Member Spotlight: Aan Coleman

Aan Coleman
Coleman & Associates

Aan Coleman, President of Coleman & Associates, has practiced Landscape Architecture throughout Texas for over 29 years. Her firm focuses upon balancing the built environment with the environmental stewardship of the land, and sustainable practices remain her starting point for every design decision. Coleman & Associates’ work includes site planning and landscape improvement plans for communities, parks, universities, schools, office and retail developments, roadways and infrastructure projects, civic buildings and estate residential projects.

I first heard of Aan when I moved to Austin in 2007 and began working for a local landscape architecture firm. As a native plant enthusiast, I find her work to be timeless and inspiring. - Amy DeFrank, Aguirre Roden

1. What is your professional history?
I graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1981 and started my career in Houston. My first job was with a design build firm that did a lot of work for Trammell Crow. I was transferred to Austin to do several projects for Trammell Crow’s Austin office. I like to say, “I was raised on Trammell Crow!” Trammell Crow was an excellent first client; they were very “can do” and quite patient with a young (but enthusiastic!) Landscape Architect.

2. How were you first introduced to SMPS and what motivated you to join?
I was actually a member of SMPS in the early ‘80s, but then the economy faltered in Texas (sound familiar?). Coleman & Associates rejoined 2 years ago at the suggestion of one of our great clients. Once we came to a luncheon, it was quite obvious that networking and information SMPS provides would be extremely beneficial to our firm. In addition, the “sense of community” in the SMPS group is very supportive.

3. How has SMPS helped you in your career?
In my busy-busy, on-the-go cycle of “get work, do work, get work again,” it is great to be a member of an organization that allows us to see many of our professional friends on a monthly basis. I feel that we are better informed of current events and more aware of upcoming opportunities.

4. What has been your best project experience? Why?
Simple; Umlauf Sculpture Garden. This project happened at the right time in my life, both personally and professionally. It also occurred in a stressful economic cycle, resulting in creative solutions to stretch limited resources. The project – now a beautiful park – continues to bring me joy and the feeling of lasting contribution to something bigger than oneself.

5. What business development/marketing practices do you believe have been key to the success of Coleman & Associates? Why?
I love the industry, and that means the people in it. It is wonderful to be surrounded with such talent (Yes, even the engineers! J). Our success comes from our enthusiasm and relentless commitment to continual growth in our talents and stewardship. I firmly believe that our success is a direct reflection of the successes of our clients, and that our clients have benefited from the aesthetic and environmental investments we have managed in their projects. We feel very supported by our fellow industry friends and strive to keep our relationships strong by ensuring that our work for them makes them look good!

6. What advice would you give to SMPS members in making the most out of their membership?
Follow-up with the connections you make through SMPS and involve your other team members, especially those new to the industry. It takes years – 29 for me – and I still look forward to making new friends. We do not take our relationships lightly; we know that we are only as strong as our last project and our latest happy client. SMPS gives us the platform to develop both.