Urban Planning | Landscape Architecture | Applied Ecology

Stormwater is an integral part of urban hydrology and hence part of the urban ecology. New approaches to solving stormwater issues do not necessarily need to sacrifice additional land or result in unacceptable costs. Landscape areas provide numerous opportunities for dual functions.

Projects include:

• Magdalene Reserve, Tampa
• Florida Aquarium, Tampa
• Koger Corporate Center – Pasco Building, St. Petersburg
• Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church
• Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, Tarpon Springs
• New Tampa Recreation Center – New Tampa Community Park, Tampa
• Hillsborough Community College Southshore Campus, Ruskin
• Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Data Center, Dade City
• City of Largo Stormwater Retrofit, Largo
• Belleair Place Plaza/Streetscape, Largo

Open space plans are never stand-alone projects. Whether part of an overall development plan or as part of public space, these projects require a thoughtful response to existing conditions and program goals.

Projects include:

• Pine Woods Interim Forestry Plan, Jacksonville
• Pepin Sanctuary, Tampa
• Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, Tarpon Springs
• New Medico Facility, Wauchula
• Brooker Creek Watershed, Tampa Bay
• Lake Bernadette Master Mitigation Plan, Zephyrhills
• Timber Ridge Master Plan, Brooksville
• Old Fort King Trail – Hillsborough River Wilderness Area, Thonotosassa
• Barker Mine Restoration, Brooksville
• Westhampton Conservation Area Management, Tampa
• Cannon Ranch DRI/Bella Verde, San Antonio

As agriculture becomes increasingly dominated by industrialized farming, traditional farms and ranches are being marginalized. Rural lands need to be repurposed to have relevance as agricultural uses and that may include rural estates and hobby farms. The rise of community gardens and urban agriculture are a result of the public’s desire for healthy local alternatives for food. Urban agriculture can conflict with zoning regulations and requires an advocate with an understanding of available strategies.

Projects include:

• Village Institute for Sustainable Technologies and Agriculture (VISTA), Tampa
• King Farmstead Master Plan, Land O Lakes
• Center for Sustainable Agroforestry (COSAF) Demonstration, Tampa

Churches differ from commercial development in that they are usually both and owner/developer and a community of faith. Churches require a reverent approach that respects and includes elements of faith into the design of facilities. Phased development, consensus building and funding limitations must be understood to be successful.

Projects include:

• Riverhills Church of God, Temple Terrace
• Grace Episcopal Church, Tampa
• Diocese of St. Petersburg
• Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church
• University Evangelical Presbyterian Church
• Calvary Lutheran Church
• Van Dyke United Methodist Church
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Traditional concepts of human burial and cemeteries have been challenged by changing perceptions. Large impersonal cemeteries have lost their appeal and the concept of cremation is maturing with an increasing use of columbaria for cremated remains.  Cemeteries and columbaria have design standards and details particular to this land use. Memorial gardens are transforming these features into multipurpose outdoor space for prayer and meditation.

Projects include:

• Withlacoochee Eco-Cemetery Concept, Sumter County
• Lake Magdalene Memorial Garden and Columbarium
• Lake Carroll Cemetery and Columbarium
• Holy Cross Cemetery, Odessa

Park uses include playfields, playgrounds, gardens, community centers and linear parks or greenways. Trends in park planning include an increasing application of trails and greenways as park space that provides both non-vehicular transportation and recreation. Due to the small percentage of built features included in parks, it is crucial that a family of design theme elements be assembled to coordinate, park benches and furnishings, shelters, bridges as well as identification education and wayfinding signage.

Projects include:

• Upper Tampa Bay Trail Phase 2, Tampa
• Upper Tampa Bay Trail Phase 1 & 3 Theme Retrofit, Tampa
• Bridges and Connector Trails, Dry Creek and Old Memorial, Tampa
• Pedestrian/Bicycle Circulation Plan – Lake Bernadette, Zephyrhills
• Old Fort King Trail, Thonotosassa
• Brushy Creek Greenway, Tampa
• New Tampa Nature Park,  Tampa
• Barksdale Community Center – MacFarlane Park, Tampa
• New Tampa Recreation Center – New Tampa Community Park, Tampa
• Super Regional Park Concept, Pasco County
• Roser Park Corridor Study, St. Petersburg

High profile public projects such as Aquariums, Zoos, Museums, and Nature Centers rely on a thematic approach to design. The goal is to engage the visitor to see the vision and to feel the intent of the project. A successful design approach is like a series of storyboards taking the visitor through a journey of experience, entertainment and education.

Projects include:

• Florida Aquarium, Tampa
• Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, Dania Beach,
• Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, Tarpon Springs
• Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center, Winter Haven
• Tampa Bay Watch Marine Research and Education Center, Tierra Verde