Category Archives: Landscape Planning and Design

Landscape Planning and Permitting
Grading and Drainage
Design with Native Plants
Rain Gardens and Bioswales
Walls and Garden Structures
Bridges and Boardwalks
Water and Conservation

Ekistics Design Studio is responsible for ecologically relevant landscape development tailored to the subtropical environment. Landscapes should be sustaining and earth-healing rather than short-lived and dependent upon constant waste of resources. Our perspective is based on an intimate knowledge of topography, soils and hydrology.

We are proficient in grading and drainage for earth shaping and resource protection and Ekistics has developed detailed plaza and courtyard drainage designs. In addition to an ecological approach to vegetation planning, we are proficient in hardscape development and construction detailing and permitting for terraces, walls and garden structures. Our capabilities include wetland and natural area designs and permitting.

DeBary Hall Historic Site

6 Aug ’12

Debary Hall is a designated historic landmark of Florida’s upper St. Johns River basin. From 1871 to 1898, Frederick DeBary amassed 9,000 acres of hunting and citrus lands and built an 8,000 square foot mansion and estate compound. Ekistics Design Studio, Inc., in association with R.J. Heisenbottle, Architects, developed a master plan for the remaining six acres surrounding the house, stables and icehouse as part of a Volusia County Park. Continue reading →

Upper Tampa Bay Trail

21 Jun ’12

Ekistics was responsible for trailhead and trailstop site design as well as signage and amenity features. The design for Channel Park Trailhead involved an ecological reconstruction of the canal bank and development of recreation park facilities. Ekistics was also retained to retrofit Phase I and Phase III to be compatible with Phase II design criteria and was involved in the Neighborhood Connections and Bridges project. Continue reading →

Tampa International Airport

19 Jun ’12

Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. was the project landscape architect participating with several design teams for miscellaneous new construction or renovation projects in recent years. This work included exterior site improvements at Airside F, Long term Parking Garage, Rent-a-Car Plaza, and the new K-9 Facility Continue reading →

HCC Southshore

1 Jun ’12

Innovative site design features for water management and the outdoor environment were integrated by a collaborative effort of Ekistics Design Studio working with the project A/E team. The campus parking lot was designed with bio-swales and a series of compartmentalized detention ponds to effectuate a treatment train effect. Continue reading →

Florida Aquarium

1 Jun ’12

Ekistics Design Studio was the lead consultant responsible for site planning, engineering and landscape architecture for the Florida Aquarium exhibit queuing garden, eco-parking lot, exterior exhibit areas/graphics, and administrative offices. Continue reading →

The Rain Garden beyond the monument is incorporated into the onsite stormwater system and serves to provide additional volume for the system.

Booker Prairie 1848

1 Jun ’12

The goal of the proposed “Booker Prairie” design is to meld manmade and natural images signifying the historical headwaters of Booker Creek and celebrating the experience of rain recharging clean water to the aquifer and coastal estuary. Continue reading →

Deepwater

1 Jun ’12

Ekistics Design Studio, Inc. was responsible for master planning and design for the grounds improvements, including the grand staircase with a cascading water feature as part of the geothermal HVAC recirculation system. This project also included a multi-tank aquarium and arboretum. Continue reading →

Eco Oaks Apartments

5 Dec ’11

Sustainable Development- Multi-family Housing Eco Oaks was envisioned and designed to be the first “green” affordable housing project in the State of Florida. The owner/developer, “not for profit” Tampa Crossroads, Inc. is currently seeking certification for LEED for Homes – … Continue reading →

Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center

14 Jan ’11

The Chain of Lakes Natural Resource Center is proposed to showcase the habitats and water resources of the Chain of Lakes District and to provide a hands on educational experience. The Nature Center Building will be sensitively sited on a isthmus between two water bodies. Continue reading →