REMEMBERING
/ BSLA
Rick Klein , ASLA
Rick Klein , ASLA , co-founding Principal of The Berkshire Design Group passed away suddenly on June 18 , 2016 . The profession of landscape architecture has lost a creative designer , businessman , marketer , outstanding teacher , and friend .
After graduating from Ohio State University with a degree in landscape architecture , Rick went to work for Edward R . Bachtle & Associates in Wilmington , Delaware where he met his future business partner , Peter Wells . After several years , the two decided to venture off on their own , and by mapping where LA firms were in the U . S ., found that there was a void in western MA . Thus began The Berkshire Design Group in 1984 . The firm set up shop in Northampton , MA .
Rick worked tirelessly to develop the firm and , in May 1991 appeared with his partners on the cover of Landscape Architecture Magazine under the heading Small Firms / New Faces . Rick guided the firm as it added civil engineering and land surveying services , but was determined to not grow too big as he always relished contact with clients and putting his personal stamp on projects . He was a perfectionist from master planning down to detail design .
A former employee wrote “ I owe Rick for everything good I learned in this profession . He taught me to work hard , but make time for fun , strive for excellence , learn all facets of the profession and , most of all , do great design . I am forever indebted to Rick for continuing my education after college .” Rick taught several classes at UMass LARP and a student from his last class wrote this email to Rick , “ I can ’ t count how many times I ’ ve come across things you spoke about in professional practice . I believe your course was perfect in preparing me for the real world … and our class was fortunate to have you as a teacher .” One client wrote that “ Smith College will miss his expertise and the careful planning he so meticulously brought to our campus .”
Those who worked with Rick have lost a consummate professional , dedicated boss , good friend , and inspiring mentor . He was most proud of his two daughters , Elizabeth and Emily , who brought him great joy . His spirit lives on in them and in his numerous built works which have brought beauty and function into the landscape .
Donations in his memory may be made to the Rick Klein Scholarship Fund which will support the University of Massachusetts Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning . You may mail checks to : Terry Rogers Trudeau , Department of LARP , 111 Thatcher Road , Ofc 1 , Amherst , MA 01003-9357 .
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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