Since we opened our doors in 1994, our focus on providing sustainable solutions propelled us to become the first landscape architecture firm in the Southeast to support the principles of the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED™) program. As interest in sustainable design and green building has grown, Ecos has taken a leadership role in the community, providing expertise and support to organizations that are re-thinking their commitment to optimal land usage.
About Us
Ecos Environmental Design, Inc. provides landscape architecture, urban design and community planning to private, public and not-for-profit clients who are seeking creative and practical solutions that bring land, water and community together.
With our staff of registered landscape architects, certified planners, LEED Accredited Professionals and urban designers, Ecos has skills and experience to provide innovative solutions to stormwater management, water quality, and other green technologies for sustainable site planning and design. In addition, we are fully CAD capable, running the latest design, engineering, graphics and GIS software.
Two Studios – One Vision
Ecos integrates sustainable practices through two studios—Planning and Design & Construction. Each studio provides astute awareness and experience in their area of focus. The collaborative exchange between studios is one of the hallmarks of our firm—interrelating disciplines within an ecological framework to create sustainable solutions for all types of projects. (see Services)
Both studios employ an ecological perspective to address complex issues in urban, suburban and rural landscapes. From green infrastructure plans to site redevelopment, our staff provides concepts, policies and tools with the knowledge of implementation- based on the unique resources and intricacies of the landscape and the needs of each community.
How We Work
Whether we’re working directly with clients or acting as a sub-consultant to another firm, our priority is ensuring that projects flow smoothly and expeditiously to completion. We believe that a successful project begins by listening to our clients and understanding their perspective before starting the design process.
Every project engagement is headed by an Ecos principal and one or more senior personnel who share responsibility for the design and client relationship. Included on the team is a project manager who coordinates staff and sub-consultants, handles scheduling and assures that deadlines are met. We’ve had tremendous success with this process, as demonstrated by our high rate of repeat business and referrals.
Living Our Approach
At Ecos, we believe that sustainable solutions—ones that respond, restore and revive— are our responsibility. We incorporate this philosophy internally with our in-town location near transit and multi-use trail systems, our company waste-recycling program and our hybrid car. We purchase renewable energy credits to offset our CO2 emissions. We encourage our staff to use alternative transportation, support environmentally conscience organizations and volunteer locally to strengthen environmental stewardship at all levels. We share our commitment and practices with local and national groups through conferences and lecture series.