their way. He also ran the firm’s largest design studio for many years. And he helped so many people grow into incredibly talented designers and planners – many of which are still at EDSA today. I never met anyone inside or outside of EDSA who didn’t have complete respect and admiration for Joe. He was truly the archetypal design professional. In fact, Joe was the very first Jerry Allen Courage in Leadership Award Winner – an honor well-bestowed and one he was proud of. He also had a fantastic sense of humor. He told hilarious stories of his adventures. He could do impressions. He would have you rolling on the floor at times when he got ramped up – usually after a glass of wine or two. He was just fun to be around. He had a bucket of mechanical hand mixers. He had more art than anyone I have ever seen and more houses and art studios, too, including a plantation in Honduras. You never knew what he would come up with; he was full of surprises. When Joe came to Arkansas last year and spoke at The Fay Jones

I don’t have that many true friends. Joe was one of them. We all lost a great leader – a great example – and consummate design professional with Joe’s passing. May he not be forgotten. MARK ZWEIG is the chairman and CEO of Zweig Group. Contact him with questions or comments at mzweig@zweiggroup.com.

38 West Trenton Blvd., Suite 101 Fayetteville, AR 72701 Mark Zweig | Publisher mzweig@zweiggroup.com João Ferreira | Managing Editor jferreira@zweiggroup.com Christina Zweig | Contributing Editor christinaz@zweiggroup.com Liisa Sullivan | Correspondent lsullivan@zweiggroup.com Tel: 800-466-6275 Fax: 508-653-6522 E-mail: info@zweiggroup.com Online: www.thezweigletter.com Twitter: twitter.com/zweigletter Blog: zweigwhite.blogspot.com Published continuously since 1992 by Zweig Group, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. ISSN 1068-1310. Issued weekly (48 issues/yr.). $475 for one-year subscription, $775 for two-year subscription. Article reprints: For high-quality reprints, including Eprints and NXTprints, please contact The YGS Group at 717-399-1900, ext. 139, or e-mail TheZweigLetter@TheYGSGroup.com. © Copyright 2014, Zweig Group. All rights reserved.

Story from Raymond Raymond is one of Joe’s life-long best friends.

I recall fondly numerous projects that I worked on with Joe Lalli throughout the US, in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, China, Mexico or wherever that time found us. Most of the projects were in association with EDS NY, RGA NY and EDSA FL. The depth of loyalty to each had to the other was a testament to the successful collaboration these firms experienced over fifty years. Joe was a genius planner. His analysis of a site and concept for site development was extraordinary. I recall working with him on a large campus, The College of Staten Island in New York. This was a major renovation of an aging NY state institutional facility to make it a new college campus for the City University of New York system. As we worked closely together. Joe’s analysis of the site, what to retain and where to build new facilities, was virtually immediate -- and correct. He developed the master plan for this 175-acre plan in short order and established the design criteria for the total site. This $400 million new campus was completed under budget and ahead of schedule! Joe and I developed the plans for the Museum of Anthropology in Jalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. Our client

was the Governor of Veracruz, Agustin Acosta Lagunes. I had shown the Governor some of our previous work in New York, including the Pepsico World Headquarters in Westchester. This project impressed him greatly. When Joe presented his master plan for the museum site, the Governor loved it -- until he realized the cost. He responded to Joe by saying, “Lalli, this is Mexico -- not Pepsico!”. Joe revised his plans and the result yielded a design masterpiece which was recognized by President and Mrs. George Bush with a National Design Award at the White House in Washington DC. I worked closely with Joe for many years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and wit. We often created an identity or logo identifying a project to ourselves and staff. When we were planning the military city Al Kharj in Saudi Arabia, Joe renamed the project Rocket City. (See image on the right for one of several logos.) I think we had a few dozen Tee shirts made up -- before we decided it was not a such a good idea. Our client, a Saudi prince, thought it was funny -- but not so much! Raymond Gomez

[above] Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sketch of logo on project Rocket City, Saudi Arabia

Just where does one begin to reflect on this remarkable life that is now taken away. I was trying to think of what I will miss the most -- aside from his presence -and came away with this: His obvious talent in multiple disciplines. Joe was resourceful, able to deal with any circumstance, had boundless energy -- a man of the arts, intelligent and creative… But the thing I will recall so fondly is Joe’s sense of humor. He found amusing wisdom in strange places, humor where there was little. He cherished the ironies of life. He was a supportive friend who bailed you out when you needed it and never looked back. Damn he will be missed… Raymond Gomez

Joe’s message to Raymond

From: j LALLI Subject: Entry for 2014

BREAK POINT 4-2014 We all had a match, but people went down and things got broken, but we made a patch and we all became a bit closer I smelt the aroma of a pot brewing, I knew it was early, I knew it was time and then I heard a pot being shoved into it’s resting spot I heard some wrestling, the sounds of birds building a nest.... Then I realized it was newspapers flipping,feet shuffling, squeaking, sliding... Then I realized it was Raymond doing the Ali shuffle Then I heard things popping, snapping, zipping and slamming and finally rolling...yes, it was Raymond doing the Ali Shuffle

I went quietly down the stairs to say good bye, but the sounds were gone, the air still and everything went quiet.... Only the loons, birds waking up and the wind in the trees..... I looked out the window, there was a cloud of dust as the Beamer disappeared over the hill in the early dawn and shimmering light... I knew then, as I wiped a tear, it was not the sound of a year gone by but the start of a new one to come..... Happy Forth to all, it was an awesome memorable one for sure!!! But there was a huge void, the Eller’s were not there... Joe Sent from my iPhone Joseph J Lalli, FASLA CHAIRMAN

Story from Gregg Gregg is Joe’s colleague at EDSA and a friend. The story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

Up until several weeks ago, I was emailing Joe about our next trip and new engagement. His unexpected passing has been hard to accept and realize. I have highlighted some of our times together. I do not see this as the end but the continuation of his inspiration. All of us here today, and all that could not make it, will carry a part Joe with us. I am Gregg Sutton and I worked for Joe for over 18 years and I am proud to say that he was my mentor. Not just a colleague but a teacher of mine. I owe many of my professional achievements to Joe. As he did with many people, he brought me up and certainly I have learned a lot. I was very fortunate to have had this long a time with him. I made sure he knew that shortly before he passed. We had a good run indeed. Times I will never ever forget. In my younger days with him, in the mid-nineties, he was like a coach and he shaped all of us into good designers and professionals while the firm grew rapidly, as did our studios. And we had a lot of fun doing it; he would always have the music playing, singing “Puff the Magic Dragon” and carrying on.

As a matter of fact, if it was ever quiet and stale in the studio he would come by and say “the buzzards are starting to circle overhead.” However, Joe was tough when he needed to be. I sat outside his office for many years. He would come by before I would even have a drawing started and he would tell me, “I am letting you know that I am going to be very critical on this.” Who says that?!? Joe did. We all knew to have his purple pencils sharp, not too sharp, and a sign pen, several tracing paper rolls and a random brown marker -- then he would put things to life. Joe always included us and brought us at a young age on trips or meetings. He took me to Palm Beach with Ed Stone to meet with Jack Nicklaus. Joe coached me and said, “Don’t just sit there -- bob your head around when people talk, even if you don’t know what they are saying.” He didn’t have to take me on that trip or countless others like it. But he did. He grabbed me one day at lunch and said, “Come on, let’s go see a property.” The property was on Grand Bahama Island and we went there in a four-seat Cessna. The experiences are just incredible. So fortunate I am. [right] Farmhouse across meadow, Watercolor by Joe Lalli

Joe cared for us as a parent or brother -- personally and professionally. He cared for us and he wanted us to grow and have achievements. When you lose someone like that in the world it is very hard. That’s the part that is really hurtful, having him gone from us. Many, many projects ensued, all over the world. I went to every continent with Joe, with the exception of Antarctica and Australia. We would have gone to Australia if we had had more years. Joe would give the exact same effort if it was a 2,500-acre project in the Middle East or a one-acre estate in Naples. His attention to how a place was to operate, how people would (and why they would) enjoy a space and function is what made his designs sensible and properly scaled. I just got back yesterday from one of Joe’s projects. A small site, 60,000 square kilometers, a new city.

