Guy Robert Johns received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1960. At this time he began working and honing his technical skills alongside Garrett Eckbo and Francis Dean in California. In 1975 Johns became the Landscape Architect for the University of New Mexico. With Eckbo (FASLA) and Van Dorn Hooker (FAIA), Johns contributed to the dynamic landscape and urban design of the campus. Notable projects include the Fine Arts Plaza, Cornell Mall, the University’s Central “Duck Pond,” and UNM’s Valencia Campus. John’s influences expand beyond UNM to other campuses of the Southwest, and more recently, to large-scale designs for zoos, private and public schools, parks and other various commissions.
Guy Robert Johns also dedicated his time in the push for professional registration in New Mexico on behalf of New Mexico’s landscape architects. Johns, Jack Leaman (FASLA) and Baker H. Morrow (FASLA) were key forces in lobbying to pass the Landscape Architects Act in 1985. Johns also served as the first chair of the State Board of Landscape Architects and helped to create the rules and regulations of the association from 1985 to 1989. At this time, Johns was elected as the representative for the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). In 1996 Johns resumed his position on the New Mexico State Board and was again elected as the CLARB Representative for New Mexico from 1999 to 2000.
Johns was notably the first landscape architect to serve on the Joint Practices Committee (JCP). The committee was established by the New Mexico legislature to address the working relationships among architects, engineers and landscape architects in the state. The group was recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and other professional design organizations as the model for dealing with problems of common practices amongst design professions. Johns also actively worked with Craig Campbell (FASLA) to help establish the New Mexico Chapter of ASLA. Through their hard work the chapter was established and has been active since 1982. Johns served as the Chapter’s first president and continues to serve on the Chapter’s Executive Committee. In addition to serving on these influential boards as a landscape architect, Johns received numerous prestigious awards. These recognitions represent both the strong design of his professional work and his influence within the community of landscape architects, and specifically their presence in the state of New Mexico.
From the guide to the Guy Robert Johns Landscape Architectural Drawings and Plans, 1961-2004, 1961-2004, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)
