January 2026 President's Note
Kryssie Maybay, owner of Kismet Design and 2026 APLDWA Chapter President
“You want me to do what?” That was my response nearly ten years ago when Katie Weber approached me at an APLD event and asked me not only to volunteer on the Program Committee, but to serve as a co-chair. At the time, I had no real understanding of what I was committing to, yet it remains one of the best “yeses” of my career. Saying yes—despite feeling unqualified or unsure—led to lasting friendships, a strong sense of community, and a volunteer experience that profoundly shaped my involvement with APLD.
As an introvert, I am most comfortable observing from the sidelines—often from a quiet corner or an inconspicuous front-row seat where distractions and interactions are limited. Volunteering and leadership do not typically come naturally to introverts, yet APLD has proven to be the most caring, welcoming, and encouraging professional community I have experienced. Within this group, I have felt supported enough to lower my guard, step forward, and grow in ways I never expected. APLD has been an integral part of my career, and I am deeply grateful for the community, friendships, and mentorship this organization continues to provide—past, present, and future.
Volunteering has been my way of giving back, and it has been far more rewarding than I ever anticipated. After several years serving on the Program Committee as both co- chair and chair, I had the opportunity to join the board as Secretary in 2024. That role further expanded my understanding of the dedication and collaboration required to keep our chapter strong and thriving.
I am truly honored and excited to serve as the APLDWA Chapter President in 2026. Over the past few years on the board, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of volunteers who generously dedicate their time and energy to chapter leadership. While getting to know fellow members through events and committees has always been a benefit of APLD membership, it has been especially meaningful through volunteering.
As I look ahead to 2026, I am hopeful and committed to building upon the legacy established by past presidents. APLDWA is one of the largest chapters and a leader within the national organization. Smaller chapters look to us as an example, and we help set the tone for volunteerism, active membership, education, mentorship, and advancement of the profession.
I encourage each member to remain engaged in our chapter—by attending at least two events per year, volunteering in ways big or small, and participating in PODs and Google Groups. Active involvement from each member strengthens the chapter as a whole and benefits everyone individually. The value of this community is difficult to put into words, but I know from experience that you receive far more than you give.
Increased volunteer participation and engagement in programs and sponsorships allow us to offer more to our members while keeping event costs accessible.
I am honored to introduce the APLDWA board for 2026
Past President- Lara Vyas: Owner of Natural Greenscapes (Landscape design-build and fine gardening)
President- Kryssie Maybay: Owner of Kismet Design (Landscape Architecture) and host of The Process Driven Designer Podcast (Podcast for creative business owners)
President Elect- Courtney Olander: Owner of Olander Garden Design (Landscape Design)
Treasurer- Robert Hobart: Owner of Britescape (Lighting, Install, and Maintenance)
Secretary- Alerian Lockwood: Owner of Rainflower Gardens (Landscape Design and Install)
Member at Large- Jason Jorgensen: Owner of Third Spring Landscape Design (Landscape Design & Podcast host)
Member at Large- Robin Parsons: Owner of Spring Greenworks (Landscape Design)
Cheers to another great year for APLDWA!
Kryssie Maybay, PLA
2026 APLDWA Chapter President