sESSION B2-A An architect, an engineer, and a landscape architect walk into a bar…How Collaboration Improves Project Designs

Landscape architects serve a significant and growing role in multidisciplinary design projects. As collaboration increases among landscape architecture professionals, civil engineers, and architects, the benefits to both the built and natural environments increase exponentially. The results are especially clear for urban infill and planning projects, streetscapes, parks and recreation, and campus/institutional work.  By teaming with civil engineers, landscape architects can bring resiliency and sustainability as well as aesthetic designs to infrastructure and community space designs. Innovative solutions incorporating water-sensitive design and green infrastructure can yield these long-term benefits. Additionally, the synergy of stormwater engineering and creative landscaping can harden outdoor environments against climate extremes while also showcasing natural beauty. Partnerships with architects not only allow for the seamless blending of the built footprint with the ecological one, but also allow each professional to consider the interconnectedness of design ideas and outcomes to create both an experience and a result that is lasting and memorable. This holistic relationship among creatives is especially beneficial in urban environments where space is limited and the need for a compelling natural experience is paramount. Much as a collaborative design team can create an inspiring project, we hope that the joint perspectives of a landscape architect, civil engineer, and architect can provide unique and valuable insight to panel attendees.

Learning Objective:

  • Discover strategies to develop collaborative teaming relationships; promote creative collaboration with diverse teams

  • Explore how collaborative teaming relationships provide tangible benefits on projects and deliver a positive impact for communities and clients

  • Interact with design professionals with experience on collaborative projects, including asking questions about challenges and hearing examples of effective solutions

Panel discussion

Daniel Whatley

Mr. Whatley is a landscape architect and project manager with a strong background in design, construction, and horticultural science. He has additional experience in landscape and irrigation contracting. He uses his field experience to develop creative design solutions that emphasize longevity, resiliency, and constructability. Mr. Whatley’s main goal in his daily work is to bring people and the natural environment together in a thoughtful manner. He enjoys collaborative project partnerships that provide long-term benefits for communities and clients. He is passionate about smart-growth planning of our urban sectors, green corridors, and open spaces.

David Tuch 

Mr. Tuch is a landscape architect and president of Equinox, a consulting, planning, and design firm based in Asheville. Mr. Tuch is an award-winning project manager who helped plan the first conservation subdivision in Buncombe County. He is an expert in the field of sustainable planning and design including stormwater and greenways; he has given presentations throughout the Southeast and authored and published papers and numerous articles. He is active in the Asheville community and serves or has served on a number of worthy committees and commissions over the years.

Jared Martinson

Mr. Martinson is the director of MHAworks’ multi-family and mixed-use studio as well as the director of its Durham office. With more than 20 years of experience, including time spent as an owner’s representative and construction manager, he has extensive knowledge of all phases of the design and construction process. He believes in a project approach that is consistently collaborative and focused on partnership. This steady focus has delivered successful projects for a variety of stakeholders, clients, and communities.

Jason Bertoncino

Mr. Bertoncino is Growth Officer at WithersRavenel. His more than 25 years of engineering experience includes numerous projects focused on economic development and community building.  He has helped municipal clients and private developers with site programming and development to help bring thousands of jobs to North Carolina communities and enhance the places where we live.