memberSPOTLIGHT < Bryan Leininger
Bryan Leininger, PLA, ASLA
North Dakota Section Chair
Contour Design Studio
Fargo, North Dakota
When did you realize you wanted to become a Landscape Architect?
Upon finishing my first year in architecture school.
What is your favorite landscape and why?
I've come to love the vast open spaces of the tallgrass prairie region. The endless horizon and the tall skies really speak to me!
I am a member of ASLA because I value the commitment and dedication this small group has in helping push each other and our profession forward, but even more so, I enjoy the camaraderie.
What is the most important thing you have learned since joining the profession?
When given the opportunity, we must always continue to educate others on our profession. We're too often overlooked and I believe it's because most either don't know our profession exists or we're lumped together with other professions.
What is one item you cannot live without?
Coffee, but I'm preaching to the choir, aren't I?
What is something you find joy in other than landscape architecture?
I love being in the outdoors. When time allows, I try to squeeze in a hike or do an overnight backpacking trip in a large expanse of USFS land, not far from Fargo.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
While in college at NDSU, two good friends and myself owned a skateboard company called Be Square Longboard Company. We had the business for 3-ish years, built nearly 120 skateboards from scratch, and sponsored downhill "outlaw" races throughout Minnesota. It was an incredible time! It all came to an end when it was time for us to graduate and get real jobs.
Share a project that holds great meaning to you.
While at my previous firm, I had an incredible lake home client, who still to this day will call or text me to check in to see how my family and I are doing, or they'll insist that I stop at their home unannounced if I'm ever in their town. They were so much fun to work with and had a lot of trust in my creative process and vision.
