4/23/13

Dedication of the UNC Charlotte CATO Teaching Discovery Mural

The CATO Teaching Discovery Mural has come to life. After months of planning and construction, the Mural was unveiled yesterday during a dedication ceremony. The new plaza and murals commemorate great teachers and serve as a place for students and the community to learn about our city’s and state’s rich history. After attending the ceremony, LandDesign’s Dennis Walls commented, “We are thrilled with the plaza transformation and enjoyed being a part of the team to bring this meaningful project to fruition.” Learn more about the project at our UNCC Charlotte CATO Teaching Discovery Mural project page. Learn more about the Looking Forward campaign at lookingforward.uncc.edu.

4/23/13

Town of Fort Mill 2013 Citizen of the Year, One of LandDesign’s Own

While LandDesigners are often seen in our communities volunteering at events and leading civic-based programs, we are proud of the recent Town of Fort Mill recognition of Theron Pickens as the 2013 Citizen of the Year. Theron was presented the award at the annual Fort Mill Education and Volunteer Awards Program, a popular event that drew 250 Fort Mill citizens, businessmen and civic leaders this year. This award recognizes his distinguished public service to the community of Fort Mill and his dedicated leadership in religious, governmental and civic affairs. Theron has volunteered for numerous activities over his 22 years of residence in Fort Mill. He was recently appointed by York County as a representative of Fort Mill on the York County Economic Development Board, is the past Chairman of the Fort Mill Chamber and currently serves as a Board Member of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce. We applaud Theron for his dedication and community focus – a key component of LandDesign’s culture and values.

4/11/13

Multifamily Boom Continues, LandDesign Maintains Focus on Community

The real estate market continues to see growth in multifamily projects and this is keeping many firms busy. LandDesign is no exception in experiencing this boom of demand, with such projects in progress like University House in Charlotte, NC and Howell Mill in Atlanta, GA and a series of ground breakings like Crescent Alexander Village yesterday in Charlotte’s University Research Park and Crescent Terminus last month in Atlanta’s Buckhead. With this up-swing cycle in multifamily, we have seen a stronger demand for development that is community focused. Is this a trend? Not for LandDesign. We’ve been approaching multifamily as building communities for 35 years and will continue to pursue this objective with each project. It is because of this 35-year perspective that we have gained the knowledge and experience that allows us to effectively take on various types of challenging multifamily projects whether those challenges pertain to complex site conditions, the type of community engagement, public entitlements, neighborhood integration, complex urban infill or even non-traditional ownership structures. This experience is further reinforced through our full spectrum of land development services from regional and local planning through to construction documents and administration for particular project implementations. LandDesign Partner, Rhett Crocker best summarized the firm’s capabilities when he said, “Our clients seek us out for what we know and when we know it”.

2/26/13

Turning 35 & Turning It On In Dallas

LandDesign turns 35. And we are kicking off the year by celebrating the opening of a new Dallas office. While LandDesign has been involved in a number of projects in Texas over the years, we are excited to now respond to client demand with a local presence. Brian Dench, PE, has joined LandDesign to lead the office. Brian’s 12 years of experience in the Dallas-Fort Worth market strengthens LandDesign’s ability to do what we have been doing for 35 years – creating exceptional exterior experiences. This celebration is one of several that LandDesign has planned for the upcoming year.  Dale Stewart, president of LandDesign, commented, “We have plans for a series of events that will celebrate who we are as a firm and will focus on our passions - for design, for our communities and for our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

2/3/13

University City, Belgate Retail Openings

Belgate, a 200-acre master planned community located at the interchange of University City Boulevard and I-85, is anchored by IKEA and will soon be joined by additional retailers like Old Navy, Petsmart and World Market. What else is can be anticipated for Belgate? Having provided the developer, Crescent Resources, with the vision, branding and master planning for the site, LandDesign incorporated not only multi-family homes, but also integrated multi-modal components as well. As Belgate and the University City area continue to grow, future access will expand beyond the vehicular infrastructure to include linkages to light rail and connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods.

