Conservation Design Forum names Tom Price as managing partner, makes other key promotions

As the ecological design firm Conservation Design Forum Inc. (CDF) enters its 25th year the firm is proud to announce the elevation of key staff to leadership positions.

CDF named Tom Price, PE as managing partner. Price will be taking over from founder, Jim Patchett, to lead CDF into its next chapter. Price will continue to serve as director of civil and water resources disciplines. Since joining the firm in 2000, Price has overseen the close integration of water-sensitive engineering into CDF’s work.

“As CDF’s new managing partner, I intend to strengthen our partnerships with clients and colleagues, expand green infrastructure applications and increase CDF’s role as thought leaders in the formation of policy to address natural resource enhancement and climate change,” said Price.

Jason Cooper, ASLA has been promoted to director of landscape architecture and planning. Since 2006, Cooper has been studio director and actively engaged in the firm’s management. “I plan to work closely with staff to uphold the philosophy of restorative design for every client,” said Cooper.

Jonathan Lawrence, a registered landscape architect with over 12 years of experience, was promoted to senior associate. Additional new members to CDF staff include Brooke Poppe, EIT, a Project Engineer, and Ry’yan Clark, ASLA who joined the firm in May as a landscape designer.

Jim Patchett, FASLA, CDF’s founder and president is stepping down from his management of the firm to focus on special project initiatives and business development efforts. Patchett will continue to support research and educational outreach—a core mission of CDF since its inception in 1994. While continuing to serve as an inspiration to staff and clients, Jim looks forward to devoting time to developing a book concept that has been more than 15 years in the making.