Author Archives: Tom Levin

Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. can be contacted at: 1202 W Linebaugh Ave Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 931-8040 Thomas F. Levin: tom@ekisticsdesignstudio.com Richard F. Peterika: rick@ekisticsdesignstudio.com Patricia Stalnaker-Levin: pat@ekisticsdesignstudio.com  

Treatment Train Planning Biological Treatment Systems Wetland Stormwater Treatment Stormwater Harvesting Ekistics first developed the concept of “Stormwater Ecology” for the Florida Aquarium Site 15 years ago. The concept was conceived to mimic the natural functions of a natural drainage … Continue reading→

We differentiate ourselves from most planners and designers in that we are trained and capable of a wide range of multidisciplinary tasks that involve construction details, site engineering and land development. We pride ourselves in taking concept to reality through … Continue reading→

Planned Communities include projects of large scale mixed use development with a predominant focus on residential development with supporting commercial, office and recreational uses. Planned Communities usually encompass wetlands and natural resources that need to be addressed creatively in the … Continue reading→

Infill development for downtowns and urban redevelopment pose unique challenges not found in most suburban or rural sites (i.e. small parcels under multiple ownership and constraints posed by historical buildings, existing street networks and grand trees). Site development standards tailored … Continue reading→

Highways, airports, rail systems and city streets connect us together. These connections must reconcile relationships to the environment and urban fabric. Impact assessment and mitigation through design enhancement are critical components of a transportation related design approach. Projects include: Tampa … Continue reading→

Commercial development includes projects that involve shopping centers, retail outlets, office parks, industrial parks, hotels and resorts. Planning and design for commercial facilities requires a knowledge of land development codes and spatial requirements of the user. Not to be overlooked … Continue reading→

Subdivision platting has been for many years the specialty of civil engineers. While civil engineers are a crucial part of subdivision development, they often lack the perspective of a planner, landscape architect or ecologist. Creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional … Continue reading→

Special needs groups include Nursing homes, Alzheimer’s treatment facilities, Assisted Living, Children’s Homes and Recovery/Treatment facilities. Housing for special needs necessitates a custom approach to design development. Most benefit from the inclusion of privacy courts, outdoor gathering spaces or sensory … Continue reading→

A successful affordable housing project is indistinguishable from market rate housing in exterior form. Preservation of natural features and landscape amenities are some of the most economical ways to enhance the image of a project and to make it compatible … Continue reading→

Public facilities demand the knowledge of commercial development and the needs of government agencies with a public end user perspective. These facilities are often sited in parks or other open space and may need to respond to broader use needs … Continue reading→

The design approach for resorts and estates are closely related and are differentiated by intensity of use and privacy. Successful examples of both rely heavily on thematic approaches to design and are the result of programs tailored to the intended … Continue reading→