1/3/13

A New, Old San Juan – Bahia Urbana

A transformation is underway in Old San Juan. Work on Piers 7 and 8 is nearing completion and is anticipating a spring opening that is part of the renovations associated with the Bahia Urbana urban redevelopment project. The first link of the intermediate improvements, Pier 6 is complete. This area around Pier 6 serves as a link from the heavily used cruise terminals to Pier 8’s event and festival areas. Access is integral throughout the design with new dock areas for seaplanes and water taxis, and a pedestrian bridge expands pier access. Piers 7 and 8 will include an urban beach, restaurant, event space, additional docks and a trapeze school. Part of the design team, LandDesign is excited to see the vision of the waterfront master plan come to life. As construction presses forward, LandDesign continues to work with the project architects and contractors to ensure that site and landscaping elements adhere to the project’s vision. The Bahia Urbana master plan includes 87 acres – four neighborhoods in the Puerta de Tierra sector of San Juan. Learn more about Bahia Urbana and LandDesign’s involvement.

12/14/12

LandDesign On Winning Team - CAMPO Northeast Area Study 2013

As part of the winning Stantec Team, LandDesign is providing CommunityViz land use modeling and scenario planning services for the Northeast Area Study 2013. LandDesign will also conduct a plan review and lead the development of a Best Practices Guidebook for land use and transportation planning. The project kick-off is scheduled for January 2013. The study was initiated by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). The team will create a comprehensive multi-modal transportation plan for the MPO’s planning jurisdiction that will address current concerns and future demands resulting from rapid suburban growth and development in the study area. This initiative will evaluate existing conditions for all modes of travel, and produce recommendations that will then be incorporated into the MPO’s Comprehensive and Long Range Transportation Plans. The team will work with local and state constituents to address issues of safety, regional mobility and commuting choices, with livable solutions, while building upon the community vision for the future transportation system.

12/12/12

First LEED Platinum Facility For City Of Asheville

Yesterday, Asheville City Council recognized the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center’s receipt of the LEED Platinum Certification. This is the city’s first facility to receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest designation that recognizes a design’s commitment to sustainability. A building’s features are typically cited as how a LEED certification is achieved. While the green roof, geo-thermal heating and cooling, natural lighting and storm water management all contribute to the designation, green building practices go beyond the tangible end-product. Green building practices are a part of the full life cycle of a building project – from design and construction through to operations and maintenance. This includes achievements like 75% of all construction waste being diverted from the landfill and being recycled and like 100% of post development runoff being treated onsite. LandDesign is proud to have been part of the City’s design team to make these sustainability goals a reality. Learn more about the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center.

12/01/12

LandDesign Contributes To Branching Out Event

Supporting TreesCharlotte and lead sponsor Crescent Resources, LandDesign volunteers were out early this morning to join other volunteers in a tree planting event in the Southside Homes community of Charlotte (NC). Committed to promoting Charlotte’s tree canopy, TreesCharlotte is a public/private collaborative that is dedicated to planting 15,000 trees annually through volunteer efforts. The collaborative also educates Charlotte’s residents on the importance of the canopy and ways to plant and preserve trees. The Southside tree planting event included a total of 187 volunteers who gave a combined 600 hours. Despite brutal soil conditions, the volunteers were able to plant 288 trees for the neighborhood. LandDesign’s skilled volunteers were successful at planting 36 of these trees and because of their stellar tree planting abilities and teamwork, they were able to help out other volunteer teams with their trees as well! While these trees will double the Southside community canopy, according to TreesCharlotte Director, Dave Cable, the trees sequester enough carbon to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from each of the 187 volunteers driving a car about 2,600 miles. At maturity the trees will collectively intercept a volume of storm water each year roughly equal to the volume of an Olympic swimming pool! Interested in branching out and how you can help support TreesCharlotte – visit TreesCharlotte.org.

