Peter Olson

This is a photo taken in Cades Cove, a small portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a regular weekend getaway during my undergrad days.

Degree: MLArch

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2023

Prior Degree
BS in Geology & Environmental Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

2022-2023 Scholarship
Oregon Chapter ASLA Student Award

I Am Originally From Knoxville, TN

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose the University of Oregon for its access to the incredible landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Eugene is an excellent home base for adventures from sea to summit, and my experience at UO has only enriched my appreciation of the natural beauty of this area.

I chose to pursue landscape architecture because I wanted to directly influence the way people interact with their environment. In a former life I was an outdoor guide and educator, and I relished in the experience of helping others connect with nature. I see landscape architecture as a way to help others access the outdoors across all scales and uses.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I hail from Knoxville, Tennessee, and received my BS in environmental studies from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During my four years at UT, I was a lead guide for the outdoor program (UTOP) and the Student Director of a summer program for incoming freshmen called Ignite Outdoors. I also played competitive club ultimate frisbee for the men’s ultimate club, and served as president from 2017-2020. Tennessee is blessed in natural beauty just as Oregon is, and I loved my experience growing up in the hills and hollers of southern Appalachia. I hope to use my past experiences as an outdoor educator to help engage people through outdoor play and recreation.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
To pick amongst such decorated and diligent faculty is a challenge, but if I had to name one, I would have to say Jean Yang.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I currently serve as the President for the UO chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). I joined ASLA for the opportunity to serve my fellow students and future colleagues through coordinating educational and professional events.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
Plants class really emphasized one of the most important parts of being a landscape architect. Countless hours memorizing flash cards, leaves, and buds is something I’ll never forget; the satisfaction of being able to recognize a friendly face in the wild is a delight like nothing else.

AFTER GRADUATION
I hope to use my College of Design education to create spaces that invite people to learn and play in their environment. I have always been passionate about helping develop others to achieve their potential. I think all humans have an inherent desire to connect with plants and nature, but don’t always know how to. My greatest dream is to continue this on a larger scale; from relationships to landscapes.

YOUR GIFT
This scholarship is incredibly impactful to me. To be recognized for my efforts across the past two years in the department is humbling, and this award will allow me to more fully throw myself into research for my master’s project and focus my efforts as president of the ASLA student chapter.

Thank you for your incredibly generous support!