The first time I went to China was with Joe. That was early 2000, when not many of our competitors were there and it was a much, much different place. In 2002, Joe introduced the concept of properly chilling a good bottle of chardonnay in a bucket tableside to China. He and I were like cavemen trying to communicate this concept. With Jianwei and the firm, we grew his idea into an over 100-person consulting firm in Beijing, with endless projects and yet new lives touched. One of our firm’s, and Joe’s, legacy projects is the AWPR 2007 competition we won because of Joe’s decision to film interviews of each team member rather than to present the normal brochure or PowerPoint. This was before the technology we have today. It is under development and will be completed by the end of 2015. In workshops or charrettes, Joe would introduce this tool to an entire meeting. He would have you list what comes to mind when you envision a property, or whatever

it might be: words like inspiring, tranquil, beautiful, majestic. I listed some ideas about Joe that will remind me of him forever, and what he meant to me. One thing is for certain: No matter how much he traveled, his favorite place to be was home. •Jeanne, Vinny, Anthony, Teresa and his family. He loved his family and the family structure, and with our clients, team members and groups from EDSA we were. Life-long friends. • Xiang, Kona, studio members and all of us -- his extended family. •His paintings and his studio. •Frank Web (he introduced me to Frank and started my painting hobby). •His cats and birds. • Good wine (he could tell you the temperature of a cold chardonnay in one grasp). •Maine (what can I say, what an inspiring place). • Jeanne and Joe’s place in Ft Myers. Charming -- we still spend our Fourth of Julys there because of the tradition we developed from

them when they let us stay at the place. • His trips to Italy with Jeanne (sage leaves sautéed with sardines). •He loved telling Jokes (people wonder where jokes come from -- well John Miller used to write them and try them on Joe and then he would work them over on Kona and me. •But he would turn around and read you some of the nicest poetry that he wrote, just brilliant •The Rolling Stones – always on his playlist (he would tell me a story of when Keith was asked who was the better guitar player - Ronnie or him – he answered, “Well we are both pretty lousy but together we are better than most.” Joe liked that answer, and I always thought this was how we operated and were thought of -well not the lousy part!). • The Heat. • His tractor (he used to tell me “that thing is like a bull”). • His ’72 Honda 350. • His Boston Whalers with Evenrude engines. • University of Michigan

•Flowers and his orchids (always had fresh cut flowers on his desk. If he walked into a hotel and they didn’t have flowers around he would sometimes ask for the manager). • Cooking. • ’85 SAAB 900 turbo • Christmas (Jeanne and Joe invited Shannon and me to help decorate their tree our first Christmas, and we still have the ornament every year on our tree of a whale). •Fourth of July – all the antics, food, beautiful weather, tennis matches, parades and great fun. Joe did what he was supposed to do on this earth and that was to make a mark and to pass it on. He had a great life, one that most people can only imagine. I hope he can somehow know how many people loved him and cared for him. I think he does. His long devoted friend, Gregg Sutton

Poem from Retz Retz is one of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friends. The poem was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

Photo of Retz and Joe on the dock

[above] Rockland back view, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Story from Rand Rand is Joe’s client, colleague, consultant and friend. The story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

Some 30 years ago, three consultants were eating another late dinner in a hotel bar in Naperville, Illinois. They were spending long days trying to save the largest PuD in Illinois. Leading that effort was Joe Lalli of EDSA with Bill Folmar of Land Development Economics and myself. Late that night the bartender looked at Joe’s long hair and Italian face and asked, “What are you, some kind of Indian Chief?” After we all laughed, Joe with his half grin and very soft voice said, “I’m not an Indian, but you can call me Chief ”. Bill and I called him Chief from then till now. A year or so later we walked into the same hotel bar and the same bartender just said “Welcome back, Chief .” This reminds me of four aspects of Joe. Joe loved to fix things. Joe brought humor everywhere. Joe was a leader who strove to teach what he knew. People recognized and appreciated who Joe was.

Joe loved helping to fix projects with insightful ideas and bold strokes, assisting people he knew could use a hand to move up in life or cope with a setback, guiding companies and staff to endure and succeed. Having a good time with Joe was easy in a multitude of venues. Cooking out in the office courtyard or just cooking anywhere. In the evening after a long day’s work literally anywhere in the world, he contributed to a good time. At basketball games, especially when the Heat was winning. Watching football when Michigan was winning. Joe’s quiet voice and strong leadership gave him a lasting place in his industry, his family and our minds. His EDSA friends will tell you about his sharing what he knew and encouraging growth. They and others experienced his painting lessons in Maine as I did in Italy, even if my successes were quite variable. For me, his painting lessons did not take, but sharing his love of cooking sure did. I know the people in this room recognize and appreciate who Joe was and I believe that appreciation will

continue to grow in breadth and stature in the design industry and in the art world. I have heard you sharing your personal stories of Joe and his impact on your lives, as I am now doing. His family has suffered the tragic loss of a man so full of life and promise. We can remind them that he had the opportunity to enrich the lives of many people and he used that opportunity as very few ever do. An Indian Chief often left behind a walking or spirit stick they had held, for friends to once again connect with them by touching the stick. The bracelet Joe wore through his last months to the end hangs beneath the image of the Chief â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headdress on the wall as such a spirit stick. Thank you Jeanne, Vin and Anthony for sharing him with us. Rand Gentry

Story from Rob Dear Jeannie, Rob is Joe’s client, partner, consultant and friend.

I have left a long amount of time to put words to paper; Partially not knowing how to, but partially not finding a proper time to write – which is never easy in the hectic, artificial space called living…… I am using a seven-hour flight to New York to write this. Whatever I can say, and I will say, is from my heart, but let me first say that I know that in spite of the amazing strength you showed at the memorial service, whatever it is you are feeling must be a hurt and a loss much greater than any of us can feel, and whatever I can say must be but a small fraction of that. I, and Jayne, miss Joe to a degree that is hard to rationalize or comprehend. After a few months I still feel it, and frankly can’t get comfortable with the passage of time, which you would not expect of a client/consultant relationship. At the wonderful memorial service I wish I had asked to give the “client’s

perspective,” whereby I could have proudly said “Yes, but I have known Joe professionally AND as a friend for 26 years, so put that in your pipe and smoke it.” And I have. And we have had years apart and we have circled around each other when we needed to, but with no agenda and always, always, glad to get together again. And when we did it was as if we had never been apart. And being friends there has never been an agenda (isn’t that the definition of true friendship?). I feel that I was partly instrumental in the growth of Joe’s and Ed’s cultural expansion, inviting them to get involved in Pont Royal in Provence, and they were most certainly a major part of mine, as a blue-collar boy from the west of England who saw real, but intellectual and honest, people engaged in gainful pursuits. They later furthered my career by inviting me to join Disney and so on, and so on. You probably well know that Joe was looking beyond EDSA, a delicate matter. In his last travels with me we debated the future; I had the idea of a highly sustainable, dense, urban

quarter project to be developed in the U.S. with Joe’s support, and he was already contributing value to it, thinking of locations where it might work (he had an idea of a college town in Georgia that, frustratingly, I didn’t write down), thinking of American housing developers who might be partners, and all the time trying to get comfortable with the idea of a future beyond Ed and EDSA, without betraying the vision of that place. I can’t yet imagine pursuing the project without him. You have met Jayne, and you will know she is quite shy and reserved. She had met Joe several times over the years, and I must say found his loss painful. Like me, she was enjoying how our relationship (Joe, Jeannie, Rob, Jayne) was emerging, and she found absolute comfort with Joe. We all know he didn’t suffer fools or egotists, but he did care about real people, and Jayne enjoyed him and the ease and comfort immensely. There are so many opportunities for friendship we have lost, but we have gained memories.

Jayne and I had dinner with Joe in Bristol a few days before his fateful return home to the doctor. She said to me afterwards that she was concerned about his health, as only a woman can sense. That morning I had picked him up at Heathrow; we had a meandering drive through southern England to the lovely barn-like office of one of our architects, John Pardey, and a lunch at a cozy pub owned by members of Dire Straits. We had a good, productive meeting and then we drove across country to the majesties of Bath and Stonehenge. At Stonehenge I found an illegal place to park near the stones and asked whether he wanted to take a walk. As it was already getting dark, and he had had a long journey, I expected him to say no, but he said yes and we walked a good mile to get close to the magical stones and take some photos (I hope you have them). I suggested that there was much more that I could show him and you, Jeannie, if you had time to come back. I am so glad, and proud, to have shown him Stonehenge and Bath, places of world-class majesty. I think he enjoyed them.

Jeannie, if you ever wish to come and spend time with us and explore the UK, or our lovely corner of France, Jayne and I would be delighted. Or we could meet up in Tuscany. We hope you are finding a new life and if there is anything we can do to support you, or Joe’s memory, please let us know. Moving on, we loved Joe’s studio, and as an inspiration we have purchased an old coaching house to convert into a similar, but smaller, space – I hope it will be space where we can do art, socialize and cook in the same way that you both did, and I hope Jayne found sufficient inspiration in Joe’s studio to begin work again. If you have any plans for Joe’s studio as a place that needs support, we would be delighted to help out any way we can. Jayne and I hope you are finding a new life. Love and best wishes, Rob & Jayne Davies BRISTOL March 2015

Story from Xiang Xiang is Joe’s colleague at EDSA and a friend. The story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

When I first started, Joe didn’t really talk to me much. I figured it was probably because he didn’t know how to pronounce my name. Later on, when he had to call me one day to give out a bonus, he said, “Ms. Lee, can you come to my office please.” Joe was a collector, of all kinds of stuff. Sometimes he would bring out things from his office that made me wonder why he had them in there and where he stored them all. When Kevin was a toddler, Joe saw him crawling on the carpet underneath the tables one day. He thought for a second, went back to his office and brought out a little yellow toy bulldozer, still in its package. He also had some props behind his door. Sometimes, when people were focusing on their drawings around the table, he would quietly sneak up and look over our shoulders with his fuzzy hair hat on and the big fat red lips in his mouth, just to make people laugh. He had a great sense of humor in his own way. Every year at Christmas time, Joe and Jeanne invited everybody in the

big studio and their families to their house for a celebration. One year they decided to do something special. Joe made Neal call in as Santa during the party and talk to every kid one by one, with this whooping, whooshing North Pole wind effect in the background. It was hilarious to see the reactions of the kids. Some were thrilled, some looked totally lost. Joe used to tell the story of one of his own Christmases when he started to think that Santa was not for real. On Christmas morning, the kids went to the living room and found a piece of red fabric on the fireplace that appeared to have been torn off of Santa’s robe. It had been put there by Joe’s aunt, and he thought to himself, woops, good that I didn’t say anything out loud, otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten any presents this year. I look at Joe as my mentor and dear friend. He is a colorful man with wisdom and determination. He has enriched the lives of so many of us and he has taught us how to pass our knowledge on to others. Xiang Li

[above] Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Story from Kona Kona Gray is Joe’s colleague at EDSA and a friend. The story was shared at the Celebration of Life on 11.15.2014.

