Author name: teammdg

Why Landscape Architecture Matters Beyond Aesthetics During World Landscape Architecture Month, it is a fitting time to recognize the role landscape architects play in shaping the spaces around us. While landscape architecture is often associated with aesthetics, its value reaches much further. From parks and streetscapes to schools, commercial developments, and community gathering spaces, landscape architecture helps create environments that are functional, sustainable, and built to serve people well over time. How Landscape Architecture Connects People and Place At its core, landscape architecture is about connecting people to their environment through thoughtful design. It considers how outdoor spaces will be used, how they will perform, and how they will respond to the natural conditions of a site. A well-designed landscape does more than enhance appearance. It can improve circulation, create shade and comfort, support safer and more welcoming public spaces, and contribute to the overall success of a project. The Role of Landscape Architecture in Infrastructure Performance Landscape architecture also provides important infrastructure value. Thoughtful site design can help reduce erosion, improve stormwater quality, encourage groundwater recharge, and support long-term site resilience. As communities continue to grow and develop, these considerations become even more important. Landscape architects help bring practical, environmentally sensitive solutions to projects that balance immediate needs with long-term performance. DCCM’s Landscape Architecture Services Across Project Types At DCCM, our landscape architects work across a wide range of project types, including parks and recreation, streetscapes, commercial developments, educational and institutional campuses, residential communities, and amenity spaces. In each case, their role extends beyond selecting plant materials or refining visual character. They help shape how people experience a site, how natural and built elements work together, and how outdoor spaces can best support the goals of the project and the surrounding community. How DCCM’s Landscape Architects Collaborate With Multidisciplinary Teams Because landscape architecture is closely connected to so many other aspects of design, collaboration is a critical part of the process. DCCM’s landscape architects work alongside engineers, planners, and other design professionals to develop solutions that are cohesive, practical, and responsive to the needs of each site. This integrated approach helps ensure that projects are not only visually appealing, but also efficient, durable, and aligned with the broader vision for the space. Sustainable Landscape Architecture and In-House Arborist Expertise Our team’s expertise also includes sustainable design strategies that support and enhance the natural environment. From evaluating site conditions and incorporating appropriate planting approaches to considering long-term maintenance and usability, our landscape architects help create spaces that are both functional and enduring. DCCM also offers in-house arborist expertise, providing additional value through tree analysis, health assessments, and support that can help clients make informed decisions and reduce potential tree mitigation costs. The Lasting Community Impact of Landscape Architecture The impact of landscape architecture is often felt in everyday ways. It can be seen in the comfort of a shaded walkway, the usability of a park, the character of a streetscape, or the way a site manages water after a storm. These elements may not always be the first things people notice, but they play a meaningful role in how spaces function and how communities experience them. Recognizing Landscape Architects During World Landscape Architecture Month During World Landscape Architecture Month, DCCM is proud to recognize the important work of our landscape architects and the value they bring to projects of all types. Their work helps shape stronger, smarter communities through design that is thoughtful, practical, and built for the long term. During World Landscape Architecture Month, DCCM is proud to recognize the important work of our landscape architects and the value they bring to projects of all types. Their work helps shape stronger, smarter communities through design that is thoughtful, practical, and built for the long term. Explore our website to learn more about DCCM’s landscape architecture services, and connect with our team to see how thoughtful outdoor design can support your next project.

