Dale jaeger, founder
in memoriAm 1950–2024
Dale Garland McElveen Jaeger was a distinguished landscape architect who inspired a generation of colleagues fortunate to have known her as their mentor. Lovingly called “D.G.” by family and friends, Dale graduated from Brenau Women’s College in 1973 and then earned a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia in 1982. It was there that she met her beloved husband, Robert Jaeger. Dale and Rob have a daughter, Garland, son-in-law Jordan “Jordy,” and two precious grandchildren. Those who have known and loved Dale will miss her wit, council, passion, and commitment to making the world a better place.
Additional information on Dale’s career and professional life is below.
Dale Jaeger, inspired by southern landscapes of her childhood, focused her work on planning and design projects in this region. After discovering the field of landscape architecture in her 20s, Dale received her master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia.
She began her career as a regional Preservation Planner, serving 13 counties in northeast Georgia. In 1984, Dale founded Jaeger and Associates offering services in Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, and Small Town Planning. Dale, with a group of talented colleagues, completed projects focused on cultural, ecological, and civic landscapes, primarily for public sector clients. In 1987, the firm became Jaeger/Pyburn, adding architectural services through a partnership with architect and planner Jack Pyburn. In 1992, Dale created The Jaeger Company (TJC). TJC had offices in Gainesville and Athens, Georgia, and continues as WLA Studio, which strives to sustain the vision and mission that Dale established for the company.
Dale’s projects highlighted her appreciation for the uniqueness of the region. Her wide-ranging interests and passionate commitment to authenticity resulted in many impactful projects that explored the intersection of preservation and landscape architecture. She guided the influential restoration of Reynolda Gardens, establishing methods and standards in landscape preservation that revealed the promise of the profession by accurately conveying the garden’s original design while making it accessible to future generations. She led multiple projects protecting agricultural landscapes and relished opportunities to learn about the people who lived in and shaped these extraordinary landscapes. Dale established a long and rewarding relationship with the National Park Service, completing significant and award-winning assignments at the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and at the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Dale’s design for the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center combined her passion for history, environmental sciences, and education. In addition to continuing her impassioned study of the Portuguese language, Dale had recently developed an interest in mill village landscapes and expanded her research into the seminal design career of Earl Sumner Draper.
Countless individuals, organizations, and communities have benefitted from Dale’s passion, energy, and commitment to service. Dale became a Fellow of the American of Society of Landscape Architects in 1999. Dale served as President of the Georgia Chapter of ASLA in 2006 and recently as chairperson of the Northeast Georgia Section of GAASLA. At the national level, Dale has been a member of ROVE (Roster of Visiting Evaluators) since 1989 and participated in accreditation visits to 17 landscape architecture academic programs across the nation. Dale served as a juror for the ASLA National Awards Program in 2018 and as a Juror for the Council of Fellows from 2012 to 2014. She was also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Dale selflessly volunteered on many professional and civic boards throughout her career and encouraged her employees to invest in professional advocacy, community engagement, and civic pride. She was a member of the UGA Dean’s Advisory Council of the College of Environment & Design, Cherokee Garden Library Board, John C. Campbell Folk School Board, Gainesville Rotary International Board, Scenic Byways Project Advisory Committee Member, Elachee Nature Center Board, Hambridge Center Board, Breanu University Alumnae Council, and she served as a juror for the USDOT Excellence in Highway Design Biennial Award Program.
Her loss casts an inexpressible shadow across our lives and across our profession. We are confident, however, that her legacy will be long celebrated and long sustained because of the impact Dale had on each of us as a teacher, leader, and friend.
For those interested, a fellowship fund, “Dale Garland Jaeger Memorial Graduate Fellowship Fund,” has been created for graduate fellowships in landscape architecture. Checks, made payable to the UGA Foundation and earmarked to the "Dale Garland Jaeger Memorial Graduate Fellowship Fund," can be mailed to:
Ms. Amanda Wilson, College of Environment and Design 285 South Jackson Street Athens, GA 30602
Or you may scan this QR code to donate electronically:
