July eNewsletter

You’re Not Done Yet: The Importance of Construction Administration in the Design Process

BY ALAN MACKEY

In the course of practicing landscape architecture, we become quite familiar with the steps in the design process: site analysis, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration/observation.

As a young landscape architect, I can remember finishing a set of construction documents, completing the bidding phase, and feeling a great sense of relief – I was done! After working on a project for a long period of time, it is tempting to want to get on to the next project – analyzing, coming up with fresh/new ideas, developing rough schematic sketches, collaborating, preparing illustratives – you know, the fun stuff.

Construction administration/observation can often feel like the forgotten piece of the process, but I strongly believe it is the most important part of the design process. This is where we get to see the implementation and fruition of our ideas that we invested so much time developing. As a designer, I have learned to embrace this final phase of design with the same enthusiasm as I do the earlier stages.

Ellsworth Ranch Closer to Reality with Town Approval

Earlier this month, the Ellsworth Ranch community took a major step forward when the Queen Creek Town Council approved the rezoning of the 190-acre development. RVi has been working with developer Taylor Morrison, land use attorney Shaine Alleman of Tiffany & Bosco, civil engineer Wood Patel, as well as the Town of Queen Creek and its residents to rezone the property over the past several months.

New Segment of Brushy Creek Regional Trail Officially Open!

BY DREW CARMAN

Earlier in July, the newest section of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail opened to the public in Round Rock, Texas. The new 0.9-mile out-and-back segment starts near the shore of Brushy Creek at the northwest corner of the Creekside Plaza Shopping Center at Chisholm Trail. Construction funding came from an award by CAMPO through the Transportation Alternative Program from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with funding administered by TxDOT.

In Other News

Congratulations are in order!

We are thrilled to recognize the hard work and dedication of our new Project Managers - Wes Gentry in Austin and Mark Bailor in Tempe!

Wes creates a positive working environment, and has been involved in a key number of projects such as Mueller, Kissing Tree, and La Cima. We also appreciate his ability to provide a movie or television reference for literally every situation.

Mark is a seasoned designer, and is always willing to go over and above what's asked of him. Mr. Positive Attitude, Mark can find a silver lining in everything. Also, if you ever have a question about fitness or nutrition Mark has truly tried all the trends.

Welcome to RVi!

Konner Pendland has joined the Tempe office as a Landscape Designer.
Christina Martin has joined the Austin office part-time as a Senior Landscape Architect.

Our Austin office has moved!

Please update your address books with our new address:

1611 West 5th Street, Suite 175
Austin, TX 78703