Life lessons from Joe Many of you know Joe the landscape architect. Joe the artist, Joe the philanthropist, Joe the friend and Joe the husband. I know Joe as a father figure. Joe always treated me as a son. He taught me to be caring. He taught me to be strong. He taught me to be creative. He taught me to be loyal. He was my mentor. We spent our mornings together, kicking off the day with coffee and a review of current events. The afternoon was dedicated to discussing the future with a glass of wine. Joe’s Golden rules. (ABC’s) 1. Always be creative 2. Be compassionate 3. Courage is good Do the right thing. If it can be better, make it better. Stand up for people. Remember to be humble. Be honest. Because if everyone agrees, there must be something wrong. Have patience, because Rome wasn’t built in one day. Enjoy life and always spend time with the people you love. Kona Gray

[right] Favorite bar in Italy, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Story from Masa Masa is Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colleague at EDSA and a friend.

Joe loved cooking. Joe made the tomato and mozzarella salads at his villa after the presentation of the work. He treated me like a part of his family. - Masa

Story from Keyu Keyu is Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colleague at EDSA and a friend.

I know Joe from EDSA and am one of the lucky ones who worked with him to the end. It was only four years, which is nothing compared to colleagues who spent 20 or 30 years with him. However, these four years were at the beginning of my landscape architecture career, and I will never forget them. The lesson from Joe was not his holding my hand and teaching me how to draw. Instead it was his being, and his insisting on ideas that greatly influenced my mind. There was one trip to Prague. We had made a physical model in Miami for the project and needed to take it on the plane in a box. I put personally written notes on top of the box with our names and contacts. Joe always checked on things. When he saw my handwritten notes, he told me, in a frustrated voice, to take them off and asked Teresa to type the information on the computer, print it out and stick it to the box. I was very embarrassed and even a little mad to see that he obviously hated my handwriting! I know it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the prettiest, but I had used it for a purpose. Of course, after a while and a wonderful trip, we both forgot about it. However, after being

embarrassed and irritated more and more over time, I understood that that is how he is, always precise and doing things the right way. He wanted to make sure that everything around him would be as perfect as possible! To this day, I appreciate his criticism, from which I learned a valuable lesson: DO IT RIGHT. However wonderful Joe was at EDSA, I actually loved him more outside the office. I liked him having a little wine, cooking some holiday soup, hosting a cheerful party with the lovely Jeanne at whatever occasion! Sometimes he might give me a kiss on the cheek, which made me feel like family. As an immigrant with no close family around, the confidence of having friends as my family wherever I live is one of the reasons, apart from my career, I decided to stay. Joe, as part of the story, made it easy. Joe was also the fruit man. Most people knew him as a busy man, receiving thousands of emails every day, traveling the globe every month, designing the land all the time. However, he was also our designated fruit man in the studio. When he was in town, he would randomly bring out

some in-season fruits and put them on the drawing table: washed, well-cut and arrayed on plates. It certainly brought joy to us during the hard work day and those plates emptied fairly quickly. During his last days, a few friends and I always wanted to visit him and cheer him up, but we were never able to. So I never saw him sick, which I now view as fortunate.

All I remember about him is his being critical in the office, taking care of us on trips and laughing like an old friend at parties. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help missing him and hoping heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s having a good time on his next journey. Joe, have a good trip! Keyu Yan

[right] Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Story from Dan Dan is Joe’s colleague and a friend.

It was a typical Saturday morning. I woke up, took a shower, had a very nice brunch, and did my laundry -everything was nice and peaceful. Looking at Mr. Lalli’s calendar, I saw that it was In-ternational Artist Day. Then an email came through from Teresa telling me of Joe’s passing. I teared up right away. Little things that had happened between Joe and me over the last 16 months played in my mind like scenes in a movie. October is supposed to be the best season in Fort Lauderdale, but I am kind of lost this October morning with all my sorrows. Joe had been very sick since my return from a business trip to China in early October. He was diagnosed with late stage liver cancer. But we, our team, never thought that he would leave us so soon. It is always hard to say goodbye to someone close when it happens in no time. We didn’t even have a chance to say goodbye to him. But maybe we never wanted to say goodbye to such a wonderful mentor. My time with Joe counted as such a small percentage of his long career, but I know that all the experiences I had with him these last two years had a huge influence on my career. I was so lucky to start out working with one of the best designers in our field. I will carry what I have

learned from him, professionally and personally, for the rest of my life. To me, he was a humble master, an excellent mentor and a sincere friend. Four days ago, our team went to his Victoria Park home to decorate the interior. We wanted to surprise him with balloons, flowers and welcome home notes when he returned from the hospital.Two weeks ago, he gave me two tickets to the Miami Heat (as we all know, he was a great fan of the Miami Heat) and drew a little diagram to show me how to get there. Apparently, he loved to draw. Before he was sent to the hospital, I had a project master plan printed out for him to review, but he never got a chance to do it. That was the last day I saw him. I certainly miss him. I miss the moment when he said, “This is not right” when looking at one of my detail drawings; the moment when he left a message saying, “Looking much better, Dan. Good work” after he saw my revision over the weekend. I miss lots of special moments with him: community services, watercolor workshops, studio lunch at his favorite Italian restaurant, holidays in his art studio and our last trip to Prague. Everything stopped, including expectations for the future. I was hoping that he could enjoy my piano playing at the Christmas party,

my new watercolors, and all the progress that I’ve made. He inspired people so much. I still remember what he said when he was interviewed by our company’s design publication. “Much of one’s experience depends on how different their environment is from what they are used to. Travelling to a completely different country in which you’re clearly out of your comfort zone can be beneficial. Growth comes from being placed in situations you have never encountered and for which you have no point of reference but instead gain a different level of awareness. This experiential learning changes how we perceive things and gives us a greater sense of awareness of place, people and design. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” This true artist left us on International Artist Day. I didn’t feel sorry for him, because he had the most incredible life and left so many classic projects for everyone to enjoy. I hope I can become a great designer just like him, have my impact on other people who love design, who simply enjoy outdoor spaces and the better environments that we always aim to shape. Bye, Mr. Lalli. R.I.P 10.25.2015 at my Fort Lauderdale apartment Dan Wang

[below] Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Story from Sara Sara is Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s niece.

Story from Neal Neal is Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colleague at EDSA and a friend. He was in the Shanghai studio when Joe was sick. He wrote the letter by hand and sent it back only to find out more sudden news.

[above] Gilgamesh, sketch by Joe Lalli

Story from Johnson On October 25, 2014, we lost a great mentor, a father figure, a grandfather, uncle, brother, friend and such an amazing and beautiful soul. Mr. Lalli taught me so many things: how to fish, how to be responsible, how to grill, how to make a budget and how to be a man. He was always there for me through good times and bad. Mr. and Ms. Lalli took me under their wings when I was a 5-year-old boy new to this country. He took me to my first soccer game. He took time out of his busy schedule to help me with my school work. He was the first person I could truly call a father and he always tried to teach me right from wrong. I can picture it like it was yesterday when I went to Maine and had such an amazing week with them. I made lots of mistakes and there were times when he could have given up on me, but he always seemed to find potential in me. I never thought how much I took things for granted until I lost my best friend. I sometimes feel bad and like I let him down because I did not get a chance to tell him how much he meant to me.

Since he passed, Christmas and every other holiday hasn’t been the same. At night, I sometimes sit and cry. So many things he said to me were to help me with my future. But now we cannot experience that future together as I had hoped. For one thing he will not meet my son, Amir who is the joy of my life. I didn’t want him to suffer and I often ask God why he had to go, but I know I can’t question God.

Johnson is one of Pierre’s gang and has been a part of the Lallis lives for many years. (Pierre is Joe’s colleague at EDSA on the janitorial staff, as well as a friend of the Lallis)

Some days I feel alone, but he left such an amazing soul here and I will always keep him in my heart and forever cherish the good times and memories we shared together. S.L.P Mr. Lalli and I pray you will always be by my side. Johnson Sterlin

He always wanted me to be something in life and independent. Photo of Johnson Sterlin

Messages

[left Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Michele LeBrun Eller

Joe was always so kind and generous to me. He loved to talk to me about his art camp he attended every summer - he really came alive talking about and sharing his art. He had the soul of an artist and was so open to new ideas. He was a real â&#x20AC;&#x153;menschâ&#x20AC;?. I am shattered by his sudden loss. And saddened for all of us and the loss to our profession. I love you Joe! Martha Martha Schwartz

Elbert Eller

Bill Renner

[left] Carnival, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Over the years, you and I have shared a common fondness...for our gladiolas..for the pickled beets of the summer harvest...and those daikon radishes! Always, too, of course, our love my sister. Although I could recognize many moments from past years, one of my fondest happened at the end of this summer. You and Rand had arrived with friendship and ambitions to finish up some projects. The two of you would take off for Home Depot and then return to tackle one of them. Unbeknownst to any of us at this time perhaps you felt an urge to complete some additions to the cottage...your sense of design, had

so often moved Jeanne’s summer home towards what it is today. On one of those late summer evenings my Joe and I stopped by to sit with you, Jeanne, and Rand in the chapel - that special spot that already holds memories of both your mom and ours...We circled up, enjoyed a bottle of wine, and simply enjoyed one another’s company. You leave us so many legacies, Joe, and each reflects your creative style, your generosity, and, always, your love. With our love, Nancy and Joe

Nancy and Joe DeRico, Joe’s sister and brother-in-law

I’m thinking about you and Joe all day, every day. Thinking about how lucky we have been to have Joe in our family. I keep thinking about my time in Orvieto with you guys a few years back, his quiet giggles as I told him about how you completely broke that Italian guy—the landlord’s?—attempt to flirt with different foreign women in his studio, while only you seemed genuinely interested in the art. Joe thought it was so funny that throughout the next few days, he’d say, “So Orlando [I can’t remember the guy’s name] was really trying to flirt with those women, and Jeanne kept hanging out and talking about paints?” “Yup,” I’d say. “Tell me about it again, how it all went down. You were there, and then an Australian woman showed up?” Thinking about how when I left, I had to catch a train to Rome that left at some obscenely early hour of the morning, and it was dark and raining, and not only did Joe drive me to the station and schlep all the suitcases out into the rain, he also somehow found the time to make the most delicious goat cheese, honey and prosciutto sandwiches for me to take on the train. Joe in a nut shell. This is all heartbreaking. If this is what is to be, I hope that this time for Joe is gentle, as it’s only fitting. He has been such a gentle, sweet, funny presence in all our lives. Love you. me, Mackenzie

A treasured gift from Joe. Donna DeGroot 11.16.2014

Mackenzie Dawson, Joe’s niece

[above] Joe Lalli and John Miller on a fun poster.

