Landscape architecture bridges the natural and built environments. Early involvement helps shape site decisions that influence permitting, cost certainty, sustainability outcomes and how people experience a facility from its grand opening through daily use.

“It’s an essential piece of every facility,” said Craig Handley, Discipline Lead for Haskell’s Landscape Architecture team. “We work with the design and project teams to bring creative and environmentally conscious design solutions that meet the client’s needs within our integrated model.”

Landscape scope is sometimes sold as code minimum to keep a project moving. When landscape architecture is not included early in client conversations, teams can end up managing expectations through change orders and added scope after key decisions are already set. Clients may realize too late that the exterior environment does not match the overall project vision. This can also lead to missed opportunities to account for sustainability goals and site strategies tied to certifications such as LEED.

Engaging landscape architecture early helps align scope with the intended site experience, reduces surprises during permitting and construction, and identifies amenities and enhancements that add value without unnecessary cost. It also supports cohesive exterior environments that extend the built environment and protect design intent.

Handley’s team works closely with Haskell’s civil-site engineers to support integrated site planning and documentation, including:

• Conceptual design and site plan development
• Code landscape plans and tree mitigation plans
• On-site amenities and enhancements
• Hardscape design and signage
• End-user experience planning
• Arrival and drop-off sequence and outdoor gathering spaces
• Plant knowledge across many regions.

The work supports functionality, sustainability and resilience that benefit both the client and the communities using these facilities.

Community-Conscious Design

On one Haskell project, the client team had ties to a local high school and wanted to prioritize native plantings and water conservation. The project team partnered with students through a design competition. Student work was selected, installed and later celebrated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We try to be intentional about how we can include the communities we build for,” Handley said. “The outcome was more than a code requirement. It created a stronger sense of place and a sense of ownership for the locals.”

Code Minimum vs. Amenity-Driven Value

Two Haskell projects in Alabama, located next to each other, showed the difference between minimum compliance and value-added site design. One project maintained the required minimum. The client on the neighboring project wanted amenities that created a better outdoor environment. The team reshaped a storm pond, adding features such as a dock, a gazebo and seating areas.

“These features not only serve an aesthetic purpose; they play an important role in employee retention,” Handley said. “The enhanced scope delivered meaningful value and reinforced the role landscape design has in both client satisfaction and project performance.”

Ecology, Sustainability and Education

“The Tampa Riverwalk project has a strong ecological and sustainability story,” Handley said. “The city wanted to go above and beyond code requirements and understood the importance of green infrastructure. So, we developed a plan that focused on resilience while improving the public experience. This included a living shoreline, a multi-use path and complete streets.”

Landscape architecture often sits between civil engineering and architecture. That position allows the team to bridge disciplines, coordinate site decisions from early design through permitting and help align the exterior environment with a project’s broader design intent.

“We have a great partnership with our civil teams because there’s a mutual respect and understanding that we’re both aiming to deliver the best outcome,” he said. “Integrating into the project early allows our team to absorb the context, assess the scope and bring value through our expertise and solutions with thoughtful design and planning.”

Connect with our team to discuss integrated site planning, amenities and green infrastructure solutions that meet your goals and budget.