11/12/12

All Aboard - This Train Is Moving Out

With rising fuel costs, increasing highway congestion and truck driver shortages, shipping activity is shifting from trucking to rail. Aberdeen Carolina & Western Railway (ACWR) is a shortline or regional freight railroad company in North Carolina that connects with both CSX and Norfolk Southern. With this shift in shipping demand, the Railway company is expanding their service by developing a major logistics hub serving both the Charlotte market and the mid-Atlantic market. LandDesign’s 30-plus years of economic development experience in the region makes for a successful partnership with ACWR. Specifically, LandDesign is supporting ACWR’s industrial and business park developments in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties. These developments will expand ACWR services and their ability to provide better freight rates and access to more markets. In addition to site analysis and planning, engineering services, permitting and construction support, LandDesign is providing marketing support as well as grant application assistance. We are on board the Carolina Route enabling expanded commerce across our region and the globe!

10/26/12

Little Sugar Creek Greenway Project Wins NCASLA Award of Excellence

On behalf of LandDesign and our project partners, Beth Poovey and Aaron Shier accepted the North Carolina American Society of Landscape Architects’ (NCASLA) Award of Excellence for the Little Sugar Creek Greenway (LSCG) project. The award announcements were made today at the NCASLA’s Fall Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina. For decades, the urban section of the Creek was hidden under a concrete cap and suffered from pollution. Now the banks have been reshaped with newly planted native trees, shrubs and wildflowers creating a buffer that improves water quality while providing a natural habitat for wildlife. With a Trail of History and public art woven throughout this restoration project, LSCG is a destination within the heart of Charlotte. Visitors and citizens can enjoy the greenway’s path, fountains, event spaces, retail shops and restaurants. While LandDesign led the project’s master planning and construction activities, this project was a collaborative effort with both private and public entities such as Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation Department, Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services, Wildlands Engineering, STV, The Arts & Science Council, Pappas Properties and many more. As Project Manager and Landscape Architect, Beth Poovey, says “We are honored to receive the Award of Excellence, this has been such a rewarding project to work on; thanks to so many dedicated and creative individuals who worked together to create a landmark in the community.“ Learn more about the LSCG project.

10/19/12

LandDesign Kicks Off Greenwood Linear Park Phase I Project

This week the LandDesign team kicked off phase one of Greenwood’s Linear Park Design. Members of the design team, City of Greenwood staff, and Citizen Advisory Committee met to detail the project’s vision and objectives. A tour of the area and stakeholder interviews provided an in-depth understanding of the project’s challenges and opportunities. Rich in history and Mississippi Delta culture, Greenwood has plans underway to improve their community’s economic development, streetscapes, and infrastructure. The Linear Park design will serve not only as a strong east-west bicycle/pedestrian connector through the city and a destination for recreation and community gathering, but it will also spur economic growth along neighboring corridors.

10/8/12

A Walk of Honor - Hilton Field Promenade

In search of a ‘wow’ factor, the U.S. Army Department of Defense has chosen LandDesign to assist with the renovations at Hilton Field in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Hilton Field is the Army’s site for conducting weekly graduation ceremonies for Basic Combat Trainees. The renovations are a part of an effort by the Fort Jackson Garrison and TRADOC commands to upgrade the site to reflect a premier training facility as well as to provide a signature South Carolina introduction to those visiting the state for the first time. LandDesign, part of the FutureNet Group team, created a design for the Field Promenade that is befitting of the accomplishments of the men and women who serve our country. The design not only focuses on both the experience of visitors and participants, but also the opportunity to share the history of Fort Jackson and the community by incorporating a Walk of Honor. Work on the site is kicking off this fall and will soon be reflective of the stature and regalia that are commendable of this hallowed ground.

10/1/12

LandDesign Continues Support Of Mentorship In Charlotte High Schools

The Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program provides mentoring to high school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction. The Charlotte affiliate of the Program was founded in 2007 and serves over 150 students in West Charlotte, South Mecklenburg, East Mecklenburg, Philip O’Berry, Hopewell, Myers Park and Ardrey Kell. LandDesign has been providing mentors and advisors to the Charlotte Program since its inception. Mentors meet with students twice a month to explore career opportunities through field trips, projects, special speakers, presentations, college nights, and more. Learn more about the program and how to get involved at Charlotte ACE Mentor Program .

