Alf Simon

Alf Simon is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of New Mexico (UNM). He previously served as Associate Dean in the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) at UNM and was a faculty member at the University of Manitoba from 1990 to 2000. Simon holds a Ph.D. in Geography from Arizona State University and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Manitoba.

His research focuses on the intersection of landscape and infrastructure, cultural landscape studies, and urban complexity. He has explored topics such as highway landscapes, urban sprawl, sustainable arid land design, and the historical archeology of Phoenix canals. Simon’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to urban design and planning, particularly in regions with unique environmental challenges.

Simon has received numerous awards, including Fellowships from both the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA). He served as Past President of CELA and has been recognized for service to the profession, design excellence in projects like the Red River Corridor Study, and contributions to urban park redesign research.

In grants, he has led and collaborated on projects totaling over $300,000, addressing topics like Route 66 narratives, context-sensitive roadways, and historic preservation in national parks. He has also contributed to design studios and pedagogical innovation, teaching courses such as Design Studios, Urban Typology, and Theory of Urban Innovation.

Simon co-founded Llewellin Simon Associates, a landscape architecture and architecture firm, and played a pivotal role in establishing UNM’s graduate Landscape Architecture Program in 2000. His work bridges academic research, professional practice, and community engagement, advocating for resilient design in arid environments.