I’ve known Joe my entire life. Not as a colleague or business partner or mentor, but as a friend. He and I became close in the last few years when we were able to spend some good times with Dave and my dad out fishing. It was the four of us as the standard crew, and it was always a good time. Those three guys shared so much of their lives together that just sitting back and watching them spit old stories and laugh and carry on was so much fun for me. And Joe was always the first to take to the kitchen and whip us up some incredible food. We always looked forward to that first night’s dinner when he was more than happy to put on his chef’s hat. It was that and a great bottle of wine and with that

crew it was going to be a good time. I know there was much more to Joe than that, but for me, I will always remember him from those times we had together. I am so very privileged to call him a friend, and am thankful for the friendship and guidance he provided my dad for so many years both personally and professionally. I know it’s tough right now, but please let me know if my family and I can do anything for you. My mom and I plan on being down on the 15th so we will see you then, however if you need anything, do not hesitate. Jesse Miller

Jesse Miller’s father John Miller was Joe’s life-long colleague at EDSA and best friend.

Carmen is Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cousin.

It is with a very heavy heart that I extend my sincerest condolences to Jeanne, Vincent and Anthony. Our families have been as one for nearly all of our lives. I will surely miss Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phone calls, his friendship and sharing a glass of wine. Carmen Cosentino

stories, letters and poems from peers Story from Doug Our hearts are heavy with sadness as we inform you of the peaceful passing of Joseph J. Lalli on October 25, 2014. During his 46 year career as a landscape architect, an artist, a philanthropist, a mentor, and a teacher; he helped propel EDSA into one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential and highly regarded planning and landscape architecture practices. He touched us not only through his rich, beautiful project designs, but with his kind, gentle, mentoring nature, and honest approach to life. As President of EDSA, Joe addressed many challenges with solutions founded in clarity, vision, and a creative edge. Throughout his career, he made strategic changes. His ability to go against the grain and influence the

thinking of colleagues proved heroic for EDSA. Joe was a strong voice for culturally appropriate, impeccablequality design solutions. He was a driving force not to be stopped, compelling everyone to do their best and encouraging colleagues to create environments that truly change lives and preserve nature. Joe was always designing, working, moving, traveling, mentoring, painting, sculpting, cooking and creating. His essence was about simplicity, no nonsense, and results. He was a quiet, unassuming visionary. Modesty is what you would see in him, and elegance and excellence are what you got. Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic pursuits allowed him to communicate passion, ideas and concepts in a remarkably visual way.

Whether sketching on a napkin or drawing on canvas, he converted magnificent works of art into reality. Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy will be in his body of work and the innovative ways he illuminated the profession. During his career, Joe directed and implemented significant works of landscape architecture with more than 500 projects to his credit in a multitude of countries across the globe. He was a magnificent place maker, creating award winning classics like the PepsiCo World Headquarters in New York, Crosswaters Ecolodge in China, Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort in Abu Dhabi and the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico. We honor Joe as an individual who truly contributed a lifetime of excellence to the design profession and will forever remain an inspiration to professionals far and wide. There is no doubt, we have all benefited from his example. Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legacy is certainly in the quality of his character and his works and no less so in the people he surrounded himself with who will carry on his tradition. Douglas C. Smith, EDSA President

Story from Paul It has taken me awhile to sit down and put some thoughts down about my experiences with Joe over the past 25 years. I hope that they all bring a smile to your faces, as they have to mine. The best place to start is likely at the beginning, or the “hiring process”. Joe had come up to K-State in 1989 to interview for potential new hires. I only met Joe; I did not interview with him, but he called me and invited me down for an interview. However, back then our phones with answering machines weren’t so sophisticated and I never got the message. After the whole process I talked with Joe and he mentioned that he had tried to call me a bunch of times, but I was never there (because I was in studio) and that he did not get a chance to leave a message, because my old phone only turned the answering machine on after 10 rings, and he had never let the phone ring so long. I have to say, I am pretty glad that he ended up talking with one of the others at K-State (Rick Eggleston) or I probably never would have ended up in Fort Lauderdale. I think it was my second year and the ASLA conference was in Kansas. City,

so since I had gone to K-State I had the opportunity to attend. Ed Stone also attended and I, as a very young member of the EDSA team, got to go to dinner with Joe and Ed a couple of times during the course of the conference. I will always remember Joe saying to Ed, after a long day at the conference which had been followed by a long night at the alumni gathering, ‘Let’s go easy tonight and have Italian for dinner,’ which as we all know was Joe’s favorite food. So the suggestion was not a big surprise. I also remember when we were preparing to start the El Conquistador project, and I kept asking him when the project was going to start, and he would patiently say, “Soon Paul, soon. These guys are tough negotiators, so we have to get that figured out first.” Later in the project, after we met a big deadline, Joe, before heading off to the airport, shook everyone’s hand and said “thank you.” We all know that Joe (and his brother Vin) are big Wolverines fans. One of the years that Michigan went to a bowl game in Tampa, Joe, Jeanne, Vin and I flew up to see it. At the airport Jeanne realized she had forgotten her driver’s

[above] Italy hill town, sketch by Joe Lalli

license, which you now needed for ID. Since we didn’t have time to drive home for it, Joe sweet talked the desk agent and we were all able to get on the plane. Of course he had to do it again in Tampa, but we had a great time at the game. A few years later, Joe called me into his office one day and showed me his Michigan helmet, which he was very proud of. When I was in Joe’s studio I got a call one day about doing a planting plan for a train station. Things were a bit tough in the office as we were in one of the ebbs in the market. I

stood up from my desk, covered the phone, and asked Joe, “Do we do train stations?” Joe stood up, looked over the partition wall, and said with a grin, “We do now!”

Thank you for allowing me to share just a couple of thoughts. Susan and I are thinking of you Jeanne and your family and wish you all the best.

That was certainly his way, always pushing the envelope of the types of work he did around the world.

Paul Kissinger, EDSA 12.06.2014

While there are so many more stories and anecdotes about working for Joe in his studio to becoming one of his partners, I hope the few stories above put a smile on your face, and add to the memory of Joe.

Story from Scott

I can still remember the first day we met. I was arriving to Fort Lauderdale for the interview of a lifetime. Knowing that EDSA’s managing partner was picking me up, I was more than nervous. Prepared for anything, I walked out of the gate and was ready to jump right into the interview; but the interview, as I imagined it, never happened. Instead, I was met by a disarming smile and a friendly invitation for a drink. We drove in his old beat-up Saab to the Riverside Hotel, where, over drinks, we discussed the merits of the Blues Brothers. In the span of that hour, my life changed. I was welcomed as a friend and I knew I was “home.” We all knew Joe in different ways, we all have our own memories, but this is one I will carry with me for years to come. B. Scott LaMont, EDSA 11. 16. 2014

[left] Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Story from Mihaela Mihaela is Joe’s colleague at EDSA and a friend.

Even though I joined EDSA in 1999 and then moved to the Lalli studio in 2001, I did not get to work with Joe very closely until 2008, when we were invited to lead the design team on a seven star resort project in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This was definitely a great way to start a collaboration! We were working for Limitless, an Emirati company based in Dubai. Our client was in fact a former EDSA employee and good friend, Nasser Aboulela. At the beginning of the project, Nasser invited us to attend a three-day workshop in Sharm el-Sheikh, visit the site and create the first concepts for the resort. Joe and I traveled there during the lovely month of June, and met up with the rest of the team, which also included architects Perry Brown and Roger Gaspar from WATG, a female Emirati Limitless intern, who was a passionate race car driver in her spare time (she was just the navigator, since the Emirati competition rules did not admit female drivers), and four or five other Limitless decision makers, one of whom was Limitless’s regional Director for Africa, Mohamed. In order to immerse ourselves completely in the luxurious

atmosphere desired for the seven star resort, and also to check out the competition, the entire team stayed at the Four Seasons hotel in Sharm el-Sheikh, which was rated “only” five stars. It was a hillside resort, with the tightly placed units gracefully stepping down the hill towards the Red Sea, popular for its superior snorkeling opportunities. It was a lovely place, with a rocky beach, two pools, charming architecture, small courtyards with fountains and even a tram that snaked between the villas and carried weary guests from the beach back up to the hotel. Every unit had a view of the sea; our team, housed in the suites up on the hill, got a glimpse of a blue sliver behind Arabic style roofs. One day, returning from the workshop, I decided to sit on the little terrace overlooking the property and enjoy the view of the Red Sea and the pleasant afternoon weather. All was calm and peaceful until a strong, sudden rumbling filled the air, startling me: It was 6 pm and the generators were turning on! The spell was broken. But I digress. The days in Sharm el-Sheikh were spent either visiting the site and other