9/28/12

City of Statesville Streetscape Project Wins NCAPA Marvin Collins Outstanding Planning Award

The City of Statesville Streetscape Project received the coveted 2012 Marvin Collins Outstanding Planning Award from the American Planning Association’s North Carolina Chapter. Downtown Statesville is the long-time cultural, business, historic, and centrally-located heart of Iredell County. The City of Statesville, in conjunction with the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, contracted with LandDesign to develop the Statesville Downtown & NC-115 Streetscape/Land Use Master Plan to enhance the downtown and strengthen the challenged NC-115 / Center Street corridor. The Plan addresses bicycle and pedestrian mobility, economic development and redevelopment and the creation of a downtown signature park. The Plan established a common vision that led to the implementation steps for the Streetscape Project also led by LandDesign.

9/17/12

Lower Richland and Spring Hill Comprehensive Plans – Kick Off

Today marks the kick-off and initiation of the comprehensive planning projects for the areas of Lower Richland and Spring Hill in Richland County, South Carolina. Members of the LandDesign team, County staff and the Master Plan Advisory Committee met to detail the project’s vision and objectives. A tour of each study area was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of existing conditions. With a community involvement program, the team will craft plans that addresses proper location of land uses next to military installations as well as the need for preservation strategies, conservation tools, streetscape improvements and multi-modal transportation options, including bike and pedestrian access to enhance the quality of these two areas in Richland County.

9/14/12

Being Green In Our Community

GreenWorks is a Charlotte Chamber initiative to provide information on environmental responsibility and sustainability for businesses. With a 30+ year history of sustainable design practices, LandDesign is proud to support the Charlotte Chamber in this initiative. As LandDesign’s Corporate Sustainability Officer, Chris Capellini services as a GreenWorks Member and shares his expertise about sustainability and ecologically responsible methods. To learn more about the Charlotte Chamber's GreenWorks initiative.

9/7/12

Our Federal Ties

While LandDesign is involved in a number of Federal projects, our Federal involvement extends beyond the projects. LandDesign supports service men and women through organizations like The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME). Principal, Theron Pickens, not only serves as LandDesign’s point of contact for Federal projects, Theron serves as the National Organizations Regional Vice President for both North and South Carolina Posts. He recently presented the Regional VP Medal Award to John Hart for his dedicated service to the Society and to the Post. This prestigious award is given only to those members of the five Posts for outstanding service and continuous commitment to SAME.

8/28/12

Professional Pursuits At LandDesign 

Join us in congratulating Associates Chad Kovaleski and Katie Pavlechko in their recent success of obtaining their Landscape Architecture licenses.  They will be signing and stamping firm drawings as Registered Landscape Architects in North Carolina and Maryland respectively.  In addition to continuous pursuit of professional licensure, LandDesign continues to support sustainable design and LEED methodologies.  Principal Matthew Clark recently became an accredited LEED Green Associate.  

8/17/12

Full Steam Ahead - LandDesign To Complete Final Design Phase

LandDesign continues our momentum with CATS to complete final design for the 9 mile LYNX Blue Line Extension (Northeast Corridor LRT system).  The last phase has been authorized and our transit team is moving full steam on the transit station areas, pedestrian/bicycle improvements, and Park & Ride facilities, in conjunction with the City's right-of-way acquisitions for a November 2013 construction start.  Learn more about the CATS Northeast Corridor Light Rail project. 

8/10/12

Hickory's Inspiring Spaces - Kick Off

The City of Hickory kicks off the Inspiring Spaces initiative today and tomorrow in Union Square.  Union Square is the first of a series of improvements to Hickory’s downtown spaces.  LandDesign is conducting the analysis and planning for a variety of public spaces that together will elevate the marketing of downtown by attracting residents and visitors to the city’s center.  Building on Hickory’s cultural, environmental and economic assets, the system of Inspiring Spaces will generally create a welcoming environment and offer places to spend free time in natural surroundings, take a stroll, attend outdoor concerts, and enjoy farmers’ markets, festivals and other events.  The focus is on enhancing the city’s “green infrastructure” with pedestrian-scale streetscape, parks, greenways, bikeways, public art, fountains, and more.

