FAQ
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What does an urban designer and landscape architect do?
Urban designers and landscape architects shape the public realm—parks, plazas, streets, natural systems, and neighbourhoods—by integrating ecology, infrastructure, and community needs. Our role is to create places that are functional, sustainable, and meaningful to the people who use them.
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How is your firm different from a large multidisciplinary company?
As a boutique studio, we provide highly personalized service with direct principal involvement on every project. We’re nimble, collaborative, and community-oriented, bringing expertise in design, ecology, and place-making without the overhead of a large firm. This ensures our clients receive innovative, tailored solutions with excellent value.
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What types of projects do you work on?
We work on a wide range of projects, including:
Trail and open space systems, Parks and natural areas, Low Impact Development (LID) and stormwater facilities, Neighbourhood renewal and streetscapes, Urban design frameworks and master plans, Wayfinding and branding for communities and organizations
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Do you only work with municipalities?
No. While many of our projects are municipal, we also collaborate with architects, engineers, developers, and community organizations. Whether you’re a city department, a real estate developer, or a community group, we can scale our services to meet your needs.
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What is Low Impact Development (LID), and why is it important?
LID is a design approach that manages stormwater using natural systems such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable surfaces, and wetland features. It helps reduce flooding, improves water quality, and enhances biodiversity—all while creating beautiful, resilient landscapes.
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Can you help with community engagement?
Yes. We regularly design and facilitate engagement processes, from workshops and open houses to surveys and visual storytelling. We believe communities should have a voice in shaping their spaces, and our “What We Heard” reports and graphics make input clear, accessible, and actionable.
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Do you provide 3D models and visualizations?
Absolutely. We use GIS, Rhino/Grasshopper, and other design tools to create 3D models, renderings, and maps that bring projects to life. These visuals help clients, stakeholders, and the public better understand design proposals.
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How early should we involve you in a project?
The earlier, the better. Early involvement allows us to influence site planning, environmental analysis, and public-realm design decisions before they become costly to change. Many of our most successful projects start with us at the visioning and feasibility stage.
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Do you work outside of Edmonton?
Yes. While we’re based in Edmonton, we work across Alberta and Western Canada. We’ve delivered projects in both large urban centres and small rural communities.
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How do you charge for services?
We typically provide a detailed proposal with a scope of work, deliverables, and a fee estimate. Fees are usually structured by project phase (e.g., schematic design, detailed design, construction), with clear assumptions and exclusions to give our clients confidence and transparency.
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How do I get started?
You can reach out through our Contact Page or by email. Tell us about your project, goals, and challenges, and we’ll set up a free consultation to explore how we can help.