hotel developments in the area or developing concepts in the hotel conference room. In the evenings, led by Mohamed, who was a proud local, the team headed to Naama Bay, the main tourist hub of the city, famous for its cafes, restaurants, clubs (Pacha, Little Buddha, etc.) and general night life. This was done, of course, to study the existing entertainment life of the city and propose a better selection for our seven star resort. At Naama Bay we ate delicious food, smoked shisha, explored the local bars and mainly (at least in my case) appreciated the perfect weather, which was pleasantly warm and a little dry, especially at night. The first night, during a conversation with Mohamed while we smoked a lemon mint shisha, the topic turned to the most popular activity in Sharm el- Sheikh: snorkeling. Mohamed wanted to know if I had had this amazing experience there. I said no, thinking to myself how incredibly foolish I had been to come all the way to a top snorkeling destination

without a bathing suit! Mohamed was stunned: “You have not snorkeled here?!?!” he said. “You cannot come all the way to Sharm el- Sheikh without experiencing this. You have to do it!” But when? We had a full schedule. There was no time. Mohamed would not have it. After insisting and insisting, he finally said: “We can do it the morning. Tomorrow morning, at 7:00 am, we meet on the beach, you and I, we go snorkeling, and then we have plenty of time to change and be at the workshop by 9:00 am. I cannot allow you to come to my country and miss this!” “OK. Sure. But I don’t have a bathing suit,” I said, in a soft voice. “No bathing suit?!? What were you thinking?” “I know, I know. I came for the workshop and did not think…” “Well, no problem! Look around: there are shops everywhere. You can buy a bathing suit right now and see you at 7:00 am tomorrow! On the beach!” he boomed. Joe and Nasser had listened with interest to this exchange and

they congratulated me on the rare opportunity to go snorkeling with the Limitless regional Director for Africa! They wholeheartedly agreed that this was a “must” experience and that they would come with me to look for a bathing suit that very evening, even if it was already 11 pm. Mohamed continued his barhopping evening, and Joe, Nasser and I proceeded to systematically check the small stores for their offerings. Yes, there were shops everywhere, but Egyptian shops are typically small and they sell everything. So even if most of them did carry bathing suits, each one was a different design and a different size. Most were quite revealing, while others that would have worked well were too small or too big or very pricey. And so we went from store to store, the three of us at midnight, with the gentlemen making suggestions regarding suitable bathing suits for me, which unfortunately did not really correspond to what I was looking for. Disappointed, I reached the conclusion that it was really not a good idea to just buy an

expensive, skimpy bathing suit to dive with the regional Director for Africa and then never use it again. So I decided to buy some shorts instead. I had brought a T-shirt with me and since snorkeling involved mostly floating on the surface of the water anyway, this outfit would be perfect. Nasser helped me negotiate the price, and we all returned happily to the hotel. And also extremely tired. The next morning: horror! I did not hear the alarm. I barely got to the workshop at 9:00. Joe and Nasser were interested to hear about my amazing experience; I had to disappoint them by confessing that I did not wake up on time. They laughed and they said that probably Mohamed did not get there in time either, after his night on the town. This assumption proved to be correct. However, the following day I asked the reception for a wakeup call and, Mohamed or no Mohamed, I was on the beach at 7:30. I went to the little hut that rented snorkeling gear only to find out it was opening at 9:00 and if I needed this earlier I should

have reserved it the day before! No problem, I said to myself. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just get into the water and see the fish anyway without the gear. But then I realized I could not see anything without my glasses! After all the teamwork involved, the underwater experience was alas not a success. But I sat on the beach and noticed that the colorful fish were swimming all the way to the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. The fish, and the corals, were plainly visible around the rocks; I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to get in the water! It was beautiful. The seven star resort never advanced past the conceptual stage, yet another victim of the global economic downturn, and I did not really get to snorkel in Sharm el-Sheikh. But the late- night bathing suit shopping experience is surely unforgettable! I still have the shorts I purchased there. A lovely memento! I have a good laugh every time I think of this. Mihaela Zaharescu

Photos of the five star Four Seasons with Red Sea in view.

Photos of workshops.

Photos of snorkeling.

Story from Sandra

I have worked at EDSA for 13 years. Every morning, if Joe was in town, and I would walk by his area, he always took the time to look up, smile and say good morning to me. This was the kind of man he was. My daughter happened to be visiting one day and he couldn’t believe how tall she had gotten. I told him that Kaylee had an interest in drawing and took her sketchbook everywhere. He said to her, “I can teach you how to watercolor.” Needless to say, time was short and that didn’t happen but it made an impression on my daughter,

who is now very interested in learning this artistic style. I will definitely miss Joe Lalli. His leadership, his kindness, his quiet strength and of course the funny stories he would share with me about Dave or John, which always made me laugh. On a beautiful day, I will look up at the sky and know that he is up there painting on his new infinite canvas. Sandra Arguello 11.17.2014

[above] Port Clyde, Maine, watercolor by Joe Lalli

Messages

I have learned so much from Joe throughout the past 19 years, both professionally and personally, and for this I will be forever grateful. I will miss our private talks and the jokes but most of all, I will miss my Paesano. His smiling face, his compassion and the laughter we shared will live on in my memory. JoAnn Amaral, EDSA

Joe did wonderful designs for a number of projects for us. All have stood the test of time and look as good today as they did 25 years ago. Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for his work encouraged me to become a landscape architect. It was great to have him as a professor at WVU back in the late 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. I saw him just a few years ago at a conference he seemed ageless. It was a pleasure knowing such a wonderful man.

More importantly, he was a real gentleman and talented beyond belief. We will miss him. Clay Hammer Chapel Hill, NC

Jim Haden

[above] For Rent, watercolor by Joe Lalli

[left] The kettle, one of Joe’s favorites.

He really had such a huge impact on me. I’m definitely feeling it; we just had drinks a few months back. I introduced him to Celine (girlfriend) and he sat down with us (Niener, Schemeck, Brooke and, bizarrely, Swati Nagpal, who was in town from Delhi for a project - the only time I’d seen her). It was as if life gave us all one last chance to connect. Really cool / kind of sad at the same time. talk soon! xx Matt Colby

When I was first travelling to China to explore the market and evaluate the opportunities and risks there for landscape firms, I consulted with numerous people who had already been active there and sought their counsel. I will never forget how generous Joe was with his time and his thoughts. At the time he didn’t really know me very well and he could have easily blown me off. But, of course, he didn’t. He was very kind and patient and thoughtful with me personally. I was a little surprised and really appreciated his willingness to grant me some of his time. His generosity and spirit are well known at LAF and EDSA and other places he has had an impact. But I will think of him especially as someone who took the time to help me out personally a long time ago when I needed some direction. Sincerely, Bill Main

Joseph J. LALLI, FASLA, is a worldrenowned designer, landscape architecture pioneer, passionate education advocate, watercolorist, sculptor, poet, philanthropist and citizen of the world. His peers recognized his unique talents, abilities and invaluable contributions to the profession and campaigned to nominate him for the highest honor within the profession of Landscape Architecture -- not once but twice. Although Joseph was not awarded the ASLA medal, just being nominated was in itself an incredible accomplishment. The following endorsements from equally extraordinarily qualified colleagues and friends are testimony to his professional standing and achievements. His supporters are atop the list of whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who in Landscape Architecture and they are joined by worldrenowned developers and entrepreneurs.

Edward H. Modzelewski, Chairman

Gainesville 5550 NW 111th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32653 386-418-6400

December 9, 2013

Tallahassee American Society of Landscape Architects 1435 East Piedmont Drive, Suite 210 ASLA Medal Nominations—Carolyn Mitchell Edward H. Modzelewski, Chairman Tallahassee, FL 32308 636 Eye Street NW 850-591-1888 Washington, DC 20001-3736 December 9, 2013 Gainesville Charleston RE: Joe Lalli, FASLA , ASLA Medal –Letter of Support th 5550 NW 111 Blvd. PO Box 20336 Gainesville, FL 32653 Charleston, SC 29413-0336 USA 386-418-6400 843 414-1040

To Whom it May Concern:

This letter is to recommend Joe Lalli for the ASLA Medal. I have known Tallahassee American Society of Landscape Architects Jacksonville his partners and staff for almost 30 years since I founded my firm in 1435 East Piedmont411 Drive, Suite 210 ASLA Medal Joe, Nominations—Carolyn Mitchell Pablo Ave. Florida Tallahassee, FL 32308 636 Eye Street NW in 1984. Jacksonville, FL 32250 850-591-1888 904-249-8009 Washington, DC 20001-3736 I have personally worked with Joe on a number of very challenging

Charleston international projects throughout years and was always amazed how West Palm Beach RE: Joe Lalli, FASLA , ASLA Medal –Letter ofthe Support PO Box 20336 Joe could quickly and in a quiet manner envision a project concept that was 2047 Vista Parkway, Suite 201 Charleston, SC 29413-0336 USA deadConcern: on for success. Anyone who has worked with Joe, would understand West Palm Beach, FLTo 33411 Whom it May 843 414-1040 561-659-0041 my words.

