After 47 years of dedicated service to Land Concern, we announce with mixed emotions the retirement of Andy Bowden, FASLA, PLA.

Andy Bowden joined Land Concern’s founders, Rob Sawyer and Mike Imlay, in September 1976 at the newly established landscape architecture firm, Robert M. Sawyer and Associates, when they were based in Costa Mesa. He worked part-time while in his senior year at Cal Poly but graduated a quarter early and started full-time in March of 1977.

Over his illustrious career, Andy has won numerous awards and accolades. He was awarded the Highest Honor of Fellowship from the American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA), a prestigious recognition of his contributions to the field. He led the young firm on the very first model home complex to win a Major Achievement in Merchandising Excellence (MAME) Award for Canyon Creek in the late 1970s. That was followed the next year with another MAME Award for Falcon Hill, both built by the Meister Company. Andy and his team went on to win numerous other MAMEs, SAMs, MIRMs, and other marketing awards.

The last MAME Award his team won was for Sky Isle for K. Hovnanian Homes in Covenant Hills. After that award, he decided to concentrate more on master-planned residential communities and senior housing projects. His most successful projects include La Floresta in Brea CA and Vellano in Chino Hills CA. Andy’s innovative design solutions were reflected in a wide range of noteworthy projects, including master-planned communities, parks, recreation facilities, resort hotels, residential neighborhoods, and senior housing developments. He also contributed to projects in various international locations, including Poland, Thailand, Indonesia, and Baja California.

Numerous organizations recognized Andy’s dedication to the field of Landscape Architecture. He was named a Life Member of CLASS Fund in 2009, was awarded the Ruth Shelhorn Award from the Southern California Chapter of ASLA for Leadership and Dedication in 2014, was elevated to Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2018, and inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame in 2019. And just recently, he was highlighted in the Faces of Newport Beach publication.

Andy has been an integral part of the Land Concern family for over four decades. He started as a Project Manager, worked his way up to Associate, then Senior Associate, and finally became a Principal in 2000. His journey is a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Andy’s expertise, leadership, and guidance have been invaluable to the growth and success of Land Concern.

Andy has been a tireless advocate for the Landscape Architecture profession and has made significant contributions to strengthen the industry. He mentored students, served on the boards of various industry organizations, and worked with the Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC) to standardize state licensing requirements. His efforts were recognized with four gubernatorial appointments from three different California governors. Governor Schwarzenegger appointed him first, followed by two consecutive appointments from Governor Brown, and a final appointment from Governor Newsom.

Since 2007, Andy has served four terms on the LATC, with his current term set to expire at the end of May. However, due to term limits, he is now “termed out” and will retire from his role on the LATC. In addition to his work with the LATC, Andy has held various leadership roles within the industry, including two terms as President of the Southern California Chapter of the ASLA, two terms as Trustee for the same chapter, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for CLASS Fund. His immeasurable contributions have made a lasting impact on the field of Landscape Architecture.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Andy Bowden, FASLA, PLA, and wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement. We are grateful for the time we had to work with him. We will miss his expertise, and contagious enthusiasm for the profession, but we are excited for him to embark on this new chapter in his life. Congratulations, Andy!