STORIES WITH JOE A collection of stories with Joseph J. Lalli
October 25th 2014 is a difficult day. Joseph J. Lalli, known as best husband, mentor of many, supportive brother, loyal friend, sensitive artist, talented designer, animal lover, an industry-leading landscape architect and land planner, and an award-winning creator of spaces around the world, has taken on a long journey to heaven. He was employed for 40 years by EDSA, a world renowned landscape architecture and planning firm. He was its President/CEO for 25 and most recently, its Chairman. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects and took the lead in opening the Chinese market for the profession. The world will be a lesser place for all of us. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Dawson-Lalli, and his two brothers, Vincent and Anthony Lalli. A Celebration of Joe’s life was held on November 15th, 2014 at the Joe Lalli Studio in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
2
“
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.
�
Joseph J. Lalli Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects
1943 - 2014
3
This book is a collection of stories with Joe Lalli from his family and friends who have shared memories, loved and been thinking about him. We delightfully dedicate this book to his lovely wife Jeanne, wonderful brother Vincent, life-long loyal friend and colleague Teresa, and hope that we can, with his stories, pass on his spirit to others.
4
CONTENTS Foreword 0
Stories 0 Stories 0 Letters 0 Messages 0
The Studio of Design 0 Work with Landscape Architects 0 Party with Landscape Architects 0
The Studio of Art 0 The artist 0 Holiday Parties 0 Charity Events 0
Watercolor 0 Favorites 0 World Travel 0 Family Moments 0 Special Thanks 0 5
FOREWORD
6
Courtesy Landscape Architecture Magazine December 2014 Issue | Page 36
7
[Left] A card of Joe’s parents, after 80 years, was gifted to us by Vincent, Joe’s brother, after the life celebration, which inspired us the story card design.
[Right] Celebration of life, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
8
9
STORIES Jeanne’s Story Seeing so many people here who loved, respected, and appreciated the man he was here today 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 fund raising events, meetings, pasta dinners, studio Christmas parties,
10
volunteer party 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 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 7 years, I finally moved down here to cohabitate. 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 other’s number 1 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 heart’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 a family member 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 good by 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 over to Teresa Hugentugler, his friend and assistant of 37 years and the other person who has 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 Lalli, wife 11.15.2014
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 never followed a recipe….just looked at the pictures in cookbooks for inspiration or stuck to the current favorite spice and went from there.
11
12
13
Vincent’s Story 1 - 2522 Porch
14
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 seems 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. Also, 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, Brother Vin aka Vincenzo
[Right] Joe’s original sketch for the porch [Left] Vincent’s Christmas card picture at the porch
15
Vincent’s Story 2 - About Kimberly
I was sitting alone next to Joe’s bed at Holy Cross Hospital holding Joe’s hand.
“Who’s Doc”? I asked. “Joe is Doc”, she said.
A woman of color walked in to Joe’s hospital room at Holy Cross. 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”, she explained.
16
“How did he get that name”. I replied. Kimberly explained, “My dad worked for Doc for many, many years trimming his trees. Your brother carried a brief case. 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”. Kimberely 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”, she said. 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 to work, 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. In addition to working two jobs, she is starting a patient care tech course starting January 5th. If she passes, she’ll be able to work in a hospital by April. Then, starting January 20th, she’ll be starting a part-time RN program. Joe and Jeanne would be proud of Kimberly. End - Vin, Brother 01.05.2015
17
Mark’s Story
www.t
HR | S U P
Novembe
A great loss for the A/E world Mark Zweig offers remembrance on passing of dear friend and firm leader Joe Lalli.
T R E
Small c $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000
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.
$40,000
W Mark Zweig
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).
Junio
Zweig Gro of Architec Landscape that salarie have chang architects saw small from 2014 architects junior arch $54,000. M median ba from $80,8 – Margot S
SURVEY & S
2015 Valua www.rese Deadline: D
2014 Merg www.rese Deadline: J
MORE COLUMNS xz GUEST SPEAKER: An evolving obligation. Page 6
xz FROM THE CHAIRMAN:
Courtesy THE ZWEIG LETTER, NOVEMBER 10, 2014, ISSUE 1079
Offer program management services? Page 7
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
18
F I R
Cannon Moss EMCS, Inc. ... Jacobs Assoc JLG Architect Luckett and F McMillen LLC Pennoni Asso Rickman Ente The Timmons WRS Environ
MARK ZWEIG, from page 1
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.
19
Gregg’s Story Up until several weeks ago, I was emailing Joe about our next trip and new engagement. Since his unexpected passing, it 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 a just a colleague but a teacher of mine. I owe much of my professional achievements to Joe. As he did many, he brought me up and certainly I have learned a lot. I was very fortunate to have had this long of 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 that were involved into good designers and professionals while the firm grew rapidly as did out 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.
20
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 of 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 , there 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 4 seat Cessna. The experiences are just incredible. So fortunate I am.
