Design & Planning

We work on the design and planning of regenerative spaces and systems for community sites, schools, and other shared or public-facing projects, as well as select private client projects. Our approach combines ecological design, practical building experience, and systems thinking to create functional site plans and integrated systems. Projects often include gardens, orchards, outdoor classrooms, community food spaces, composting systems, and shared-use areas. We support the full process from concept development through implementation and ongoing use.

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.
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Outdoor Classroom Albany.jpg
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Outdoor Classroom Schenectady.jpg
Outdoor Classroom Saratoga.jpg
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How It Happens

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.

  • 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 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 if applicable

    • 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, provide complete implementation, or help coordinate community involvement if applicable.

    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 walk through 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.

A colorful field of various blooming flowers, including pansies in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow, with green foliage and a garden scene.

START THE CONVERSATION

Each project begins with an initial conversation to define goals, scope, and site context. Our work primarily involves community and public-facing projects, with select residential and small-scale projects as well. From this starting point, we develop a practical plan for design and implementation.

Contact us today