This letter is to recommend Joe Lalli for the ASLA Medal. I have known

Jacksonville Melbourne Beach I mostly Joe for hesince mentored manymy offirm my scientists and Joe, his partners and appreciate staff for almost 30 how years I founded in 411 Pablo Ave. 305 Sixth Avenue engineering staff to be team members in the master planning and design Florida in 1984. Jacksonville, FL 32250 Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 process commonly used by landscape architects and planners. This 904-249-8009 561-472-2150 mentoring contributed to the success of my firm many as we built our

I have personally worked with Joe on a number of very challenging business around the hospitality and resort industry.

international projects throughout the years and was always amazed how West Palm Beach Cocoa Beach JoeSuite could 2047 Vista Parkway, Suite 1485 N 201 Atlantic Avenue, 115 quickly and in a quiet manner envision a project concept that was I have known many members of the ASLA theunderstand years, and in my dead on for success. Anyone who has worked with Joe,over would West Palm Beach, FL 33411 Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 561-659-0041 my words. opinion Joe represents the best there could be for your profession. 321-403-2129 As a technical person ownermany who had to scientists run a business, Melbourne Beach Hilton Head I mostly appreciate Joe for how he and mentored of my and I often marveled howmembers this soft spoken guy could be the talented 305 Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 24156 engineering staff to be at team in the master planning and designdesigner, artist, and world and atarchitects the same and timeplanners. manage EDSA Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925-4156 process commonly usedexplorer by landscape This to be a profitable 561-472-2150 business in of the had the travel with Joe over 843-290-0980 mentoring contributed to all theparts success ofglobe. my firmI many aschance we builttoour the years and although the work was often hard and in strange places, he business around the hospitality and resort industry.

Cocoa Beach always made time for conversation and advice over a good glass of wine St. Augustine 1485 N Atlantic Avenue, 115 De Leon Blvd., Suite 9 and dinner. 2200 Suite N. Ponce I have known many members of the ASLA over the years, and in my Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Joe Lalli, FASLA , ASLA Medal –Letter of Support St. Augustine, FL 32084 opinion Joe represents the best there could be for your profession. 321-403-2129 December 10, to 2013 904-249-8009 Joe knew that be successful, you had to get on a plane to personally

Pagewith 2 of your 2 clients in all parts of the world. When my company work As a technical person and owner who had to run a business, I often when we

Hilton Head Dubai, U.A.E. embarked to spoken the Middle wastalented there 5 years ahead of us, marveled at how this soft guyEast, couldJoe be the designer, artist, P.O. Box 24156 IBN Battuta Gate Building went toand China, Joesame already had a 100 EDSA persontostaff inprofitable place. and world explorer at the time manage be a Hilton Head Island,Ground SC 29925-4156 Floor #0007 business in all parts of the globe. I had the chance to travel with Joe over 843-290-0980 P.O. Box 487197

Joe spent many months on the road during the years to expand the EDSA business and process in developing

the years and although the work was often hard and in strange places, he Dubai, Media City, UAE brand while promoting the landscape architectural and planning St. Augustine +971-4-432 9263 always made time for conversation and advice over a good glass of wine countries. 2200 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., Suite 9 and dinner. St. Augustine, FL 32084 WWW.APPLIEDTM.COM 904-249-8009 Joe knew thatSincerely, to be successful, you had to get on a plane to personally 1-800-275-6488 Dubai, U.A.E. IBN Battuta Gate Building Ground Floor #0007 P.O. Box 487197 Dubai, Media City, UAE +971-4-432 9263

WWW.APPLIEDTM.COM 1-800-275-6488

work with your clients in all parts of the world. When my company embarked to the Middle East, Joe was there 5 years ahead of us, when we went to China, Joe already had a 100 person staff in place. Edward H. Modzelewski, Chairman

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The spirit of Joe transcended frontiers. He sought to grow EDSA, but more importantly, he sought to know. It is rare that a brilliant designer is also an intrepid visionary. Joe had been an admirer of Asian culture, although when he first set his eyes on China, it was uncharted territory. It was a vast and mysterious land, so rich in culture and antiquity that a foreigner, even after a lifetime of study, would hardly make a dent in its historical wealth. This did not intimidate Joe. He did not wait until the conditions became “risk-free and predictable.” Instead he jumped in head first and immersed himself in everything Chinese. It takes a courageous man to do this, but also someone with the quality of a wise man. He surrounded himself with the best and allied himself with a most successful entrepreneur, Ms. He. Together they embarked on what proved to be a profitable joint venture. However, perhaps more meaningfully for Joe, the China adventure was one of the most exciting, enriching, influential and enjoyable times of his career. Joe’s experience in China was not always a walk in the park. He hit some difficult bumps along the road, as is to be expected when exploring any new

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territory. But his decisive and fearless actions quickly got things under control. Ultimately, he ended up gaining from the experience, as he formed formidable alliances based on mutual respect and trust. It has been said that others are mirrors of ourselves, so the admiration, love and respect that Joe felt for the country and its people was returned tenfold. He delighted in all his interactions with his partners in China, and with the young people he mentored, as he truly felt that they were mentoring him. He created deep friendships that were extremely meaningful to him and he truly delighted in being a part of everything that transpired during his 15-plus years of involvement, from the inception of EDSA Orient to his passing. Joe left an important legacy in China, where he was personally loved and professionally respected. Today, as you walk through EDSA Orient, you see his paintings and photos of him, testimony to his positive influence. EDSA Orient chose to honor Joe with a book created by his Chinese colleagues. Following are a few of their messages, some written in beautiful Chinese characters, others in English. All of them express love and respect for Joe.

Stories from china

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Dear Jeanne, This is Qing, and I was in Lalli Studio from 2004-2007. I also went to the watercolor workshop with you and Joe. I didn’t know the sad news until today. I didn’t know that Joe had an illness. Was the funeral held? I am also so sad to hear this. Tears rolled down my face. I remember a lot of things. I remember when I first joined EDSA, he taught me how to draw a parking lot; I remember the pastas he prepared for us; I remember the happy time painting with both of you in Maine. There are so many happy memories. As I look up, one of his beautiful watercolors is right here in my study room. Of course, Joe is a legend in the field of landscape architecture, but to me personally, I see that he is painting happily. I couldn’t hold back my tears. Reading Joe’s obituary on line, I made a small donation to Bonnet House. I imagine Joe would be happier with this than with flowers. Jeanne, I am so sorry for your loss, and this is also our loss. I walked with my husband Linchun, and he is very sorry too. He met Joe several times, and liked Joe very much. May dear Joe, my boss and my friend, rest in peace! I believe he is in a very peaceful and happy place now. I will always miss him. Qing

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[above] Boatyard, watercolor by Joe Lalli

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Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poem about Tibet As we know, Joe travelled to many and varied places around the world, always with an eye for the people and their culture. He talked about many places in China, but it was his visit to TIbet ( the possible location of the fabled Shangri-La) that impressed him perhaps the most. He so loved the place and its people that it needed a special expression, and so this little poem was written.

JUST DREAMING OH, Shangri-La, oh Shangri-La, are you heaven on earth Or am I just dreaming? I love the brightness of your moon the intensity of your sun the sky filled with your stars the reflections on your waters the nearness to the heavens that seems within reach Oh, Shangri-La, oh Shangri-La, are you heaven on earth or am I just dreaming? I love the power of your mountains the richness of your valleys the blueness of your skies the whiteness of your snow the sparkle on your waters the energy of your rivers the crispness of your air the changing colors of your land Oh, Shangri-La, oh Shangri-La, are you heaven on earth or am I just dreaming? I love the sparkle in your eyes the smiles on your faces the rosiness of your cheeks

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the brightness of your dress the radiance in your hearts the spirit in your dances the romance in the air Oh Shangri-La, oh Shangri-La, are you heaven on earth or am I just dreaming? I love the colorful flags blowing in the wind on every mountaintop the temples reaching for the heavens the different cultures living in harmony the richness of your traditions You are indeed the land where the heart links the sun and the moon

Joseph Lalli 2003

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chapter two | The landscape architect landscape architecture design studio Joe Lalli was with EDSA for 40 years and led the studios for 25 years, most recently as chairman. He was a mentor to hundreds of landscape architects, including many in China. Enjoy this small sampling of photos of Joe with some of the people who were on his studio teams over the last few decades.

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favorite projects Al ain zoo

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Pepsi Co World Headquarter

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BAHIA BEACH

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El Conquistador

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Nine Dragons

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tHE OAKS, PRAGUE

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SANDY LANE

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chapter three | the artist In 2011, Joe opened his personal studio for art exhibits, festivals, and other events, and it was enjoyed and admired by many folks.

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the studio of art

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watercolor Joe and Jeanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of art has been an inspiration, in multiple ways, for the people around them. His watercolors are touching hearts.

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[left] Church in rain, watercolor by Joe Lalli [right] Untitled, acrylic painting by Joe Lalli

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[above] Casagable, watercolor by Joe Lalli [below] Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli [right] Truli Olive Grove, watercolor by Joe Lalli

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[left] Untitled, watercolor by Joe Lalli [right] Photos of watercolor workshops through the years.

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the Calendar Since 2011, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a tradition that Joe and Jeanne put together a calendar of art works from both artists as a gift to friends and family. Here are some sample images from the calendar from Joe and Jeanne.

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Acrylic painting by Jeanne Dawson Lalli

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Acrylic painting by Jeanne Dawson Lalli

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Acrylic painting by Jeanne Dawson Lalli

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Watercolor, by Joe Lalli

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Marshall Point Lighthouse, watercolor, by Joe Lalli

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Watercolor, by Joe Lalli

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chapter four the world traveler How many miles has Joe traveled? It must be more than George Clooney in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Up in the Air.â&#x20AC;&#x153;

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The Middle East

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Project trip at Norman Island

Site visit at Punta de Lobos, Chile

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[above] Project trip to Prague, Czech Republic [left] Project trip to the UK

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Since 2011, the annual Joseph J. Lalli Travel / Design Fellowship has encouraged employees to travel, immerse themselves in different cultures and share their insights with colleagues through reports.