[Right] Farmhouse across meadow, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
21
Joe cared for us as a parent, brother personally and professionally. He cared for us and he wanted us to grow into someone and have achievements, to grow. 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 project ensued, all over the world and ones that were constructed. I went to every continent with him other than Antarctica and Australia. We would have went to Australia if we had more years. And for Joe, he would give the exact same effort if it was a 2,500 ac project in the Middle East or someone’s 1 acre estate site in Naples. His attention to how a place was to operate, how people would (and why) enjoy a space and function is what made his designs make sense and be scaled properly. I just got back yesterday from one of Joe’s project. A small site, 60,000 sq. kilometers, a new city. The First time I went to China was with Joe. That
22
was early 2000, when not much 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 table side to China. He and I were like cave men trying to communicate this concept. With Jianwei and the firm we grew his idea into over 100 person consulting firm in Beijing with endless projects and yet new lives touched. One of our firm and Joe’s legacy project is the AWPR – 2007 competition we won because of Joe’s approach to film interviews of each team member rather than your normal brochure or PowerPoint. This was before the technology we have today. It is under construction and will finish end of 2015. In workshops or charrette Joe would introduce this tool to an entire meeting, have you list what comes to mind when you should envision a property or whatever it might be; such as, inspiring, tranquil, beautiful, and majestic. I listed in the following some items about Joe that will remind me of him forever and what he was
about, to me. One thing 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 or groups from EDSA we were. Life Long Friends. • Xiang, Kona, studio members and all of us his extended family and treated so • His paintings and his studio • Frank Web (he introduced me to Frank Web and started my painting hobby) • His Cats, 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 4th of July’s 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 use to write them and try
them on Joe and the he would work Kona and I over on them) • But he would turn around and read you some of the nicest poetry that he wrote, just brilliant • The Rolling Stones – always on his play list (he never said this but he would always tell me a story of when in an interview with Keith, and asked, who was better Ronnie or him who are the guitar players, Keith’s answer was “well we are both pretty lousy but together we are better than most”) Joe liked that answer, 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 I to help decorate their tree our first Christmas, we still have the ornament every year on our tree of a whale) • 4th 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 only people could only imagine. I hope he can somehow know how many loved him and cared for him. I think he does. - His long devoted friend, Gregg Sutton
23
Michael’s Story Poem And on your finger… was his ring To: Jeanne Ann From: Doog At Celebration of Life 2014.11.15
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
24
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
25
Sara’s Story
26
27
Retz’s Story Poem At Celebration of Life 11.15.2014
28
[Above] Village, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
29
Paul’s Story It has taken me awhile to site 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 you face, as they have with me. The best place to start is likely from the beginning, or the “hiring process”. Joe had come up to K-State in 1989 to interview for potential new hires. While I only met Joe but did not interview with him, it was Joe who was the one to call me and ask me down for the interview. However, back then, the phones that we had with the answering machines weren’t so sophisticated, so I never got the call. After the whole process I remember talking with Joe and he had mentioned that he 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 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,
30
so since I had gone to K-State I had the opportunity to go to the conference. Ed Stone also attended the conference 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 followed a long night at the alumni gathering, let’s go easy tonight and have Italian food for dinner, which as we all know Joe, was a big favorite of his, so the suggestion was not a big surprise. I also remember when we were preparing to start the El Conquistador project and when we started the project, I kept on asking him when the project was going to start, and he was always patient, and he would “say soon Paul, soon. These guys are tough negotiators, so we have to get the figured out first”. Later in the project after finishing a big deadline and he was off to the airport, we all were standing in the studio, and as he walked to door on the third floor. He shook each of our hands and said “Thank you”. I have always remembered that. We all know that Joe (and his brother Vin) are big wolverine’s fans. One of the years that Michigan went to a bowl
[Above] Untitled, Sketch by Joe Lalli
game up in Tampa, Joe and talked about going and Jennie, Joe, Vin and myself flew up to Tampa to see the game. When we went to the airport Jeannie had forgotten her license, which was a new thing to even have to show your license at the airport. What I remember, as I don’t think we had enough time, Joe ended up sweet talking the desk agent and we were all able to get on the plane. Of course he needed to do it again in Tampa, but when had a great time at the football game. A few years later, Joe called me into his office one day, and he had to show me his Michigan Football
helmut. He was very proud of that helmut and displayed it in his office. 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 remember standing up from my desk, covering the phone and saying to Joe, “do we do train stations?” and Joe stood up, looked over the partition wall with a grin and a smile, and said “we do now!” That was certainly his way, always pushing the envelope of the types of work he did across the world.