8/8/12

Forging Generational Alliances In Washington DC Region

LandDesign Principal, Stephanie Pankiewicz, was chosen to participate in the 2012-2013 ULI Washington Regional Land Use Leadership Institute.  The Institute’s mission is to provide a powerful local resource to raise awareness and strengthen collaboration among real estate industry leaders from all sectors to tackle the region’s complex land use issues. The 30 chosen leaders participate in a nine month program that includes a mix of lectures, presentations, activities and discussions where they will collaborate with other real estate professionals in learning about the region and the issues confronting it. 

8/2/12

LandDesign Supports Charlotte's Bike Share 

Have you seen the bicycles in uptown Charlotte?  Known as the Charlotte B-Cycle, the 200 bikes are available at 20 stations in and around uptown and the SouthEnd.  This is the largest urban bike sharing system in the Southeast and it is part of the “Get Outside North Carolina” initiative sponsored primarily by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.  LandDesign associates showed their support by participating in the city-wide ride out and manning the 6^th and Pine Station during the kick-off.  LandDesign’s Kate Pearce served as Station Captain and demonstrated how the bike system works to passers-by.  “We don’t just do good design, we do good in our communities” is the sentiment shared by Kate and the LandDesign team of volunteers.  Want to learn more about Charlotte B-Cycle check out http://charlotte.bcycle.com/.

8/1/12

LandDesign Leads Ballston BID Master Plan Project 

The Ballston Business Improvement District (BID) has selected LandDesign to lead an Urban Design and Placemaking Master Plan project. The purpose of this plan is to articulate the BID’s vision to position Ballston as a premier, mixed-use urban environment in Arlington County and the greater DC metro area.  LandDesign is joined by design team partner FXFOWLE in this initiative.  This plan will reflect Ballston’s innovative and entrepreneurial spirit and it will support the BID’s goals to promote its creative, collaborative environment.

7/20/12

LandDesign Selected for WSACC FY '12-'13 Water & Wastewater Master Plan

After an extensive selection process, the Water & Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC) selected the GHD | Willis Engineers | LandDesign team for the creation of their new Water and Wastewater Master Plan.  WSACC, a unique governmental entity, provides services to multiple jurisdictions in Cabarrus and Mecklenburg Counties.  With a 20-25 year horizon, the plan places LandDesign in the leadership position of utilizing our skills in land use analysis, economic forecasting, growth modeling, and water and wastewater demand projections, as the foundation for the infrastructure planning.  Conceived as a unique approach to utility master planning, our process will engage the WSACC jurisdictions in a collaboration resulting in the development of a GIS-based scenario planning and growth allocation model, which will provide the Authority a ‘living’ methodology for monitoring and updating their infrastructure plans in sync with actual regional growth.  This ‘never before realized’ ability in operational and project planning, that this team will provide the Authority, was a key factor in winning this project.  The master plan not only establishes a vision for the County, it will place WSACC in the position of regional leader in water and wastewater management, leveraging a sustainable plan that ensures the County preparedness for future population and employment growth.

7/18/12

UNC Charlotte EPIC Building Opens Its Doors

August is right around the corner and with it comes the new academic year for UNC Charlotte engineering students.  This year they will be greeted with open doors on the recently completed Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC) building.  As part of the Creech & Associates team, LandDesign provided civil engineering and landscape architecture services including site planning, utilities, drainage, erosion control, stormwater management, courtyard and outdoor plazas, landscape design, and hardscape design.  Surpassing the original plan for silver certification, the EPIC building is seeking LEED Gold certification enabled by a myriad of environmentally friendly technologies.  Learn more at epic.uncc.edu/.

