Rick Forsyth Retires

Richard Forsyth is recognized for 30 years of dedicated service to Kansas State University and the College of Architecture, Planning and Design. Rick is retiring at the end of the 2008-2009 school year as a professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning.

Rick earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He was a practicing landscape architect for more than 20 years, working for Sasaki Associates in Boston, InterDesign and Brauer and Associates in Minneapolis, and as a consultant in Manhattan.

In 1979, Rick was hired by K-State as assistant dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design, then promoted to associate dean, administrative duties he performed until 1996 when he returned to full-time teaching graduate landscape studio in landscape architecture. Rick also spent several periods teaching in the college’s Italian Studies program, including at Santa Chiara and during the spring 2009 semester in Orvieto, Italy.

A noted watercolor artist, Rick’s paintings have won several juried exhibitions and been shown widely in the college and throughout Manhattan and the region. After moving to Manhattan and the Flint Hills, Rick became interested in the powerful yet simple relationship between the indigenous architecture and the landscape. The prairie evokes great inspiration in Rick as he attempts to express this special linkage in his work. To have one of Rick’s watercolors is a special treat.

We express our sincere appreciation to Rick for his teaching, service, administrative and creative efforts through the years and wish him well in retirement.