ULI San Francisco : Content: Beyond the Bricks

Urban Land Institute

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BEYOND THE BRICKS

Beyond the Bricks is a new feature produced by the ULI San Francisco Young Leader's Group that provides members with a backstage pass into the personal and professional lives of the industry's rising stars. Read excerpts from YLG Communications Committee Co-Chair Matt Holmes' interview with YLG Co-Chair Todd Kohli, Managing Director for EDAW San Francisco, below or download the full interview here!

Matt: How did you choose landscape architecture?

Todd: I’ve known that I wanted to be a landscape architect since 10th grade. I thought I wanted to be an architect in 6th grade, but then in the late 80’s, Ian McHarg, one of the fathers of landscape architecture and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, put momentum into Earth Day, right about the time I had to decide on a major and a university. I chose landscape architecture and Pennsylvania State University.  Go Lions!

Matt: Which real estate professional do you admire most?

Todd: There are a host of them in the Bay Area. However, if I had to pick, it would be one of the reasons I took the job at EDAW AECOM, Joe Brown and Steve Hanson.

Matt: What about Joe and Steve has drawn your admiration?

Todd: Joe’s vision and determination and business acumen. He also strives to push our art into a first tier profession. Steve for his almost immediate sense for design and what works and what will not.

Matt: If we direct the conversation toward core principles, which would you encourage our YLG members to observe as they build their careers?

Todd: Listen more. Be sure you fully understand the client’s needs and desires. With every project: advance the profession, make the client happy all the while trying to fulfill the business aspect of making a profit.

Matt: I know that you are also an avid reader. Are there any authors whose work you prefer?

Todd: I fly a lot for work and on long trips; you have plenty of time to read a good book.  Two authors that come to mind are Nelson Demille and Richard Florida.

Matt: What is in the trunk of your car?

Todd: I have never owned a car.

Matt: You are living the ULI dream! How many miles have you ridden this year by bike?

Todd: This season started in mid-November and I am now close to 4,000 miles.  I’ll have over 10,000 by the end of the season which will be Labor day in September.  Ice cream that evening!

Matt: What are your long term goals?

Todd: Visit as many countries as possible to learn other cultures and processes to elevate my own internal thinking within life and design.

Matt: What countries have you seen so far?

Todd: England, Spain, France, Italy, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Kenya, Tanzania, UAE, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, Bahamas…there may be more.

Matt: That is a pretty good start! Well thank you for your time today Todd. Are there any parting words you would like to share with YLG?

Todd: People need to enjoy being outside in a space that is comfortable to them. Think about it, you work a 1/3 of your life and another 1/3 sleeping; the way I see it, you better be with someone you really enjoy being with and enjoy being outside!