Proclamation: Frederick Law Olmsted Day 2022

April 2022

As President of the Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, JBC’s Lara Guldenpfennig was instrumental in working with the State of Iowa government to declare April 26, 2022 Frederick Law Olmsted day in Iowa.

The day marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Olmsted, a landscape architect whose designs influenced the development of parks and parkways, college campuses, planned communities, estates, cemeteries, recreation areas, and specialized landscapes across the United States.

Read the proclamation in full on the ASLA website.

Barrett Park: Barrett Park in Urbandale designed for adventures, problem solving

March 2022

As construction of Barrett Park begins to wrap up for a summer 2022 opening, Channel 5 news produced a segment about construction of the playscape and how this natural park is built for year-round play. Designed by JBC and constructed by Lejas Corporation, the park includes accessible natural play elements to provide new play opportunities and adventures every time a family visits. Click through to the video where Channel 5 news conducts a wonderful interview about the power of play with Jan Herke, Urbandale’s Parks and Recreation Director.

Barrett Park: A new natural playscape is coming together in Urbandale, designed for year-round, adaptable recreation

March 2022

An article discussing the benefits of nature play and how it is incorporated into the playscape at Barrett Park (designed by JBC) in Urbandale, Iowa, was recently published in Little Village Magazine. See current photos of Phase 1 construction as well as an image of the master plan here.

Kansas State University Memorial Stadium Green Roofs

September 2021

The impact of the Kansas State University Memorial Stadium Green Roofs project was assessed and documented through the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s innovative Landscape Performance Series Case Study Investigation (CSI) program, a unique research collaboration among faculty researchers, designers, and students.⁣
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JBC designed the two green roof systems and was heavily involved in their construction. We also designed the irrigation/water management system and helped support Kansas State University faculty and student research on the two green roofs. So excited to see this project as part of LAF's CSI program! Learn more by clicking on the photo at left.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Renames Awards of Excellence after Jeff Bruce

JBC is honored and excited to announce that Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has renamed their Awards of Excellence after Jeff Bruce who passed away in January of 2020. It is a very thoughtful tribute that recognizes Jeff’s many contributions to the green roof industry.

The 2021 Jeffrey L. Bruce Awards of Excellence award winners will be announced through the virtual CitiesAlive conference on November 8-11.

In Memoriam

January 2020

It is with a very heavy heart that we must share with you the news of the passing of Jeffrey Bruce, our leader, friend, and mentor who has immensely transformed the betterment and evolution of the profession of Landscape Architecture over the last 40 years.

Jeff had been battling an aggressive form of cancer over the last few months of 2019, and his passing has finally helped to relieve his suffering.

Jeff's place within our hearts and our noble profession will be greatly missed, but we can say with confidence, that his contributions and legacy will live on in our collective endeavors and future collaborations.

We are filled with gratitude and want to personally thank all of you for your investments, efforts, and continued engagement with JBC in conversations, projects, and relationships. Please know that JBC is now stronger and closer than ever and will live on carrying his spirit and optimism for life, how we practice, the spaces and systems we design, and the incredibly gracious and wonderful people we have and will continue to collaborate and engage with. It is both an honor and a privilege.

With much love and heavy hearts, The JBC Family

David Stokes made a partner with JBC

October 2019

Jeffrey L. Bruce & Company, LLC (JBC) is pleased to announce that David A. Stokes, PLA, ASLA, ASIC has been made a full partner of the firm.

David has been a long time strategic contributor and leader to JBC. Joining JBC in 2002, he accepted a position as a Project Landscape Architect. He has over 21 years of professional experience across North America servicing a diverse client base across multiple market sectors that include educational, institutional, parks and recreation, sports, urban design and large-scale public realm projects. David’s approach to design is deeply rooted in technology, focusing on integrating disciplines and approaches to create performance-based landscape architecture infrastructure systems that enhances our environments and engages the public. David is also highly-experienced in leading public participation and citizen design/engagement workshops. He has been a critical part of JBC’s evolution and body of work with the most recent commissions being: the Navy Pier Redevelopment in Chicago, University of Kansas, Duke University, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle, Washington University East Campus Renovation in St. Louis, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, Manhattan West Development in New York and, and planning efforts in several Iowa communities participating in the Iowa Living Roadways Community Visioning Program.

David holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Iowa State University. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and, member and past president of Prairie Gateway Chapter of ASLA. A native of Iowa, David currently resides in Lee’s Summit, MO with his wife, Denelle and their three children.

 Congratulations David!

Washington University’s East End Transformation

October 2019

JBC was involved in the development of Washington University’s East End Transformation project, which was officially dedicated on October 2, 2019. The project includes the relocation of hundreds of parking spaces underground, as well as an expansive new park that connects campus buildings through beautiful walking paths.

JBC is proud to be a part of Washington University’s dedicated commitment to sustainability and forward-focused landscape.