Landscape Architecture Services

Master Planning Services

A master plan sets out a long-range plan for the physical environment. A strong master plan provides recommendations for expansion, renovation, or change based on a thorough assessment and understanding of site characteristics and features with an end goal of a vibrant and sound facility that meets the goals of the owner, user groups, and constituents now and into the future.

A Blueprint for the Future

• Understanding the Needs of the Client – Through discussion and understanding of the needs, goals, concerns, and requirements.
• Program Development – Review and discussion of the program elements and assistance in defining and refining components.
• Develop a Detailed Understanding of the Site and Surroundings – Through analysis of site conditions including topography, geotechnical and soil characteristics, wetlands, drainage, erosion potential, vegetation, wildlife, cultural and historic resources, local design vernacular and architectural style, wind and solar orientation, views, noise, utilities, access, and adjacent uses.
• Consideration of Site Resources – To be successful, the design must take into consideration all site components, minimize environmental impacts, preserve important resources, and take advantage of the site’s positive attributes.
• Establish a Sense of Place – Every site brings unique attributes and strengths.
• Design Concept Recommendations – Implementation of the project program based on the site characteristics including vehicular and pedestrian circulation and access, structure placement, placement of outdoor gathering areas, planting concepts, stormwater management, and utilities.
• Establishment of Site Vocabulary – Consistent materials and detailing for site components including pavements, signage, lighting, walls, furnishings, and landscaping palette.
• Exploration of Phasing Options – Staging project components to allow planned implementation.
• Sustainable Design – Integration of sustainable design principles within the context of the master planning design and recommendation of appropriate sustainability components and practices.
• Energy Efficiency – Maximize energy efficiency relative to life cycle costs including alternative energy studies and energy reduction measures.
• Cost Evaluation and Project Prioritization – Consideration of economic cost factors both short and long term.
• Maintenance and Operations Recommendations and Strategies – To ensure extended quality of site improvements.
• Meeting Challenges of Regulatory Requirements – Outlining the requirements and path to approvals.
• Flexibility and Implementation Strategies – Build in flexibility and ability to adjust to changing conditions or needs and outline steps to implementation.

Wayfinding Services

At The LA Group, landscape architecture is not only about visual beauty or functional foundations, it’s also about communication. Comprehensive wayfinding studies and design ensures every institution, campus, or outdoor destination tells the right story.

Wayfinding Design for Every Point of View

Welcome and inform. Guide and entertain. With an integrated approach, thoughtful wayfinding can enrich the visitor experience. And from the ADA Standards to government or corporate guidelines – The LA Group specializes in creative solutions that maintain compliance while enhancing the environment, including:

• Wayfinding Audits – Conducting site-wide inventory and analysis of existing wayfinding systems.
• Gateway and Entrance Studies – Identifying the primary locations for communication based on goals for vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
• Wayfinding Master Plans – Producing comprehensive plans that align with the evolution of the site and considering all possible wayfinding solutions, integrating plantings, walkways, signage, and more.
• Information Hierarchy and Sequencing – Determining natural decision points, creating zones, and delineating the proper order of communication to move from point A to point B safely and easily.
• Construction Documentation and Administration – Preparing construction details of the wayfinding system to clarify size, materials, fabrication, and finishes and overseeing the final implementation and quality.
• Guidelines – Creating graphic and landscape standards manuals for consistent communication.