Community-Based Design & Planning

We work primarily with community organizations, schools, and other public-facing projects on designing and planning spaces that strengthen connection to place. Our approach combines ecological design, practical building experience, and systems thinking to create functional, regenerative spaces and systems that serve real community needs. Whether it’s a garden, outdoor classroom, community food space, composting system, or shared gathering area, we support the full process—from idea to implementation, and beyond.

A garden layout diagram with flower beds, vegetable plots, a compost bin, and a watering can, surrounded by colorful flowers and green foliage.
Blueprint drawing of a small shed showing top, front, side, and back views with measurements in feet and inches.
A digital plan of a community garden shows various flower and vegetable plots on the left side and a small open dirt area with six brown circles representing compost bins or planting spots on the right side.
Aerial view of a property surrounded by trees with a church, parking lot, and streets labeled Shaker El and Albany Shaker Rd.
Top-down illustration of a garden with vegetable beds, trees, plants, and a concrete area measuring 20 feet, with a north arrow indicating orientation.
A labeled garden layout with three sections, including trees and plants, a vegetable garden, and flowering plants.
cad1.jpg
Outdoor Classroom Albany.jpg
design_1.jpg
FDE.jpg
CAD333.jpg
Outdoor Classroom Schenectady.jpg
Outdoor Classroom Saratoga.jpg
AnnePD.jpg
DRAFT LATHAM RIDGE.jpg
A colorful artwork featuring a globe at the center surrounded by layered leaves in various shades of green, blue, yellow, and red, with paint splatters around the design.

How It Happens

  • We begin by understanding the site, the people who will use it, and the goals of the project.

    We can provide complete design documentation, including:

    • 2D site plans and scaled layouts

    • CAD renderings and visualizations

    • Structural drawings and build details

    • Planting plans and seasonal considerations

    • Materials recommendations and cost-appropriate options

    Designs are place-based, implementable, and accessible—meant to be used, not filed away.

  • Many groups know what they want but may not know where to begin. We help clarify the scope, timeline, and steps needed to bring a project to life.

    Planning support can include:

    • Phasing and timeline development

    • Budgeting and funding guidance

    • Volunteer coordination strategies

    • DIY vs. contractor assessment

    • Maintenance and long-term stewardship planning

    This is where your idea becomes a roadmap—not just what will be built, but how it will happen.

  • We stay connected through the build phase to ensure the project is carried out as intended. Our role depends on client needs—we can provide hands-on support, act as a guide, or help coordinate community involvement.

    Implementation support may include:

    • On-site consulting during installation

    • Build days and volunteer leadership

    • Layout staking and material sourcing

    • Guidance for contractors or facilities staff

    • Final walkthrough and post-build and/or install check-ins

    Our goal is not just a completed project—but a space people feel ownership of and know how to care for.