The Landscape Institute (LI) is delighted to announce that Saira Ali FLI will be the next President of the Landscape Institute, after a successful Elections process that saw an extremely high calibre of applicants, competitive campaigns, and a voting turnout of over 20%.
Saira will commence work with the LI as President-Elect from 1 July 2025, with incumbent President Carolin Göhler FLI continuing in her role as part of a two-year leadership transition. Saira will assume the presidency in July 2026, with Carolin becoming Immediate Past President.
She will be joined on both the Board of Trustees and Council by new Vice President, Ruth Lin Wong Holmes FLI, re-appointed Honorary Secretary, Mark Smeeden CMLI, and new Honorary Treasurer, Matthew Bradbury FLI. Also joining the Board of Trustees will be Non-Chartered Trustee, Tamanna Parwani, while seven new Chartered members have been elected to the Council.
Image: Saira Ali FLI (left) and Ruth Lin Wong Holmes FLI (right)
Saira, who currently leads the Landscape Design and Conservation Team at Bradford Metropolitan District Council, noted in her candidate statement that the guiding principles of her leadership will be ambition, humility, resilience, and curiosity. She also highlighted her aspiration to empower members with skills and recognition; lead on climate through nature-based, net-zero design; advance inclusion and next-generation talent, and raise the LI’s profile in government, industry and public life.
Ruth is currently Head of Landscape and Public Realm at London Legacy Development Corporation, and used her candidate statement to underline the need to come together as landscape professionals to confront the climate and biodiversity crises, and support a shared vision of collective expertise, passion and action.
Saira Ali FLI said: “I’m honoured to be elected President-Elect of the Landscape Institute. This is a defining moment for our profession and for the places and communities we serve. I will champion our collective expertise as a force for climate action, social equity, and cultural resilience.
“My priority is to ensure our members are empowered, celebrated, and heard, and that we step forward as mentors, inspiring both the next generation of landscape professionals and the next generation of children to choose landscape. Together, we will lead with creativity, courage, and care, protecting the beauty of our heritage while shaping hopeful, inclusive landscapes for the future.
“Thank you for your trust, and to everyone who reached out or asked questions. I’m ready to get to work!”
Ruth Lin Wong Holmes FLI said: “I am delighted that so many members have voted this year in the Landscape Institute Elections. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I am looking forward to supporting the President and the Landscape Institute as Vice President. There are so many opportunities to bring people together to tackle the complex challenges that face us. It is an important time for the LI and landscape professionals – I am committed to playing my part to advocate, promote, support, nurture, innovate, and progress. The discussions during the Elections showed how passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated we are as a profession. I look forward to working with you all together!”
Carolin Göhler FLI, President, Landscape Institute, said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to our new President-Elect, along with all those who have been successful at this year’s Elections. The diversity of perspectives being brought to our new Board and Council reflects the rich tapestry of talent within our profession, and I look forward to working alongside all our new leaders to ensure that the Landscape Institute and its members are best equipped to deliver for communities and nature. As we look to the future, we can be confident that the LI will continue to evolve with resilience, creativity and vision.”
Rob Hughes, CEO, Landscape Institute, said: “This year’s Elections have been a great success, with a strong turnout and an exceptional calibre of candidates. I thank all those who stood and voted: your willingness to step forward and contribute reflects a vibrant and engaged membership. As we welcome new voices to our leadership community, we remain committed to organisational stability and continuity, ensuring a smooth transition that supports the Institute’s strategic goals and ongoing work to champion landscape for the benefit of people, place and nature.”