In recognition of World Landscape Architecture Month, DCCM is proud to spotlight the professionals whose work helps shape meaningful, lasting spaces in the communities we serve. Landscape architecture brings together creativity, functionality, and environmental awareness to enhance how people experience the built environment. In the following Q&A, Director, Landscape Architecture, Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA, and Senior Landscape Architect, Richard Malone, PLA, share their perspectives on the profession, what inspires their work, and how thoughtful landscape architecture can make a lasting impact. Their insights help illustrate the depth of expertise behind the spaces and places our teams help create. What drew you to landscape architecture? Eric: This profession allowed me to combine my expertise in plant biology with my knowledge of engineering and art into a lifelong career. Richard: I’ve always had a strong connection to the outdoors and an appreciation for how spaces can shape people’s experiences. Landscape architecture stood out to me because it blends creativity with problem-solving—designing environments that are not only visually appealing but also functional, sustainable, and meaningful. It gave me a way to turn that passion into something tangible that improves how people interact with the world around them. How would you describe the role of a landscape architect to someone outside the industry? Eric: This is a profession that requires you to be a good steward of the land, wear multiple “hats”, and expect 10 years of experience before you are comfortable in the role.  Richard: A landscape architect designs outdoor spaces with purpose. That can range from parks and streetscapes to commercial developments and residential communities—including private backyards, pool designs, and outdoor living spaces like kitchens and patios. We balance aesthetics, environmental considerations, and regulatory requirements while coordinating with engineers, architects, and planners. In simple terms, we design everything from the building footprint outward—shaping spaces that are usable, safe, and enjoyable. What is something people often misunderstand about landscape architecture? Eric: Most folks here the professional and think we always work outside, but in reality, most landscape architects are stuck in the office.  Richard: A common misconception is that it’s just about picking plants or making things look nice. While planting design is important, the profession goes much deeper—grading, drainage, code compliance, accessibility, and long-term maintenance all play a major role. It’s a technical discipline that requires both design thinking and a strong understanding of how landscapes function over time. How does landscape architecture add value to a project beyond aesthetics? Eric: A simple example is that trees and shrubs provide shade for parking lots and help to slow down rain and reduce the speed of stormwater infiltration. Richard: Landscape architecture adds value by improving functionality, enhancing safety, and creating a sense of place. Thoughtful design can increase property value, support environmental sustainability, and improve user experience. It also helps projects meet local codes and regulations efficiently, which can save time and cost during development. What types of projects do you most enjoy working on, and why? Eric: I enjoy working on public recreational areas and seeing people enjoying the spaces many years after they’ve been built. Richard: I enjoy projects where there’s an opportunity to create a strong sense of place and solve real site challenges. Projects that involve integrating natural systems—like preserving existing trees or coordinating design intent with real-world constructability and installation—are especially rewarding. I also enjoy seeing projects through from concept to construction, where you can watch an idea become a space people actually use and enjoy. What advice would you give to someone interested in a career in landscape architecture? Eric: Intern at a plant nursery and a professional landscape architecture office when you are in school. Richard: Get as much exposure as you can early on—whether through internships, site visits, or hands-on experience. Spend as much time in the field as possible working with installation crews to gain a true understanding of the implications each line you draw has during construction. Learn both the creative and technical sides of the profession, including grading, construction detailing, and plant knowledge. Strong communication skills are also key, since collaboration is a big part of the job. Most importantly, stay curious about how spaces work and how people use them. What is one outdoor space, anywhere, that has inspired you? Eric: The Guana River State Park system in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Richard: One space that stands out to me is Central Park. It’s a great example of how thoughtful design can create a lasting impact—balancing naturalistic landscapes with structured elements while serving a wide range of users. It shows how landscape architecture can shape not just a site, but an entire city’s identity and daily life. Looking Ahead As we celebrate World Landscape Architecture Month, we’re proud to recognize the expertise and perspective Eric and Richard bring to the profession. Their reflections offer a meaningful look at the value landscape architecture brings to projects, people, and place. To learn more about DCCM’s services, markets, and the teams behind the work, explore our website. If you’re interested in building your career with us, visit our Careers page to view current opportunities and learn more about life at DCCM.

April 1st marked two milestones for Shine | DCCM: 70 years of shaping Texas’s landscape and the retirement of trailblazing leader Nedra Foster Townsend. Founded in 1956 by Darrell Shine, Shine | DCCM began as a small, passionate land surveying firm rooted in a love for the land and the outdoors. Over the decades, the company has grown into a leader in surveying water and land boundaries, completing hundreds of miles of gradient boundary surveys on Texas’s major rivers and streams and surveying nearly 2 million acres across more than 100 counties. Shine | DCCM is recognized for its expertise in resolving complex boundary issues and is often called upon by other surveyors and attorneys for its deep historical knowledge and technical precision. The firm’s commitment to quality and responsiveness has made it a trusted partner for municipalities, private clients, and state agencies alike. Nedra Foster Townsend’s story is woven into the very fabric of Shine | DCCM. Joining the company in 1981, Nedra became the first and only woman in Texas to earn the title of Licensed State Land Surveyor (LSLS). Rising to President in 2004, she has led the firm through decades of growth and innovation. Nedra’s expertise in water boundaries and her role as an expert witness in more than 20 boundary lawsuits have set new standards for the profession. Her leadership has inspired generations of surveyors, and her legacy includes not only technical achievements but also a commitment to mentorship and professional service. As Shine | DCCM looks back on 70 years of excellence and looks forward to a future built on integrity and expertise, the company honors Nedra’s extraordinary career and the indelible mark she has left on the industry. Here’s to the past, present, and future of Shine | DCCM, and to Nedra, whose vision and dedication have helped define them both. To learn more about Shine | DCCM’s history, expertise, and continued impact, visit www.shine.dccm.com

