April 9, 2014
Canfield receives national excellence in design studio teaching award
Jessica Canfield, assistant professor of landscape architecture, received the 2014 Excellence in Design Studio Teaching at the Junior Level Award from the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture at the annual conference award luncheon on March 27 in Baltimore.
The award recognizes a faculty member's ability to direct design studio projects that demonstrate outstanding quality and/or emphasize critical thinking and the creative process.
Canfield was nominated for the award in January by submission of a nomination packet, which included support letters from College of Architecture, Planning & Design faculty and students. It also included a statement from fourth-year landscape architecture student Ross DeVault. DeVault expressed the appreciation of many students for Canfield's "unique ability to connect with students on a personal and professional level, allowing growth and development in and outside the studio."
"As a professor, it is my passion and joy to inspire, challenge and transform students into disciplined, talented and confident design leaders," Canfield said. "To best facilitate students' needs, I wear many hats: director, coach, mentor, advocate, among others. Though I nurture, guide and push their work, I do not tell them what to do. Rather, I model how to make informed decisions, independently, and without fear of failure."
Canfield joined K-State as an assistant professor of landscape architecture in 2009. She holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and a Bachelor of Science in landscape architecture from Colorado State University. Before teaching she worked professionally for AECOM, Gustafson Guthrie Nichol and Martha Schwartz Partners.
Canfield focuses her practice, teaching and research around improving the social dimensions and environmental performance of urban public space. Most recently, Canfield's design was selected for installation at the Chaumont sur Loire International Garden Festival in France.
"Professor Canfield is truly exceptional. It has been a joy to watch her develop as a faculty member and embrace the academic endeavor," said Stephanie Rolley, professor and head of the landscape architecture/regional & community planning department. "She brought rich professional experience and a sincere interest in teaching to our program in fall 2009. Effective and capable from the beginning, she has grown into the role of mentor and scholar with extraordinary skill."