Juwan McIntyre

What kind of questions or curiosities did you have when you decided to pursue a degree in landscape architecture?

How can I improve the outdoor environment of my city and community? How can I bring beautiful landscapes to black communities? How can I match powerful architecture with landscape design?

How would you describe the landscape architecture profession, based on your experiences?

Landscape architecture has the power to reach marginalized groups, but it chooses to primarily serve the affluent. Landscape architecture is behind architecture in socio-economic and socio-political matters, which is already behind. Landscape architecture has also somehow taken the mantle of “saving the earth”, this is not a good way of thinking. How we, landscape architects and designers, save the world when we are not solely responsible? How can we save the earth while turning blind eyes to marginalized groups?

What design challenges do you see in current practice that you hope to see change in?

Too many offices and departments reflect old and problematic ideals about design. Too many offices push burnout and crunch culture while suppressing the natural talents of their (younger) staff. Equity is not a truly understood concept in the office and the field.

What kinds of professional and personal trajectories are you setting for yourself at the moment?

Aiming for licensure but there is no rush for me currently. Working for an office that serves disadvantaged groups. Reaching out to (black) students and designers and help them however I can. Creating more art to share with the world.