While there are so many more stories to and anecdotes about working for Joe in his studio to becoming one of his partners, I hope the few little stories above put a smile on your face and adds to the memories of Joe. Thank you for allowing me to share just a couple of thoughts. Susan and I are thinking of you Jeannie and your family and wish you all the best. - Paul Kissinger, EDSA 12.06.2014
31
Neal’s story
32
33
34
35
36
Scott’s Story
For me, 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 be 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. To the Riverside Hotel we drove, in his old beater Saab, where we quickly settled in to have a drink and discuss the merits of the Blues Brothers. In the span of that hour, my life had 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
37
Sandra’s Story
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. It 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 expressed to him that Kaylee had an interest in drawing and takes 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 in
38
my daughter and 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 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, EDSA 11.17.2014
[Above] San Spirito, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
39
40
LETTERS
[Left Untitled, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
41
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
42
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
43
44
45
46
[Left] Boatyard, Watercolor by Joe Lalli [Above] For rent, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
47
Letters
48
[Above] Untitled, Watercolor by Joe Lalli [Below] Untitled, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
49
50
[Left] Untitled, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
51
MESSAGES
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
52
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
Messages [Left] The kettle, one of Joe’s favorites
He really had a 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 and Brooke, and bizarrely, Swati Nagpal was in town from Delhi for a project! - only time I’ve seen her as well).. almost like 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 there and was evaluating the opportunities and threats there for Landscape Forms 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 is 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
53
54
55
Messages
I’ve known Joe my entire life. Not as a colleague or business partner or mentor, but as a friend. He and I were not nearly as close until the last few years when we were able to spend some good times with Dave and my dad out fishing. It was the 4 of us as the standard crew, and it was always a good time. Those 3 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 dinner where he was more than happy to put on his chef hat. It was that and a great bottle of wine
56
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 its 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
Joe’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 1960’s. I saw him just a few years ago at a conference - he seemed ageless. It was a pleasure knowing such a wonderful man. 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 Joe’s phone calls, his friendship and sharing a glass of wine. Carmen Cosentino
57
Messages
Thinking about how when I left, I had to catch a train to Rome, that left at some obscenely early time in 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 me the most delicious goat cheese, honey and prosciutto sandwiches for me to take on the ride. Joe in a nutshell. 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 of our lives. Love you. me , Mackenzie
58
Messages
I have learned so much from Joe throughout the past 19 years, both professionally and personally for which 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 11.24.2014
A Treasured gift from Joe. -Donna DeGroot 11.16.2014
59
60
THE STUDIO OF DESIGN Joe Lalli has been leader of the studios at EDSA for xx years and has been mentor of more than hundreds of landscape architects.
61
62
63
THE STUDIO OF ART Since 2011, Joe opened his personal studio for art, festivals, events and was enjoyed and admired by many folks.
64
65
THE STUDIO OF ART
66
67
WATERCOLOR Since 2011, Joe opened his personal studio for art, festivals, events and was enjoyed and admired by many folks.
68
69
[Left] Church in rain, Watercolor by Joe Lalli [Right] Untitled, Oil painting by Joe Lalli
70
71
72
[Left] Untitled, Watercolor by Joe Lalli [Right] Gilgamesh, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
73
[Above] Ovieto Landscape, Watercolor by Joe Lalli [Below] Ovieto Valley, Watercolor by Joe Lalli [Right] Truly Olive Grove, Watercolor by Joe Lalli
74
75
76
77
78
WORLD TRAVEL How many miles have Joe traveled? It must be more than George Colony in “Up in the Air“
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
Since 2011, the annual Joseph J. Lalli Travel / Design Fellowship has been established to encourage employees travel, immerse themselves in a different culture and share inspirations with colleagues through reports.
DESIGN MATTERS_42
growT never buT ins
Courtesy EDSA Design Matters Magazine 2013 Issue | Page 23-26
88
DESIGN MATTERS_46
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
DESIGN MATTERS_44
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
TRAVEL RoCKS_ 47
DESIGN MATTERS_48
USA
CHINA
awarDeD To Derek gagne.
HONDURAS TRAVEL RoCKS_ 49
89
90
FAVORITES Joe likes design, art and also these things. Collections through years can be found everywhere as he “organizes“.
91
OF CATS -”Who knows how many cats do Joe & Jeanne have?” -”No one.” Through life time, Joe and Jeanne have had xx of cats, there are xx in the house, xx in the studio, xx they found home for...
92
93
OF TOMATOES Tomatos and Vegetables
94
OF ORCHIDS
95
OF MIAMI HEAT “It’s definitely a nail-bitting game!”
96
OF MICHIGAN Go blue!
97
OF THE ROLLING STONES “If you start me up If you start me up I’ll never stop ......”
98
OF FLASH LIGHTS AND OTHERS
99
OF WINE
100
101
FAMILY MOMENTS From young to grown family
102
103
104
105
SPECIAL THANKS The following people who have shared stories. It is you who made this book happen.
Jeanne Lalli, Vincent Lalli, Mark Zweig, Michael Dawson, Retz, Gregg, Sutton, Sara, Paul Kissinger, Neal Schafers, Scott, LaMont, Sandra Arguello......
106