6
PROFILE
People’s leader: Eric Lucas CEO of MKSK, a collective of planners, urban designers, and landscape architects who are passionate about the interaction between people and place.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
I nspired to improve cities’ complex socioeconomic situations and the relationship to ever-changing land and water resources, Lucas believes we can do better for our world through sincere engagement, innovative ideas, and sustainable solutions – and he’s putting his beliefs into action at MKSK (Columbus, OH). “Words spoken by leaders reinforce behaviors – positively and negatively,” Lucas says. “A leader best leads by example and is most respected when others see them walk the walk.” A CONVERSATION WITH ERIC LUCAS. The Zweig Letter: Your passion for travel seems to stem from a desire to learn how different cultures live and connect. Can you give me an example of how one of your travel experiences influenced an MKSK design? Eric Lucas: I’ve practiced on three continents and in more than 20 states. In my personal time, I’ve visited numerous other places across the U.S. and around the globe. No matter if we’re practicing in our own communities or far away, the local culture, history, ecology, and customs dominate our
response. We seek out, through dialogue and research, an understanding of the sense of place. We invite conveners to help open doors, we talk with residents and unofficial historians to learn of local lore, and we work alongside anthropologists and ecologists who lend specific expertise about a place, its people, and its culture. When we do all of this correctly, we can formulate responsible and sustainable solutions. TZL: Have you had a particular mentor who has guided you – in school, in your career, or in general? Who were they and how did they help? EL: My first mentor remains my most influential. Upon graduation, I took a job with Carol R. Johnson Associates in Boston. In my 10 years there, Carol taught me a tremendous amount about the creative and technical aspects of landscape architecture. But more importantly, Carol taught me about how a landscape architect acts, reacts, and interacts. Carol was masterful at owning a room and keeping an audience hanging on every word. I learned to practice with honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. Every idea needed a reason and a story, and if neither were strong, then neither was the idea. Carol was tough and demanded that of her team too.
THE ZWEIG LETTER NOVE
Made with FlippingBook Annual report