Engineers Week is a chance to celebrate the work that keeps communities moving—often behind the scenes, always with purpose. Across DCCM, our engineers are solving everyday challenges with technical expertise, collaboration, and steady problem-solving. This year, we’re honored to feature Mariah Rodriguez, EI, Andrew Sawyer, Stephanie Williams, PE, Tom Bartlett, PE, and George Hicks, PE—five DCCM engineers whose experience, perspective, and commitment to excellence reflect the strength of our team and the work we do across the country. Representing different stages of their careers, each brings a unique insight into the profession and the work that drives it forward. Their Q&As below offer a closer look at the people behind the projects, the lessons that have shaped their paths, and the perspectives they bring to engineering every day. Job title and location: George: Supervising Civil Engineer – Fairfield, California Stephanie: Senior Engineer – Atlanta, Georgia Andrew: Engineer – Lakeland, Florida Mariah: Staff Engineer –  Fishers, Indiana Tom: Project Manager – St. Augustine, Florida How has your role evolved since you started? Stephanie: I started with DCCM in July 2025 as the first-person doing Land Development out of our Atlanta/Sandy Springs office. We have recently hired another engineer to expand this team. I’m currently mentoring him to grow this division. Andrew: My understanding of project timelines, as well as interactions with parties involved in projects, has significantly progressed. To this extent, I now do more client interface interactions such as RPR work, emailing utility companies, preparing permits, and coordinating technical work. Mariah: Since starting at DCCM 3 years ago, I’ve gained more technical responsibilities and leadership roles within my department! I’ve gone from being a mere novice drafter to designing different project elements, completing design calculations, writing technical reports, and leading the utility coordination for a variety of projects. What part of your work has the biggest impact on communities? George: Being able to draw from and apply my 30 years experience serving as a City Engineer/Director of Public Works to help clients navigate successfully though those complicated and unusual situations they sometimes encounter. Andrew: To me it is constantly being there for our clients, which for the most part are public. Cities like Bartow, Auburndale, Wauchula [Florida], and more are always a pleasure to serve. Mariah: The part of my job that impacts our local communities the most would be during the design and planning portion of a project. This phase of a project is when we’ll decide what improvements are needed, what pedestrian facilities should be included, and what safety features to add. Well-designed roadway corridors increase driver and pedestrian safety, promote economic growth, and optimize travel! Tom: Water resources & stormwater management impact the health and growth of the community Who helped shape your engineering career, and how? George: I was fortunate early in my career to have a seasoned City Engineer that believed in me and spent the time to teach me not only “what” we do in our profession, but more importantly “why” we do things and many practical stories and applications for each lesson. This training helped me to develop a series of values that allowed me to make sound decisions when there wasn’t necessarily a clear “right” answer. Stephanie: Good managers. Over the years I’ve had several managers who have been phenomenal to work with and for. Loving who you work with is just as important as loving what you do. Andrew: I think Andre Rives and Austin Hungate have really shaped my engineering career. Andre’s diligent work ethic, always putting his head down and grinding, sets a lingering example of how I should also be doing my work. Austin’s presence and how he holds himself to professional standards in the workplace is truly role-model like and is something I hope people see in me one day. Mariah: My supervisors, peers, and involvement with professional organizations, like WTS, have all helped to shape my engineering career in some way. My supervisors have consistently provided thorough guidance on new tasks I undertake and ensure that I’m exposed to new topics within our field. My peers have helped to develop my professional identity and have molded how I interact with others in our field, how I attack new tasks or situations, and have each contributed to how I’ve developed my different workflows. My involvement in WTS has also exposed me to unique perspectives in our field and shown me what strong, capable women engineering leaders can look like. Tom: Bill Murchie PE – Helped me in my former position with designing an industrial seawater system used for marine research in the Florida Keys. What part of engineering excites you most right now? Andrew: Always problem solving. I love the work and being challenged. When I get water/wastewater engineering tasks, I love to work them out as quickly as I can to approach the next tasks swiftly and efficiently. Mariah: The part of engineering that excites me the most right now is developing solutions to ensure our infrastructure grows with our communities and best serves their individual needs. I am very intrigued by diverse roadway corridors that effectively implement public transit, accessible pedestrian facilities, greenspace, and vehicular travel lanes all in one! Tom: Water resources and wastewater treatment – Where the water goes and how we deal with waste is the most exciting to me currently What drew you to engineering in the first place? Stephanie: My grandfather, dad, and brother were all civil engineers. I remember visiting job sites with my dad as a child on Saturday morning. As a high schooler, I excelled at math and scienced and decided to continue that passion in college. Andrew: My skills in math and computers. I think I never went the more computer-like path in school because I enjoyed interacting with people too. I love making allies, and establishing relationships, before helping to solve their problems. Mariah: Growing up, my dad worked as an architect and would often take me with him to city hall, client meetings,