Terence Harkness

I learnt landscape design from Terry when we worked together on the Taj project. He taught me to see, interpret, and use that understanding to plan for the future. His aesthetic sensibility and ability to understand landscapes as shaped by cultural and ecological factors made him a giant in the field of landscape architecture. 

Nobody was more instrumental in launching my now 30+ years of loving plants, gardens, and wild things than Terry Harkness. I was fortunate enough to serve as a teaching assistant in several of his classes and his energy, expertise, intellectual curiosity, and personal interest in - me and my interests and abilities - was critical to growing my skills and confidence to carve my own path in, through, beyond landscape architecture. I haven't communicated with him in year, but I still remember...

Terry was one of my favorite professors at U of I. He had a way of pulling the best out of people. Led by example, passion and a love for the beauty that surrounds us. I am a better person for being a student of his wisdom and kindness.

Terry will always hold a special place in my life. He taught me more than just design.... and I will forever be grateful to him and his wisdom.