William Heinz Laubmann Jr.

Bill Laubmann, 71, passed away peacefully in hospice Dec. 11, 2010. As principal-in-charge of Laubmann Reed Associates, a multi-discplinary firm, Bill lead the firm to completion of projects in 33 countries and 27 states, receiving 26 design awards. During the 1970's the firm was among a few Landscape Architects to enter emerging markets in the Middle East, China and Europe. Some notable projects include installation design guidelines for 25 U.S. military bases in Europe and throughout the U.S; a world heritage site for the city of Luxor, Egypt; a mixed use marina development, Portomosa, Malta; a new city and destination resort on the Red Sea in Egypt, Berenice; redesign of Piedmont Park –first master plan restoration since Olmstead; the Barbados Hilton; the Ritz Carlton, Montego, Bay Jamaica; The Atlanta Financial Center and the Cobb Galleria. Bill was born in Nuremburg, Germany and migrated to the U.S. when he was ten, settling in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from Bayside High School and attended the New York Institute of Design and Construction. From there he went on to graduate from Michigan State Univ. and Harvard Graduate School of Design. Bill was awarded an honorary Architecture degree from the Univ of Pueblo, Mexico. Bill also was Assoc. Professor at the Univ. of Georgia’s School of Environmental Design and served active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Bill was a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects; co-authored Atlanta’s Tree Ordinance; vice chairman of the Atlanta Urban Design Commission for 8 years; Sec/Prof. liason for Marta in 1972; and a member of Saint Luke Lutheran Church. Bill’s energetic, charismatic personality and strong design talent influenced many young professionals of which he was a mentor- including his son, Silas, an Architect and daughter, Holly, a Landscape Architect. Bill was an avid sailor, sports enthusiasist, vibrant person with a keen sense of humor, infectious smile and a passion for fun. Survivors are Marty, Bill’s beloved wife of 43 years, son-Silas Laubmann; daughter, Holly Rector; 3 grandchildren; and sister –Carola Mandell all in Atlanta. Donations may be made to Alzheimers Association, Georgia Chapter. Family will receive friends at Patterson Spring Hill, Wed. Dec. 15, 5-7 p.m. Intermit shall be Wed. Dec16 at 10:30 a.m. Crest Lawn Memorial Park and Memorial Service shall be held Wed. Dec 16, 12:00 p.m. St. Luke Lutheran Church, 3264 Northside Parkway, Atlanta.