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Approach

How We Work

Throughout our 35 years in business, we have built our name in landscape architecture and urban design through our commitment to design excellence and a community-driven approach. Every project reflects our dedication to social responsibility, placemaking, and land stewardship.

We invest time and care in crafting beautiful urban spaces and discovering dynamic public experiences within complex urban fabrics. Our design process is rooted in collaboration, clear communication, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of human scale. By evaluating the past, present, and future needs of each community, we create places that are both enduring and meaningful.

Our process

01 Listen and Assess

We begin by listening – holding tailored engagement sessions to identify consistent themes, preferences, and ideas. We pinpoint opportunities by analyzing historical data, reviewing past successes and challenges, and spending time on-site to understand the place’s physical and experiential qualities. Early on, we establish clear communication and thoughtful planning through our robust project management practices.

02 Goal Alignment and Visioning

We work closely with clients, communities, and stakeholders to align priorities and guiding principles through workshops, charrettes, and collaborative discussions. Together, we develop overarching visions and conceptual designs that guide the process, ensuring that feedback is incorporated while staying rooted in project goals.

03 Build Consensus

Through research and collaboration, we test, evaluate, and refine design alternatives to arrive at a direction that is feasible, meaningful, and well-supported. Our design, technical, and horticulture teams work in close partnership to balance innovation with constructability.

04 Confirm

We translate community and stakeholder feedback into detailed drawings and design documents aligned with the project’s vision and goals, setting the stage for seamless implementation. We leverage in-house expertise in Building Information Modeling, cost estimating, and construction knowledge to ensure clear, efficient documentation.

05 Implement

We actively support our projects during construction, working closely with contractors to ensure the built work reflects the design intent. Our field team uses tools such as site visit documentation, drone imagery, and detailed observation to monitor progress and address challenges in real time.

06 Post-Completion

We celebrate project completion alongside clients and communities, returning to observe how spaces are used, gather post-occupancy insights, and confirm that the space continues to meet its goals. Our commitment extends beyond completion, offering ongoing landscape management support to help spaces thrive well into the future.

We believe that meaningful design emerges from a shared vision, designed to strengthen connections between people, place, and the environment for generations to come.

Hana Ishikawa, Design Principal