7/16/12

Belmont Abbey College Room At The Inn Ribbon Cutting

The ribbon cutting for the nation’s first college-based maternity center, the Room At The Inn (RATI), took place today at the facility located on the grounds of Belmont Abbey College.  The facility is situated on four acres of land donated by the Benedictine Monks of Belmont Abbey. The 10,000-square-foot residence provides single pregnant college women the option of continuing their education while having their babies in a caring and supportive environment both during and after their pregnancy. In support of the RATI charitable organization, LandDesign provided site civil engineering services to assist in the development of this worthy project. As part of the team led by NarmourWright & Associates, LandDesign developed construction documents for site infrastructure including the site access, parking lot, utilities, grading design and permitting.  Learn more about the program and facilities www.rati.org.

6/26/12

UNC Charlotte CATO Teaching Discovery Mural

To commemorate its 40^th anniversary, the College of Education has kicked off a Looking Forward campaign and commissioned the CATO Teaching Discovery Mural.  Made possible by a gift from John Cato and the Cato Corporation, the sculpture will include a series of murals about the history of North Carolina education and include the names of great teachers that donors have honored.  Richard Petersheim and Dennis Walls of LandDesign are providing design services for the team led by Emmy Lou Burchette of Burchette & Associates.  Sculptor, Mara Smith and construction manager Steve Ratzlaff of HeardRatzlaff complete the team that will bring this monument to life.  Target completion is for the Summer 2013.  To learn more about the project and the Looking Forward campaign check out lookingforward.uncc.edu.

06/11/12

Groundbreaking at the Circle South Park

Today's groundbreaking kicks off construction of a multi-family, Circle community in SouthPark. The 321 apartment homes of Circle South Park are located at Carnegie Boulevard next to the Piedmont Town Center near the SouthPark mall.  As part of the Crescent Resources developer team, LandDesign is providing the landscape architecture services.  The design emphasizes connectivity and integration into the surrounding neighborhood.  The programming includes interior courtyards, a resort-style saltwater pool with sundeck, areas for outdoor living including kitchen, a dog park and a scenic pond with walking trail.  LandDesign’s sustainability philosophy is reflected in the project’s design; Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification will be sought upon completion.  Target availability for these new apartment homes is summer 2013.  Learn more about this community at www.circlesouthpark.com.

04/26/12

LandDesign-Rust|Orling Architecture Team Wins Best Use Of Labels Canstruction® Award!

Competing against seven other AIA Northern Virginia design teams, the LandDesign-Rust|Orling Architecture Team put their can do attitude to work and received the Best Use Of Labels Award. Canstruction® is an international design competition that invites teams of designers to create structures using canned food. After being on display for the week, the creations are dissembled and the cans are donated to the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC).  To see pictures of this year’s creations, visit http://www.arlnow.com/2012/04/26/canned-food-structures-on-display-for-architecture-competition/.  The LandDesign-Rust|Orling Architecture Team  extends a special thanks to all those who donated this year:

04/12/12

Come join us celebrate the Grand Opening of Little Sugar Creek Greenway Urban Section

To kick-off the urban greenway’s transformation, a Grand Opening event is scheduled for Friday, April 20th from 10AM to 11:30AM at the Captain Jack Statue at Kings Drive and 4th Street. Responsible for the visioning, design development, engineering and landscape architecture, the LandDesign team is thrilled to join the public in this celebratory event of reclaiming this prized community resource. For decades, parts of Little Sugar Creek were hidden under a concrete cap. Now you can walk, bike or skate through tree-lined paths that follow the restored stream. Enjoy the numerous pieces of art, move your office to a bench with a streamside view, or sit at an outdoor café while sipping on a cappuccino and watching the people pass-by. Come experience the greenway for yourself! To learn more about the Grand Opening and the Little Sugar Creek Greenway & Stream Restoration, visit: www.littlesugarcreekgreenway.com

08/22/11

LandDesign projects featured in International Economic Development Council conference

