Gerdo Aquino is 44 years old. Not only is he one of the youngest CEOs in architecture, he is CEO of SWA, the largest landscape architecture firm in North America. Gerdo started in community college and graduated from Harvard. He is a true testament to hard work and dedication. If you live in Los Angeles, chances are you’ve seen his firm’s work. I sat down with him for a quick discussion about his inspiration and future direction.
b: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARCHITECT?
g: At a very young age, I was always curious about the role of design in our built natural environment. I mean, I understood that someone built buildings and parks, but I didn’t understand how they were conceived- i.e. how and who designed them; and what was their inspiration? Studying architecture and landscape architecture at the University of Florida and later, Harvard, opened my eyes to understanding the positive impact good design can have on peoples daily lives.
b: YOU’RE PRETTY YOUNG FOR A CEO, TO WHAT WOULD YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR QUICK RISE?
g: Having BIG ideas. Our world thrives on innovative solutions to pressing issues like population densities, transit, pollution and water quality. As CEO of SWA, the largest landscape architecture firm in North America, it will be important for me to continue having ideas that can stir a creative dialogue about these issues.
b: ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT SWA IS THE COMMITMENT TO SYNTHESIZING AESTHETICS AND SUSTAINABILITY. COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THAT?
g: People often tell me that aesthetics is extremely subjective. What someone loves, another person hates. SWA tries to position the conversation of aesthetics to be based on what is a place doing? How does it perform for people, or for nature. Elizabeth Meyer, a professor at the University of Virginia often writes about the aesthetics of sustainability. She argues that sustainable buildings and landscapes shouldn’t have a prescribed look and feel; rather, its aesthetic is simply the result of quantifiable metrics and objectives.
b: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LA?
g: Having choices. It is rare to live in a city that offers so much variety for such a diverse population with a relatively young history. At just over 200 years old, Los Angeles is just getting started. You can bet that this city will only become more interesting and unique in what it offers to residents and visitors.
b: OTHER THAN ARCHITECTURE, WHAT OTHER AREAS OF ART INTEREST YOU?
g: Painting. If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing, I would be a painter. I admire the work of Richard Diebenkorn and Wayne Thiebaud. So expressive, yet incredibly detailed work that captures the essence of California culture and lifestyle.
b: WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW?
g: Through various initiatives and projects, I am helping to bring the LA River back to life as a place for recreation, culture and kayaking. The idea that the LA River could be the new postcard image of the city intrigues me. This intrigue pushes me to take measured actions that can make the changes this city so desperately needs- more open space, clean air, alternative transit and affordable housing- not to mention an awesome destination that no other city can offer!
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