site design group, ltd.

Last week, our team participated in a dynamic design charette, diving deep into collaborative problem-solving and creative exploration. The agenda included breaking into focus groups to explore different aspects of the project, encouraging diverse perspectives and fostering new ideas. After productive discussions, the groups reconvened to share their insights, sparking meaningful dialogue across teams. These sessions are key to driving innovative solutions and ensuring we approach a project from all angles.

Only a couple days until the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture! Our team is excited to head to Washington, D.C. to connect, learn, and share insights with fellow landscape architects and design professionals. We hope to see you there!

Exciting progress in Lincoln Square! This week, we celebrated the groundbreaking of The Haven on Lincoln, a 40-unit transitional housing project aimed at addressing housing insecurity. Located at the former Diplomat Motel site, this project will offer stabilization housing for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. Once targeted for demolition, the site is now being transformed into a safe and supportive environment. We are proud to be part of this effort to bring impactful change to our communities, working alongside an outstanding team that includes Gensler, Terra Engineering, Nayyar and Nayyar, dbHMS, Cumming Group, and Zutale Design.

With the Fall Equinox marking the official transition from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to watch nature’s colorful changes unfold. As fall settles in, rich autumn colors and textural variety create an evolving landscape that celebrates the season. These changes not only enhance the beauty of the spaces but also create a deeper connection to the environment around us. See how the landscape in our projects transform with the season, as vibrant colors and rich textures begin to put on their seasonal display.

On National Public Lands Day, we honor the spaces that serve both as natural treasures and community landmarks. This day inspires people nationwide to contribute to the preservation and improvement of parks, forests, and open spaces through projects like tree planting, habitat restoration, and cleanup efforts. At site, we’re proud to continue to contribute to the care of our very own project, Pullman National Historical Park Visitor Center, a space that merges history and nature in a unique way. Sustainable design practices, such as native plantings and adaptive reuse of materials, were integrated to ensure the landscape supports the ecosystem while enhancing the environment and sharing the historical significance of the landmark. Thank you to our team members, partners, and the community who have donated their time to these efforts, working on-site to protect and maintain the landscape at Pullman.

Pullman is where labor history was made. The Pullman Strike of 1894 ignited a national movement that forever changed workers’ rights in America and led to the creation of Labor Day as a federal holiday. Earlier this month, the legacy of American labor was celebrated at the Pullman National Historical Park, where the Chicago Federation of Labor and community partners honored the contributions of workers and the enduring legacy of labor rights.

Continuing our celebration of the awards season, our team members had the pleasure of attending AIA Chicago Designight 2024 earlier this month. This year’s event showcased the remarkable design achievements and contributions of Chicago’s talented architects and designers. We are inspired by the innovative spirit of our peers and proud to be part of a community that continually pushes the boundaries of design. We are also thrilled to share that several of our collaborative projects were recognized during the event: + Chicago Park District Headquarters with John Ronan Architects: Architecture Medium Merit Recipient and Community & Civic People’s Choice Award Finalist + Lawson House Redevelopment with Farr Associates: Architecture Large Honor Award for Ambitious Renovation and Multifamily Residential People’s Choice Award Finalist + The Academy for Global Citizenship at the Cultivate Collective Campus with SMNG A Ltd. and Farr Associates Architecture & Urban Design: Education People’s Choice Award Winner + The Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building with HDR: Healthcare & Research People’s Choice Award Winner + Triangle Square Apartments with Lamar Johnson Collaborative: Multifamily Residential People’s Choice Award Winner We are honored to have partnered with such incredible teams to bring these impactful projects to life.

Last Thursday, we celebrated hard work, collaboration, and community impact at the 2024 Indiana ASLA Awards Gala. We’re proud to announce that the Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan – a project developed with the voices of the community at its heart – top honors from Indiana ASLA, receiving the Award of Excellence and the Green Ribbon Award. The Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan focuses on transforming the west bank of the White River in Indianapolis into a connected network of parks, and open spaces, with a detailed master plan for Reverend Mozel Sanders Park and Belmont Beach. Guided by community leaders, neighborhood residents, and a diverse consultant team, this plan ensures a focus on community connectivity and environmental equity. A huge congratulations to everyone involved and a special shoutout to Rob and Mejay, who made the drive from Chicago to Indiana to represent us at the ceremony! Visit the link to learn more about Haughville Riverfront Vision Plan: https://lnkd.in/gr8SQ7G8

The process of designing beautiful and thoughtful landscapes requires designing a well-crafted planting plan. This essential step in landscape architecture involves selecting plants for their suitability to the microclimate of the site, as well as color, texture, and seasonal interest, all while ensuring they contribute to a sustainable and cohesive design. Take a look at how this process came to life in one of our recent projects, Pioneer Court!

Cultivating the perfect balance of urban living and outdoor tranquility, our firm is proud to have designed the outdoor amenity spaces at The Row Fulton Market, located at 900 W Randolph, that offer a seamless blend of comfort and style. Whether gathering around the firepits, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying the outdoor kitchens, these thoughtfully designed rooftop spaces provide an inviting retreat in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market District.