Our
Approach

Our approach to landscape architecture is guided by a commitment to both systems and design thinking, centered on a “human-first” philosophy. We consider the interconnected systems within each project—environmental, social, and economic—while prioritizing the needs of the people who will experience these spaces. By uniting these perspectives, we develop practical yet innovative solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, and intentionality to create spaces that endure and thrive.

What makes our approach Unique?

Design Philosophy

Our design philosophy centers on a dual commitment to systems thinking and design thinking. We strive to comprehend the broader context of each project while meticulously addressing the needs of individual stakeholders and users. By understanding and integrating complex systems, we believe we can devise solutions that are not only effective but also enduring. Serving the needs of the end users “people” is at the heart of everything we do.

Project Process

Our design process is a dynamic and iterative journey that involves analyzing data and exploring solutions from multiple stakeholder perspectives. While we follow a structured sequence of design but we are constantly refining our approach based on past experiences and emerging challenges. We evaluate existing data and systems relevant to each project to make informed, strategic decisions. Regular collaborative sessions with our design team and clients ensure that every project benefits from diverse insights and continuous feedback.

Expertise

Our team brings a wealth of experience and expertise across a diverse range of project types. This extensive background enables us to understand client needs deeply and collaborate seamlessly with other design consultants. By analyzing projects holistically, we develop innovative and often economically efficient solutions. We are committed to creating spaces that prioritize human well-being and ecological health, and we inspire clients and design professionals to embrace meaningful and sustainable projects. Our focus is on crafting healthy social and environmental spaces that foster community and ecological vitality.

Collaboration

Effective collaboration and communication are fundamental to our practice. We engage actively with the design team, clients, and the latest research and precedent projects throughout the design process. Regular meetings foster an environment of feedback, iteration, and synthesis, ensuring that all voices are heard and integrated into the project development. Our approach ensures that projects evolve in a collaborative and inclusive manner, resulting in designs that resonate with all stakeholders.

Sustainability + Innovation

Sustainability is at the core of our ethos, and we integrate social, ecological, and economic sustainability into our projects. We focus on understanding human needs and how people interact with spaces, incorporating ecological practices such as water conservation, habitat creation, xeriscaping, soil health improvement, resource conservation, and material recycling. Our designs aim to create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resilient and beneficial to both communities and ecosystems in the long term.

Overcoming Challenges

Our approach involves asking hard and meaningful questions to develop comprehensive and forward-thinking solutions. We often navigate the constraints of existing rules and regulations by engaging proactively with municipalities, city officials, and code enforcement agencies. By sharing data and advocating for best practices, we strive to achieve better solutions, even if they fall outside traditional frameworks. This proactive and data-driven approach helps us overcome challenges and implement innovative designs that deliver lasting benefits.

What is
Systems Thinking?

Systems Thinking /ˈsistəm ˈTHiNGkiNG/ is an inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem solving.

Systems thinking is a holistic approach to understanding complex systems by examining the interactions and relationships among their components. It views systems as interconnected wholes, where changes in one part can have far-reaching effects on other parts and on the system as a whole.

How is Systems Thinking Different?

Linear Thinking vs. Systems Thinking

Systems thinking and linear thinking are two contrasting approaches to understanding and solving problems:

Linear Thinking:

Linear thinking follows a step-by-step, cause-and-effect approach.
It focuses on addressing problems by breaking them down into smaller, sequential parts and solving each part independently.
Linear thinking assumes that outcomes are directly proportional to inputs, and changes occur in a predictable, linear manner.
It often relies on simplifications and assumptions, which may overlook complexities and interactions within the system.
Linear thinking is suited for simple, straightforward problems with clear cause-and-effect relationships.

Systems Thinking:

Systems thinking takes a holistic approach, considering the interconnections and relationships among various components of a system.
It views systems as dynamic and complex, with emergent properties that cannot be fully understood by examining individual parts in isolation.
Systems thinking emphasizes feedback loops, nonlinear relationships, and unintended consequences within systems.
It acknowledges that changes in one part of the system can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.
Systems thinking is better suited for addressing complex, interconnected problems where linear cause-and-effect relationships may not adequately capture the system's behavior.

While linear thinking focuses on addressing problems through sequential steps and direct cause-and-effect relationships, systems thinking considers the broader context, interconnections, and feedback loops within complex systems to better understand and address problems.

Linear Thinking

vs.

Systems Thinking

Principles of Systems Thinking

01.

Holism

Systems Thinking considers the entire system as a whole, rather than focusing solely on individual components or parts. This involves recognizing that the behavior of the system emerges from the interactions among its components.

02.

Feedback Loops

Systems Thinking acknowledges the presence of feedback loops, both positive (reinforcing) and negative (balancing), within systems. Feedback Loops influence system behavior by amplifying or dampening changes.

03.

Interconnectedness

Systems Thinking emphasizes the interconnected nature of systems, where changes in one part of the system can have ripple effects throughout the entire system.

04.

Emergence

Systems Thinking recognizes that complex system behavior often emerges from the interactions of its simpler components, leading to properties and behaviors that cannot be fully explained by examining individual parts in isolation.

05.

Dynamic Behavior

Systems are dynamic and change over time. Systems Thinking considers how systems evolve and adapt in response to internal and external influences.

06.

Multiple Perspectives

Systems Thinking encourages considering multiple viewpoints and stakeholders when analyzing systems, recognizing that different perspectives may reveal different aspects of system behavior.