Jade Rhodes installing rain garden design in Kaimukī.
At the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, a promising future in landscape architecture is emerging. In her second year of graduate school, Jade Rhodes majors in landscape architecture. Not only has she made a name for herself with her amazing achievements, but her creative contributions are changing the field. She has won important awards that have gained her recognition across the country.
National Accolades for Jade Rhodes
Jade Rhodes has been recognized for her excellence in the field and dedication to redefining it by being named to the national 2023 Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Ignite cohort. The program's specialty is assisting students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color. It is renowned for offering scholarships, internships, and mentorship. Her selection demonstrates Rhodes' remarkable talent and potential as one of the five cohort members.
In addition to her inclusion in the LAF Ignite cohort, Jade Rhodes has been honored with the National Black Landscape Architects Network Edward Lyons Pryce, FASLA Scholarship. This prestigious award recognizes Rhodes for her outstanding contributions to the landscape architecture domain, marking her as a rising star in the field.
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A Unique Perspective Rooted in Policy and Anthropology
Originally from Detroit, Jade Rhodes brings a distinctive perspective to landscape architecture rooted in policy and anthropology. Her interdisciplinary approach sets her apart and adds depth to her work. "My background was not in the traditional sense of design; it is more so in policy and anthropology," Rhodes explains. "Winning these awards feels incredible and proves I can do anything. It's a testament to my passion for the field."
Vision for Landscape Architecture in Hawaiʻi
Currently exploring the possibilities of landscape architecture in Hawaiʻi, Rhodes draws inspiration from her roots in Detroit. Her vision is centered around establishing a community-powered landscape, particularly through the lens of food, especially in public park areas. Rhodes emphasizes the crucial need to reconnect with the land, space, and plants to heal communities affected by urbanization.
"There is a huge gap happening between people and place," says Rhodes. "My goal is to start an interdisciplinary firm that focuses on placemaking for underserved communities. So my goal is to find ways on refitting how food can play a huge part in landscape architecture."
Recognition and Nominations
Jade Rhodes' excellence extends beyond the awards she has received. She has also been nominated by the School of Architecture faculty for the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture 2024 Fountain Scholar Program. This program celebrates individuals who contribute to the landscape architecture field and demonstrate exceptional promise.
Judith Stilgenbauer, a professor of landscape architecture and Rhodes' program director, speaks highly of Jade's passion for ecological resilience, biocultural restoration, and commitment to reconnecting people with the land. "Her recent, juried national-level recognitions are not mere symbols but tangible reflections of Jade's and our newly accredited MLA program's pursuit of the highest standards in landscape architecture," adds Stilgenbauer.
In conclusion, Jade Rhodes is a beacon of innovation and inspiration in landscape architecture. Her unique background, coupled with her visionary goals, positions her as a trailblazer who is reshaping the future of landscape architecture, not only in Hawaiʻi but on a national level. As she continues to receive accolades and nominations, the impact of Jade Rhodes on the landscape architecture discipline is poised to grow, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.
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