Three LandDesign projects will be featured on tours in the upcoming International Economic Development Council's (IDEC) annual conference, happening September 18th-21st in Charlotte. These projects include Old Town Rock Hill's Textile Corridor, where LandDesign has been involved with much of the redevelopment efforts; Little Sugar Creek Greenway, for which LandDesign has been responsible for the visioning, planning, engineering and landscape architecture; and the North Carolina Research Campus, where LandDesign did the master planning in partnership with Creech & Associates, as well as the design guidelines, infrastructure planning and construction documents for the campus and provided additional services for many of the individual building sites. Each of these projects demonstrate success stories in taking advantage of existing buildings an/or infrastructure, and leveraging economic development opportunities to create a sucessful project. To learn more about the IEDC conference, visit: http://www.iedconline.org/annualconference/index.html

05/20/11

Design Revival 24©, a rewarding experience for all

The early morning unveiling of design work on April 2nd was a climatic moment for all participants to showcase the fruits of the Design Revival 24© team's all-night effort and for the community to be inspired by fresh ideas for their small town. Potential projects identified for downtown Bluefield included park and streetscape initiatives, redevelopment ideas, sustainable design schemes, and public art opportunities. Following the conclusion of the Design Revival 24© event, a final community presentation was given on May 17th to wrap up the process and to formally present all design suggestions and ideas. This included a compendium of funding and implementation strategies tailored to the community. Words do not easily capture the spirit of the 24-hour event, but thankfully, our friends at Lunch+Recess have assembled a short documentary of the Design Revival 24© effort and results. You can view the documentary at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNDlw4_B7O0

Design Revival 24© events are given to selected communities pro-bono by formal invitation from community leaders- a Mayor, City Council and/or Manager and others. We rely on these leaders to serve as partners in realization of the Design Revival 24© event. Design Revival 24© ideas, strategies and financing suggestions are offered as gifts to selected communities, however, it is entirely up to the community residents and administrators to consider, assess, and potentially pursue each idea as it sees fit.

03/25/11

LandDesign to participate in Design Revival, a 24-hour creative giving exercise

On April 1, 2011, a team of twenty-five landscape architects, engineers, planners, architects and film professionals from a variety of profession firms will board a city bus and head to Bluefield, WV, Nature's Air Conditioned City.  The team, armed with their design experience, creativity and skills will embark on a 24 hour pro-bono design blitz, devising interventions to address some of Bluefield's most pressing urban design challenges. In a return to the basic elements of the design process, the team will explore the area on foot, meet with stakeholders and create a new recipe of innovative urban design concepts for downtown Bluefield. In exchange for their work, the City of Bluefield and local businesses will provide the canvas for expression, studio space, brain food and motivational speakers to keep the team energized and productive over the 24-hour time period. At the conclusion of the event, (8am the next morning), the sleep deprived designers will present their charitable "big ideas" to a group of community stakeholders. 

02/02/11

New office opens in Raleigh to provide civil engineering in the Triangle

LandDesign is proud to announce the opening of its new office in downtown Raleigh - providing civil engineering services for local municipalities, higher education, and private development. We have a rich history in the Triangle from projects such as the North Carolina State University Centennial Campus and Apex Comprehensive Plan. Leading the Raleigh office, Ross Massey, PE joins us as a Senior Associate, offering intimate local knowledge and invaluable relationships as an NCSU graduate, life-long residentof the Triangle, and civil engineer with over 20 years of experience. LandDesign Raleigh is currently working with local architects like Williard Ferm on the Moore Square Transit Station in downtown Raleigh, public works facilities in Durham, and Fire Station #29 in Raleigh.

12/06/10

LandDesign elevates Scott Lagueux, AICP, LEED AP BD+C, to Partner

Since his arrival to LandDesign in 2007, Scott has provided consistent and rewarding leadership in the expansion and diversification of our professional services both nationally and internationally. His professional network and experience have opened the door to new opportunities for LandDesign and have inspired a broader world view of the global economy while engaging our staff in challenging and creative design opportunities. Scott’s unique knowledge base in master planning and waterfront design has facilitated our growth in this sector of the international marketplace and contributes to our Vision to develop a geographically and institutionally diverse client base and capitalize on emerging trends. To learn more about Scott's experience click here.

