Gerald Lajeunesse holds a BSc. degree in Biochemistry from Carleton University and a BLA degree from the Université de Montréal. Gerry became an AAPQ and CSLA member in 1984 and an OALA member in 1985, as well as becoming an ASLA member in 1990. He contributed significantly to the professional associations throughout his career, serving in an executive capacity, as committee chair and participating on task forces. He co-chaired the CSLA Congress in Ottawa on two occasions, in 2000 and 2013. Gerry has been recognized by both associations, including being awarded the Frederick Todd Award in November 2004 and being designated Ambassador of Landscape Architecture in 2008 by the AAPQ, as well as receiving the President’s Award of Excellence in August 2009 from the OALA.
Gerry began in career with the National Capital Commission in 1977, becoming its Chief Landscape Architect 1989 until his retirement in 2010, as well as holding the position of Manager and Project Director for the mega Confederation Boulevard Project from 1988. Under his leadership a great number of superb landscape architectural and urban design accomplishments were conceived and carried out. Gerry’s ability to build consensus and steer the collective contributions of many agencies and interdisciplinary consult teams earned him much respect from the almost infinite number of stakeholders' involved In these highly visible and sensitive projects. During his career at the NCC, in excess of 75 students in Landscape Architecture were employed as summer students. During the last few years, Gerry had to face the new tasks of managing the ‘downsizing' process typical of all government departments. He met every challenge in an exemplary fashion, combining professional rigour with personal diplomacy and wisdom. He continues to be involved in his community and his professional associations.
Since 2010 Gerry has been an active member of the board of directors of the Canadensis Botanical Garden Society, a not-for-profit organization committed to the creation of a national botanical garden in Canada’s Capital. Recently Gerry was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General.