Ankeny Fire Station Headquarters - Ankeny, Iowa

Landscape Architecture

The best design solutions carefully integrate the built environment into its natural surroundings.

SVPA is a true pioneer in optimizing effective use of the building site. Our innovative use of sustainable design techniques - such as rain gardens, bioretention cells, bioswales, and incorporating wildflower landscapes - has garnered awards for energy-efficient design and construction. More importantly it has improved efficiency for owners while enhancing occupants' enjoyment of their environment.

Planning

At SVPA, every good project begins with a good plan...

...and every good plan begins with thoroughly assessing your needs and goals. So SVPA works hard to thoroughly understand your needs, and then to meet or exceed your expectations through architectural design. In brief, our master planning process includes:

  • Assessing your needs - Thorough discussions with the project owner and user groups, inspection of any existing facilities and review of existing plans.
  • Comparing our notes - Rechecking to ensure that our understanding is in sync with the owner's expectations.
  • Preparing a report - Documenting current facility conditions, space needs and recommendations for accommodating those needs, and estimates of probable construction cost. We also provide 5- and 10-year facilities forecasts of anticipated future needs, which we portray in the program and diagrams.

Site Analysis

Where you build can impact your success, design image, and overall results.

Urbandale City Hall - Urbandale, Iowa

To help you choose a site that compliments your needs and budget, complies with area and zoning requirements, and capitalizes on existing landscape virtues, contact SVPA. We'll analyze an existing site or multiple site alternatives for:

  • Access to utilities and services
  • Climate
  • Existing natural or manmade features
  • Present and Future Uses of Surrounding Properties
  • Circulation and Access
  • Sun Orientation
  • Topography, including Drainage, Erosion Control and Storm Water Detention Requirements
  • Vegetation, including Necessary Soil and Related Site Tests and Required Investigations
  • Vehicular and Pedestrian Access
  • Views to and from the Site
  • Wetland Mitigation and Sensitive Site Protection
  • Zoning and Other Regulations and Restrictions