Brian Lussier’s exposure and early influences to Golf Course Architecture were from playing and working on the many Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie and A.W. Tillinghast golf courses that painted the New England landscape. It was there in those early years that his appreciation for nature and for the game of golf began to grow as one. After receiving an Associate in Applied Science degree from SUNY Cobleskill in Turfgrass Science/Landscape Development, Brian continued his education and graduated from the University of Georgia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design/Landscape Architecture.
Brian began his professional design career in Land Planning/Landscape Architecture with a privately held land planning/land development group. The group specialized in environmentally sensitive, mixed use communities and resort developments that allowed Brian to develop and use his creative and technical skills and his appreciation for the land, while demonstrating his ability to work with architects, engineers, environmental professionals and contractors. Here he was able to thoughtfully understand and integrate sound design and development principals with golf; thus igniting his pursuit for a career as a golf course architect.
Mr. Lussier was offered a position with Jack Nicklaus’s golf course design firm. Working as Design Associate for several years allowed Brian the opportunity to gain valuable and necessary understanding of the design and construction process from one of the greatest minds in golf. As a Golf Course Architect, Brian’s insight, skills and experience on a variety of site conditions and environmental challenges, were shaped and refined that produced award winning projects around the globe.
Brian was sought after by Rick Robbins (a former Nicklaus Senior Designer) of Robbins and Associates International, to join his firm as a partner. The firm specialized in thought provoking, environmentally sensitive golf course designs, that challenge golfers of all levels while promoting the game of golf in a sensible and enjoyable way and integrated Community Master Planning around the world with their primary focus in the USA, Southeast Asia, and China. During Brian’s tenure, he was involved in all aspects of the business and each project, under a wide variety of conditions and construction techniques for various clients and municipalities.
Mr. Lussier was later offered an opportunity to be a Senior Design Associate for yet another golfing legend, Mr. Gary Player and Gary Player Design. Brian worked directly with Mr. Player on the design and administration of high end projects from the company’s headquarters in South Carolina, USA as well as the corporate office in Cape Town, South Africa. Brian was involved with projects domestically and throughout the world including Europe, Eastern Europe, South America, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine.
Brian is a full member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), where he has served on the board of governors and various panels; the United States Golf Association (USGA), Carolina’s Golf Course Superintendent Association (CGCSA); and the North Carolina Golf Panel. Brian draws from a wealth of experience and various conditions to create thoughtful, sustainable designs that are unique for each project that protect the integrity of the game, while allowing it to grow for the future.