The University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) hosted its 2025 Clarence Roy-SmithGroup JJR Lecture on April 3, which was presented by InSite Design Studio principal Shannan Gibb-Randall (BA ’90, MLA ’98), PLA. Randall, who graduated from SEAS’ Master of Landscape Architecture program, noted that “landscape architects are in the overlap between human needs and ecosystem needs.” She discussed the principles of ecological design and the practice of designing for native systems and people, and shared some of the projects she’s worked on during her career. 

Gibb-Randall practices ecologically sensitive site design and rainwater management with high aesthetic value. Her studio, InSite Design, is located in Ann Arbor. Her work straddles art and science and is grounded in balancing the needs of people and the living world so that both can flourish. Her work lives and thrives in highly urbanized settings to rural landscapes, each uniquely tailored to the local ecological opportunities, design and program parameters, and distinct visual preferences of each client. Her portfolio includes large institutional settings, parks, publicly owned stormwater infrastructure, commercial venues, and nonprofit and residential design work.

The SmithGroup JJR Endowed Lecture provides funding for an annual memorial lecture in honor of Clarence Roy, founding partner of JJR. It was the donor’s desire that the lecture be given by a U-M alum on a topic related to the theme of sustainability in landscape architecture.

Watch the full lecture below.