JOSEPH J. LALLI 2014 DESIGN FELLOW SHIP

call for entries

ELIGIBILITY: ALL EDSA STAFF MEMBERS WILL BE ELIGIBLE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SHAREHOLDERS.

DESIGN FELLOWSHIP AWARD: EXPENSES UP TO $5,000 AND TEN (10) DAYS OF PAID LEAVE.

JOSEPH J. LALLI HAS TRAVELED THE GLOBE FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES AS A PRACTICING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT WITH AN EYE FOR DESIGN. THROUGH HIS TRAVELS, JOE HAS IMMERSED HIMSELF IN A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURES AND WITNESSED SPECTACULAR ENVIRONMENTS THAT AROUSE THE SENSES. AS JOE’S COLLEAGUES AT EDSA, WE HAVE BENEFITTED FROM HIS MENTORSHIP AND CONTINUE TO LEARN AND APPRECIATE THE VALUES HE TEACHES REGARDING DESIGN BASED ON ATTRIBUTES OF PLACE, SUSTAINABILITY AND DESIGN. TO CELEBRATE THIS LEGACY, EDSA IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOURTH ANNUAL JOSEPH J. LALLI DESIGN FELLOWSHIP.

JURY SELECTION PROCESS: A JURY COMPRISED OF DESIGN PROFESSIONALS FROM OUTSIDE EDSA, FELLOW CONSULTANTS OR CLIENTS WILL BE FORMED. THE JURY WILL REVIEW ALL ANONYMOUS APPLICATIONS AND DETERMINE A WINNER.

(APPLICATION AND FOLLOW UP REPORT PREPARATION WILL BE ON YOUR OWN TIME).

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE 1:OOPM ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT CARA CRITCHLOW, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

APPLICATION: THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE CREATIVE AND INCLUDE ONLY THE FOLLOWING: 1 A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY NOT TO EXCEED TWO PAGES DESCRIBING YOUR PROPOSAL, LEARNING OBJECTIVES, DELIVERABLES AND INCLUDING HOW THE FELLOWSHIP WILL ALSO ENRICH YOU, THE IMPACT IT MAY HAVE ON YOUR COLLEAGUES AND OTHERS, EDSA AND THE PROFESSION.

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2 A PROPOSED TRAVEL ITINERARY/SCHEDULE, INCLUDING DESTINATION(S), DURATION OF STAY AND PROPOSED ACCOMMODATIONS (IF POSSIBLE). 3 AN OVERALL BUDGET ESTIMATE, INCLUDING TRAVEL EXPENSES, SUPPLIES, ACCOMMODATIONS, ETC. APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN HARD COPY FORMAT IN A SEALED, BLANK MANILA ENVELOPE. APPLICATIONS ARE TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS DURING REVIEW, SO DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME OR OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ANYWHERE ON THE APPLICATION DOCUMENT. ALL APPLICATIONS WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WINNER. DO PROVIDE YOUR NAME IN A SEPARATE, BLANK SEALED ENVELOPE THAT IS TO BE PLACED IN THE SEALED PACKAGE ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION DOCUMENT. 4 AN ELECTRONIC COPY (FLASH DRIVE OR DISC) OF THE ENTIRE PACKAGE.

REQUIREMENTS: WITHIN ONE MONTH OF RETURN, THE FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT SHALL CREATE A REPORT TO DOCUMENT THE TRIP AND FINDINGS. THE REPORT SHOULD INCLUDE SOME COMBINATION OF JOURNAL, PHOTOGRAPHY, SKETCHES, ETC. IN ADDITION, THIS REPORT SHOULD INCLUDE A STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES, AND LESSONS LEARNED BY THE RECIPIENT. THE FINAL REPORT IS TO BE SUBMITTED IN BOTH ELECTRONIC AND HARD COPY FORMAT FOR INCLUSION IN THE EDSA LIBRARY. THE FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENT WILL ALSO MAKE A PRESENTATION OF THEIR REPORT AND FINDINGS TO THE FIRM AT THE DECEMBER 2014 RETREAT. AN EXPENSE REPORT WILL OUTLINE FINAL EXPENSES COMPARED TO PROJECTED BUDGET. PRIOR TO DEPARTURE, THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO COORDINATE PROJECT WORK AND DEADLINES WITH THEIR DEPARTMENT LEADER AND FELLOW PROJECT MANAGERS.

growT never buT ins

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[Courtesy]

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T R Av E l

TwenTy years from now you will be more disappoinTed by The Things ThaT you didn’T do Than by The ones you did do. so Throw off The bowlines. sail away from The safe harbor. CaTCh The Trade winds in your sails. explore. dream. disCover. – mark Twain

cooked over an open flame in the desert – felt the ancient and well-worn marbles from the Taj Mahal in India – and heard Mandarin spoken at warp speed for the first time in China. When you travel, your senses are always being stimulated – from architecture, nature, art, culture, fashion, and so forth. Besides getting inspired, you also become attuned to direct visual design patterns by understanding how things are organized, how they fit together, how coloration is adapted and simply what looks good,” explains Lalli, EDSA Chairman and Principal. It’s through travel, first and foremost, that people meet and understand the outside world. Some read about other countries in papers and magazines or see things on television, but it’s

TRAVEL ROCKS S I have made It a poInt to spend most of my adult lIfe readIng, learnIng, seeIng, observIng and doIng as much as possIble. Joseph lallI, chaIrman & prIncIpal

ince ancient times, when tribal leaders left camps to hunt for food, travel has been a part and parcel of life. Historic monuments, showering waterfalls, breathtaking views, cityscapes and rural markets – all stand as personification of beauties which can only be unveiled through personal view. So while books provide basic descriptions, travel affords enriching experiences. Travelling provides an opportunity to observe. It teaches us about the cultures of different people living in different places. It also breaks the monotonous routine of our daily lives and fills us with new energy. No one can deny the glory of mountains which can only be appreciated upon sight – the variations of topography and climate which are unveiled only by being present. Worldwide travel has and always will be a big part of EDSA. As a global firm, learning about new regions, understanding local traditions and immersing yourself in different cultures is

essential to expanding one’s design skills. Travel is considered fuel for brilliant work and it continuously reenergizes designers by providing constant, “get-fresh” inspiration. In an effort to enthuse young leaders, EDSA has established the Joseph J. Lalli Design Fellowship in recognition of Joe’s experience, talent and mentorship. He has traveled the globe for more than four decades as a practicing landscape architect. Through his travels, Joe has witnessed spectacular environments and appreciates the value of design-based, attributes of place. “I have made it a point to spend most of my adult life reading, learning, seeing, observing and doing as much as possible. New experiences almost always yield fresh ideas. Travel has enabled me to visit and experience many things for the first time. It gets your creative juices flowing. I can clearly remember the first time I saw, in full scale, the sheer magnitude of the Coliseum in Rome – sampled camel delicacies that had TRAVEL RoCKS_ 43

Th Comes from being plaCed in siTuaTions you have enCounTered and you have no poinT of referenCe sTead gain a differenT level of awareness. Much of one’s experience depends on how different their environment is from what they are used to. Travelling to a completely different country in which you’re clearly out of your comfort zone can be beneficial. Growth comes from being placed in situations you have never encountered and for which you have no point of reference but instead gain a different level of awareness. This experiential learning changes how we perceive things and gives us a greater sense of awareness of place, people and design. Lalli explains, “In the 1970’s I spent time in Zagreb, Yugoslavia (now Croatia), a country

known for its spirit and architecture, with a population of 4.9 million. We were providing design and onsite construction supervision for a government touristic project in Dubrovnik called Babin Kuk. As new landscape architects working abroad, we lived the life. Our monthly allowance was $350 for room and board but we found the means to supplement our income – becoming pinball champions at a local pub. When not working or perfecting our wizardship with the silver ball and finger flippers, I took every opportunity to visit galleries, museums, churches and palaces or simply relax in a local park. I did, and still do, anything and everything I can to

soak in the culture and become a richer person wherever our work takes us.” “With more than sixty active projects throughout our firm in China, I travel to Asia frequently and spend about a week on the ground during each visit. I try to start each morning with a walk to clear my thoughts and absorb what the people, language, customs and history have to offer. During these times of self-discovery, I am mindful of the role we play in trying to make the world a better place – knowing that there is a higher significance in that which we design to influence others to do better.”

