Design Approach

Sylvatica Studio designs landscapes that elevate the essential character of places and support their natural and social systems.

We specialize in the planning and design of green spaces, including parks, gardens, and preserves, and we work in urban and rural settings, from streetscapes to riparian corridors to coastal ecosystems.

We focus on what is most important to our clients by paying rigorous attention to each project and infusing our process with discipline and creativity.

Essence of Place 

Designing beautiful and evocative landscapes begins with on-the-ground, deep site systems analysis and thoughtful exchanges with communities to determine their aspirations for a place.

We combine this with our depth of experience gained from broad travel and knowledge of landscape history, altogether leading to profound understanding of the essence of a particular place.

Connecting People and Nature 

We are energized by working with communities to connect the landscapes of people and nature in urban and natural environments through the careful planning and design of green space.

We find inspiration in ecological and social systems, and design to be minimally invasive and restorative of these, while contributing thoughtful solutions to the built and natural environment.

Multifunctional Landscapes 

Good design is multi-functional and provides healthy, dynamic social settings, resilient natural environments, green relief in urban settings and visual and cultural interest.

We find that regenerative systems, such as plantings that filter runoff to improve water quality and promote healthy habitats, also serve to re-engage people in newly complex and appealingly rich landscapes.