May eNewsletter

A Greener Childhood Can Mean Happier Adulthood

It’s known that nature is good for us but its precise impact on our well-being can be challenging to articulate. An important new study found that when children grow up surrounded by green space, they have up to 55% less risk of developing a wide range of mental health problems later in life – even after adjusting for other known risk factors such as socio-economic status, urbanization, and the family history of mental disorders.

In addition, the protective effect grows stronger with more years spent living near nature.

New Proposed Location for Dougherty Arts Center Approved by City Council

Serving as Austin’s most cherished community arts center for 40 years, the mission of the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC) is to support emerging through established artists who create, showcase, and experience the arts first-hand. However, the more than 70-year-old former U.S. Navy and Marine reserve facility that houses the art center was deemed “beyond repair” by a 2010 needs assessment.

Rebuilding the aging, flood-prone building is not an option because the site sits on landfill and is within the 25-year flood plain. Seeking a new place to call home, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department retained the services of the RVi team, including Barbara Austin, Dennis Tonsor, and Wes Gentry, along with Jonathan Pearson of Studio8 Architects. Our team was charged with creating programming study and conceptual site plans for the redevelopment of the DAC, including a potential move to a site near Butler Shores.

Doug Craig Serves on ULI AzTAP Panel for Tempe Innovation Hub

The city of Tempe, Arizona enjoys a vibrant economy with anchors such as the State Farm Regional Headquarters, Arizona State University, the Novus Innovation Corridor, local tourism, and many other diverse industries. Like other successful cities of its kind, Tempe is also experiencing low vacancy rates and rising rents, causing them to look for redevelopment opportunities that will allow the city to continue to flourish.

In Other News

RVi is providing landscape architectural services for the Novus Phase I Office Building.

Novus Phase I Office Building Breaks Ground

This month, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the 777 Tower in the Novus Innovation Corridor at ASU. Read more in the Phoenix Business Journal article.

Daniel Marrufo Promoted to Designer

In recognition of his dedication, great attitude, and continued contribution to the success of RVi projects and special initiatives, Daniel Marrufo in the Tempe office has been promoted to Designer.

Congrats Daniel!

The RVi Family Grows

Congratulations to RVi Houston's Brad Sweitzer and his wife Katherine on the birth of their son, Samuel Mark Sweitzer.

Samuel was born on May 23rd weighing 8 lbs 13 ounces and measuring 21 inches long.

Welcome to RVi!

Paige Lipetska has joined the Houston office as a Planner.

Kelly Uhrich has joined the Tempe office as a Designer.

Jessica Chisholm and Konner Pendland have joined the Tempe office for summer internships.

We're Hiring!

Check out our Careers Page for more information on our open positions.