Travel plays a role in everything. You get excited to see new environments and meet people, try unique things, and be surrounded by incredible places. “By stimulating yourself with new sights and experiences, you gain a greater understanding of basic design principles. You begin to look at a raw site and know what to look for as you develop an ability to gain feeling from a place – a means by which to visually portray its essence.” “Travel has enabled me to hone my knowledge of detailing, proportions and cultural realism in design. Wherever I am, I seek out the most authentic museum and spend hours scouring

the collections – becoming absorbed in the balance, symmetry, massing and detailing with a sensitivity to the subtleties. I then utilize art as a medium to capture my experiences whether through sketching, painting or photography,” explains Lalli. Exposure to varying means of cultural expression forces a sense of openness that further enhances one’s ability to become a creative thinker and designer. “Upon my return from any international expedition, I always have a renewed sense of what I want to accomplish and a motivation to reach beyond the ordinary. After sojourns abroad, I return with an abundance of ideas that I wish to explore through my design work.” With an increasingly globalized world and the rising demands of the competitive marketplace, EDSA leaders believe travel is one of the best things you can do to develop as a professional and as a person. Excelling does not just entail hard skills – it also involves personality, life experiences and everything that makes you who you are. “So, don’t think of traveling as some all-or-nothing affair. The point is, do something, anything, to explore something and somewhere new. Your design work – and by extension, your clients and/or visitors and users – will thank you,” concludes Lalli.

remarkable how different places really are when actually visited. “The media feeds us stories about other countries, but the reality is that most people in the world are searching for the same things – a better life, a better future for their children – and they’re only too ready to lend a hand to a fellow human being,” says Lalli. Today, travelling to other countries is more important than it has ever been. Somehow, we have gotten the idea that it takes money to be happy. Tell that to a group of islanders from the tiny Pacific nation of Tuvalu who party like there’s no tomorrow. Go to a village dance on the magical Indonesian island of Bali and you’ll begin to wonder why anybody ever bothered to invent television. Take a trek in Nepal, and it’s clearly obvious how proud a Sherpa camping crew is of the beautiful Himalayas and the excellent job they do in guiding you along the mountain trails. TRAVEL RoCKS_ 45

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BABIN KUK – DUBROvNIK, CROATIA

BEIJING, CHINA

TELA, HONDURAS

TUSCANY, ITALY

A magnificent curtain of walls surrounds marble streets and baroque buildings that exude a pearly light in the Adriatic sun. Beyond the city is a heavenly landscape of beaches, wooded peninsulas and a sea strewn with lush islands.

The fast changing metropolitan city of old and new is a vibrant mix of history and modernity; behind its rich and complex historical tapestries, everyday life unfolds with bewildering variety.

A sleepy coastal town well-known for white sandy beaches and the Garifuna culture, Tela is surrounded by three of the most important and amazing natural parks in Honduras.

Rich in history, encompassing the ancient, modern, urban, artistic and bucolic, Tuscany represents a journey of leisure, pleasure, and above all, discovery.

WHERE WILL EDSA TAKE YOU ? To celebraTe Joe’s legacy, The Joseph J. lalli Design Fellowship is an annual DesignaTion granTeD To an eDsa employee who presenTs a compelling proposal To Travel anD immerse Themselves in a place or culTure To beTTer unDersTanD The aTTribuTes oF ThaT place. They are requireD To share lessons learneD wiTh colleagues Through some combinaTion oF Journaling, phoTography, skeTching anD case sTuDy analysis. The 2013 Fellowship was

ITALY CROATIA

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USA

CHINA

awarDeD To Derek gagne.

HONDURAS TRAVEL RoCKS_ 49

EDSA Design Matters Magazine 2013 Issue | Page 23-26

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Chapter five favorites Besides art and design, Joe has many passions. Collections are still being found everywhere.

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of cats

-”Who knows how many cats Joe & Jeanne have?” -”No one.”

Ruby Begonia, the First cat

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Tommy

Tootsie

Molly

Abelina & Skeeter (The bird)

[right] Animal Mausoleum at Joe and Jeanne’s house “You touched our hearts and we miss you.”

Norton

Ralphie

Samson

Norma Jean

Chester

Delilah

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of food

Tomatos, vegetables, etc.

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of orchids

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of miami heat and michigan

“It’s definitely a nail-biting game!” - Joe

Go Blue!

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of the rolling stones “If you start me up If you start me up I’ll never stop ......”

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of buddha heads and fish pond

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of cars, helmets and jack knives

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of wine

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Chapter six | good times With family and friends

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Joe and Jeanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding.

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In Italy, Joe standing outside the house where his father was born.

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Wedding of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents.

Joe at age 4

Joe at age 18

Joe working on his Volkswagen Thing at home, Geneva, NY

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Joe and Jeanne on their Boston Whaler, Fort Meyers.

1989, Joe and family on a boat.

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Maine Gang.

Joe with the DeGroots on Monhegan Island in Maine.

Maine Parade.

Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday in Maine.

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Joe with Leticia.

2012, Thanksgiving at Vin’s house.

2009, Thanksgiving weekend at Vin’s neighbor’s lakeside cottage.

Joe with Hillary in Maine.

2005 Thanksgiving at Vin’s house.

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chapter seven | memorials to joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spirit On November 15, 2014, a Celebration of Life for Joe Lalli was held at Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studio in Fort Lauderdale. Over 200 people came from all over the world. His spirit lives on as everyone remembers him.

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[right] Joseph J. Lalli Pavilion in Maine

Rand Gentry, Kona Gray and Gregg Sutton were very close to Joe, professionally and personally. They had all been to our ever-evolving place on Crawford Pond in Union, Maine, for 4th of July gatherings and art workshops over the years. Jeanne had transported the old wooden door from our home that had been replaced with hurricane doors up to Maine. Not wanting to waste a perfectly good door, Joe imagined a small pavilion that would have doors on all sides where small groups could gather (and drink wine!). In the meantime, we built a large auxiliary building that we called the chapel. But Joe always talked about the building with the doors. A platform was built many years ago, but that was as far as it had gotten in September 2014. It had, of course, gone through several tracing paper designs.

[above] Joseph Lalli Stone Memorial in the Victoria Park neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale to remember his and his wife’s life-long contribution to the community. A celebration and stone-giving event was held in the summer of 2015.

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Rand had come up to Maine that September to help out with a few other projects in the main house, and much conversation was held on what Joe had decided he wanted to do. He had given this small building as much thought as he would have given to a villa. He was ready to go next summer, but the universe was not going to allow that. SO, Rand and Kona and Gregg decided they wanted to start building it for him and dedicate it to him as their way to honor their years of friendship. They just had three days in June to get it framed out and the weather was not the greatest, but they did it! Then various people helped get it almost finished (no tin roof or shingles yet) by summer’s end. Jeanne’s nephew and his friend filled in the sides and roof. Local carpenters and handy men did doors and painted. It is ready to use next summer!! A great place to read, sleep, and gather with those we love. Or whatever!

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Media Contact: Heather Whitlow 202-331-7070 x16 hwhitlow@lafoundation.org

For Immediate Release

Extraordinary Gift Launches New $20,000 LAF Honor Scholarship A generous gift from Jeanne Dawson-Lalli has created the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA. This new $20,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a student pursuing a Master’s degree in landscape architecture at an accredited university in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship was established in memory of Joseph J. Lalli, FASLA (1943-2014) and his 46-year career as a landscape architect, artist, philanthropist, mentor, and teacher. Joe was the chairman and former president of the firm EDSA and had more than 500 projects to his credit in 40 countries. He was a persuasive leader, well-known and admired for his modesty and generosity. Joe experienced great value in his Master’s degree and wanted to help make the opportunity for graduate education accessible to others. “We are honored to be able to offer such a significant award that serves as part of Joe’s wonderful legacy.” said LAF Executive Director Barbara Deutsch, FASLA. “Joe exemplified ‘giving back’ and did much to support students and foster the development of the next generation of leaders in landscape architecture. This scholarship will help and inspire students for years to come.” Candidates for the new scholarship must show commitment to some of the areas that Joe Lalli dedicated himself to, including drawing, artistic pursuits, the importance of travel, and service to one’s community and profession. “Joe credited his graduate studies for making him the outstanding designer he was. He also learned so much from drawing, painting and traveling extensively — it influenced his designs and his way of thinking,” said Jeanne Dawson-Lalli, who established the scholarship in memory of her late husband. “Similarly, I hope that this award allows promising students to continue their studies and pursue their passions to feed their creativity.” The LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA is the largest scholarship offered by the Landscape Architecture Foundation. LAF is now able to offer a total of over $60,000 annually in scholarships and fellowships for students through ten different awards. Learn more about LAF scholarships at: www.lafoundation.org/scholarships About the Landscape Architecture Foundation

The Landscape Architecture Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC. Established in 1966, LAF invests in research and scholarships to increase our collective capacity to achieve sustainability and cultivate the next generation of design leaders.

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[left] Joseph J. Lalli Pavilion at the south gate of Bonnet House. Joe served on the board of the Bonnet House for several years and was in love with the place, its unique design and personal artistic touches. Any and all visitors were told to be sure and go there. It was a lifestyle we would have loved to have lived. Joe designed and helped restore the entry circular garden, with its agaves and palms. Later, he was involved with the south gate development. He was also fascinated with a midden that was discovered there and was to be a part of the educational aspect of the area. Naming the ticket pavilion after him seemed a good way to honor his love of the place and support its continuing growth.

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acknowledgments This book is made possible by all the people who have shared their memories of Joe.

About Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forever team This book is the heartfelt project of the Forever Team, who luckily spent the last few years with Joe for work and for fun. The team members include everybody who contributed as well as Jeanne Lalli, Teresa Hugentugler, Vincent Lalli, Keyu Yan, Xiang Li, Masahiro Taguchi and Dan Wang. During the gathering and editing process, there have been moments of joy and laughter, sorrow and tears, and surprises. Joe Lalli is a person rich in personalities and stories that go beyond his career as a successful businessman and artist. We miss him and believe his spirit lives on to keep inspiring our lives. Chief Editor: Keyu Yan Copy Editor: Tom Swick For comments, reviews and inquiries, please contact us via email at aboutjoelalli@gmail.com

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FROM DAWN TO DUSK We are like the sun We begin to rise We appear like a bright light We rise in the sky We get brighter and brighter We then begin to fade And fall and fall We then disappear And fade away into the sunset

Joe Lalli Fall 2014

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