10/26/10

LandDesign receives the Landscape Architecture Firm Award from ASLA North Carolina

LandDesign was recognized in Asheville, NC on October22^nd as the 2010 Landscape Architecture Firm for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) North Carolina Chapter. This award is given once a year at the organization’s annual conference, to a firm that has consistently made major contributions to the profession of landscape architecture in the state of North Carolina.  As stated by Mindy Arthur, the current Past President of NC ASLA during last week’s awards ceremony, “Whether working in one of North Carolina’s small towns in need of affordable design guidance, or one of China’s largest cities, LandDesign has shown a commitment to collaboration, community values, and environmental stewardship. Their reputation for quality assistance is well-known, and in carrying out their mission, they have advanced the state of landscape architecture for all of us.”

06/28/10

LandDesign selected for Phase I of Duke University's global campus in Kunshan, PRC

Through an intensive international design competition, LandDesign, in collaboration with Gensler, has been selected to design Phase I of Duke University's 200-acre campus in Kunshan. With a four-acre water ecosystem as the central landscape element, the campus is organized around three interrelated elements – flexible public spaces, ecological design, and spatial character that responds to seasonal changes. Primary gathering spaces are designed with movable benches, planters, and sculptures; and the lake includes submerged plazas that reveal during lower rainfall periods. The plan addresses scalable energy alternatives and includes a complex storm water management system that serves as an ecological education lab. Construction, which targets LEED Platinum, begins Summer 2010 for anticipated opening in Fall 2012. For more information, visit On the Boards.

06/17/10

LandDesign selected for on-call civil engineering services at Winthrop University

LandDesign has been selected to provide civil engineering services for various campus buildings, feasibility studies, and projects on the Winthrop University campus in Rock Hill, SC. As part of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, projects will emphasize sustainability, particularly energy management and recycling. Civil design will also focus on other campus planning objectives, including compact, pedestrian-friendly design and outdoor gathering and performance venues in support of informal learning and social opportunities. This will be LandDesign's fourth on-call engineering services contract, including two for other university campuses. With York County residents on staff and numerous projects in and around York County, LandDesign is proud to be a part of Winthrop University's growth.

05/03/10

LandDesign selected for Northeast Central Durham Economic Development Analysis

As a sub-consultant to BBP & Associates, LandDesign was recently selected to perform an Economic Development Analysis that encompasses the following neighborhoods in Northeast Central Durham – Albright/Maplewood/Eastway, Old Five Points, Cleveland/Holloway, Hoover Road, Wellons Village, and East Durham. As part of ongoing revitalization initiated by the Northeast Central Durham Strategic Revitalization Plan developed in 2002, this current effort seeks to improve economic development by strategically positioning these neighborhoods to entice and take advantage of private development interests as well as encourage much-needed public investment. LandDesign will develop future land use diagrams depicting how the findings of the economic development analysis affect the revitialization of each neighborhood.

04/16/10

LandDesign staff continues to actively pursue professional certifications/licensure

Associate Shaun Tooley is now a Registered Landscape Architect in the State of South Carolina, and Manager Chris Capellini is now a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of North Carolina. In addition to this professional licensure, an initiative at LandDesign is underway to increase its pool of LEED accredited professionals. Thus far, two staff engineers have passed the first LEED certification test to become Green Associates. LandDesign currently employs 14 professional engineers, 12 landscape architects, 3 certified planners, and 4 LEED accredited professionals.

02/22/10

Anson Town Center Business District receives INASLA Award of Merit 

LandDesign's master plan for the 750-acre Anson Town Center Business District has received a 2009 Award of Merit from the Indiana Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Located in the heart of the largest mixed-use development in Central Indiana, the district will include 1,366 homes with direct connections to 2.9 million square feet of office, research/development, lifestyle/retail, and civic/school sites. Emphasizing low-impact design, the master plan is organized around a series of bio-retention areas, conveyance swales, dry basins, and ponds, which serve as an overall open space network for pedestrian and bicycle circulation.