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Client Profile: Matthew Deal, Deal Sikes & Associates

For many firms in the design and construction industry, a project begins when the site has been acquired, the contract is in place, and the owner/developer says go. But by that point, Matt Deal’s job is already done. That’s because Matt and his firm, Deal Sikes & Associates, are involved in the very early stages of a project, helping entities acquire the land they need to bring projects to fruition.

RVi has been very lucky to work with Deal Sikes on a number of these early-stage projects, providing highest and best use analysis, impact studies, and expert witness testimony that often lay the groundwork for future development. Leading RVi’s efforts is Peter Boecher, a licensed Landscape Architect, Certified Planner, and Counselor of Real Estate who has decades of experience in this specialized market.

This month, we sat down with Matt Deal to learn more about his firm’s major areas of practice and how land planning fits into the complex world of real estate appraisals, acquisitions, and counseling.

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Project Spotlight: Oak Hill Parkway

by Mark Smith, PLA
Vice President

In 1981, Architect Kevin Lynch asserted in Good City Form that, "We might think of travel as a pleasure, rather than a brief and necessary evil." Lynch's perspective that transportation infrastructure should enhance the urban experience rather than undermine it preceded the introduction of Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) by almost 20 years. Nevertheless, he captured the essence of why CSS should be important to us: roadways are an unavoidable part of our everyday lives - why not make them a more enjoyable experience?

This October, RVi (with TxDOT, CTRMA, and RTG) led a CSS Aesthetics Workshop in Oak Hill in Southwest Austin. The purpose of the workshop was to seek consensus among stakeholders regarding the context of Oak Hill and to evaluate a range of aesthetics options intended to help ensure that mobility improvements proposed for this important corridor will enhance the quality of life in Oak Hill.

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RVi Celebrates 32 Years with Beach Retreat

Earlier this month, RViers stepped away from the office for a day of fun and sun down in Port Aransas.  Employees got to choose from a variety of activities including fishing, a guided kayak tour, bicycling, or simply relaxing on the beach.  The evening concluded with a shrimp boil, our annual T-shirt design contest, and a bonfire with s'mores.  Special thanks to the staff of Cinnamon Shore for hosting our group, as well as our own Monica Allen for her amazing job of planning and facilitating the event!

See more retreat photos on our Facebook album ››