Landscape Architecture Faculty Teaching from the Ground Up

“It’s important for students to find joy in what others might overlook,” she said. “Soil, seeds germinating, flowers opening, leaves emerging—these are vital details. An important part of landscape architecture is understanding the human impact on our environments.”

Cohen builds that foundation through courses like Graphic Studies, which she teaches alongside a design studio.

“Graphic Studies gives students essential tools like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. But it’s also about learning the difference between a pencil and charcoal—how to translate rich, hand-drawn ideas into digital drawings,” she said. “Watching their skills grow and seeing where they take them is really exciting.”

Cohen’s creative work is currently on display in SHOWCASE 2025 at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. The exhibition runs through July 6 and features her project Soil Stories, which explores the layers of Alabama soil through drawing and material samples.

“It’s an interdisciplinary look at soil—what it means and what it holds,” said Cohen. “Soil carries memory through geology and human history. There’s much to learn it if we pay attention and look closely.”

For Cohen, being part of SHOWCASE has been a rich experience on multiple levels.

“To participate alongside faculty from across the university—artists, scientists, researchers—it’s thought-provoking,” she shared. “We’re learning from each other.”

Before joining Auburn, Cohen worked with Studio Outside Landscape Architects to grow her craft, first as a landscape designer and later as an associate.

“It helped me understand how a design moves from concept to built form,” she said. “From prairie restoration to botanic gardens, I saw how a design could celebrate the local ecology. It was a helpful time.”

Cohen’s work at Auburn also overlaps with LAND40, a celebration of four decades of Landscape Architecture graduates. With the return of the undergraduate program, Cohen sees a bright future.

“It’s a real strength to have both master’s and bachelor’s programs,” she said. “Students at each level approach their work in different ways and learn from each other. It also broadens our reach—bringing in visiting lecturers, engaging prospective students and much more. It’s a very exciting time for Landscape Architecture at Auburn.”