SCASLA UCLAx TEAM

Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects at UCLA Extension

Brian Bautista – President

My name is Brian, and I’m a former Visual Effects Artist and Television Editor, turned gardener, turned Landscape Architecture Student. I spent the first part of my career pushing pixels; I aim to make the second part of my life about plants and our connection to the broader world.

My goal as President this year is to take us back to our (literal) roots and help bring education and awareness about native plants, plant care and horticulture. Landscape Architecture sits at the intersection of so many disciplines, whether it be art, architecture, horticulture, botany, ecology, sustainability, so many things! I hope to use this position to expose us to as many disciplines and career paths as possible so we can all find the niche where we are most successful.

Ryan O’Leary Jones – Vice President

I’m a second-year landscape architecture student with a background in storytelling and production. I worked in unscripted television before shifting into landscape design, trading characters on screen for spaces with character.
Growing up in South Los Angeles made me aware early on that not all landscapes are created equally. Some invite you in, some push you out, and that difference can affect your mentality. I’m drawn to spaces that are somewhat structured, sometimes a little offbeat, but always reflective of the people they’re for. I try to approach design the way I approached producing, start with a big pitch, figure out what’s real, and create something that works in context.  I now work as a garden educator in schools, which has deepened my interest in how kids connect to outdoor spaces in real, immediate ways.
As Vice President of SCASLA, I’m interested in building a more connected, engaged student community that bridges the transition to our careers as future designers.

Jonnie Rosetti – Secretary

I’m excited to be a part of the Student Board for the ASLA this year and look forward to working with the other board members to put together exciting and informative sessions for the Landscape Architecture program. I have a passion for native plants and on-site water retention and plan to focus in the residential space after graduation. I’ve been supported in my school by my wife, Alyx and kids Olive and Fox (who may or may not draw sections better than me already) and I’ve lived in the Los Angeles area for 15 years, but my heart will always belong to Tulsa.

Laura Williams – Treasurer

Hi there, I’m Laura! I’m a second-year student in the landscape architecture program and I live in Silver Lake, Los Angeles. I’m originally from Orange County and before moving to LA I lived in Chicago and Nantes, France. I work full time in planning and permitting for the entertainment industry, and I’m so excited to shift toward a career in landscape architecture to design spaces that are equitable, resilient, and beautiful. I have two cats, Franny and Dewey, who I absolutely adore, and I teach pottery at a local studio on Sundays. I recently started a California native container garden which has triggered a clinical obsession with monarch caterpillars. I’m looking forward to being your Treasurer this year and creating opportunities for us to connect and learn!

Elisa Reclusado – Communications Officer

Hello! I’m Elisa, a second-year student living in the Bay Area. I work outdoors as a habitat restoration technician. I almost always spend my break times taking pictures of insects, frogs, and flowers. My love for the outdoors started as a child. Hearing the coo of a mourning dove brings me back to family camping trips in the Sierra Foothills. Natural landscapes bring joy to my heart and leave me with a feeling of wonder. I want to design spaces that bring humans and nature together.

As Communications Officer, my goal is to bridge connections between certificate students. As a Northern California resident, I want to amplify out-of-town student’s voices and build a community outside of Southern California. I’m honored to be part of your landscape architecture journey. Let’s grow together!

Tom Galassi – Student Liason

Hi, I’m Tom. My background spans environmental advocacy, creative media, and community engagement. Inspired while working at Heal the Bay, I am passionate about designing sustainable, resilient, and people-centric landscapes that strengthen connections between communities and the natural environment. I am particularly inspired by transformative projects such as the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and hope to create and contribute to projects that positively impact communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

As Student Liaison, my goal is to help keep everyone informed about what’s happening within the program and to serve as a resource for both current and incoming students. Whether you have questions about classes, coursework, or the program in general, on a student level, I’m happy to help. This is a rigorous and rewarding program, and one of its greatest strengths is the supportive community we’ve built. We all help each other succeed, and I’m here to assist anyone who needs guidance or has questions along the way.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many opportunities SCASLA offers, whether it’s events, studio tours, lectures, or networking gatherings. Not only will you learn more about the profession and build valuable connections, but you’ll also become a part of this incredible community. Some of the most meaningful experiences and relationships in this field happen outside the classroom, so I encourage you to get involved whenever you can.