The LSU Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture held the first James Turner Sketch Bootcamp in August 2026, to launch the fall 2026 semester.

A new annual tradition honoring Professor James Turner’s legacy of observation, creativity, and design communication, the workshop brought design experts to LSU campus to mentor landscape architecture students.

Open to students of all skill levels, the workshop featured hands-on sketching instruction, guest artists and designers, and field exercises that demonstrate how drawing serves as a fundamental tool for seeing, thinking, and designing. Students learned observational sketching techniques while exploring how drawing supports the design process, communication, and creative problem-solving.

The bootcamp introduced students to expressive drawing and on-location sketching, Brian Goad, professional-in-residence said.

“Drawing is a way of thinking, observing, and analyzing what makes a space successful,” Goad said. “It was incredible to see the students’ enthusiasm throughout the workshop, especially their excitement about meeting James Turner and learning from the incredibly talented artists, Jim and Chris.”

“Drawing has been a cornerstone of my 40-year landscape architecture career, and I’ve been very involved in the global urban sketching phenomenon for the last 15 years. There’s a lot each can learn from the other. To see the RRSLA step out and take a leadership role in this renaissance of freehand sketching as a powerful creative tool is exciting,” said James Richards, FASLA.

“To return to LSU is always a distinct pleasure, but to see the evolution of today’s landscape architectural students creates a feeling of excitement for our profession’s future.  Their willingness to engage with us as we share our passion for drawing, its importance in the design thought process and the exhibition of their talent, was overwhelming. To assist with inaugurating this Sketch Bootcamp in the name of James Turner, a true artist, mentor, friend, was a career highlight for me,” said Christopher Flagg, FASLA, Vice-President, A&E Group Operations Principal, Haskell.

“The workshop helped students to understand the language of drawing, to incorporate sketching as an integral part of the design process, and to use quick gesture sketching as a catalyst for ideation and form generation. They learned to draw confidently to capture the spirit of place and to convey a sense of life and authenticity to their sketches,” Goad said.