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Employee Spotlight: RVi Principal Jack Caldwell, PLA on how a passion for golf led to landscape architecture, creating places that shape lasting memories, and taking on the next challenge.

09/15/2026 People Tagged Under: Campuses, Community Development, Landscape Architecture

Based in RVi’s Orlando office, Principal Jack Caldwell, PLA, was recently promoted to Principal, marking the latest chapter in a career that began with an interest in golf course design. With more than 16 years of experience in landscape architecture, Jack’s work spans residential communities, institutional campuses, commercial development, streetscapes, and golf-focused projects.

His work has taken him from master planning and site design through detailed design and construction, including projects such as the Florida Gulf Coast University Great Lawn, Esplanade communities across the Southeast, and Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.

In this Employee Spotlight, Jack shares what continues to challenge and inspire him, the project that helped shape him as a landscape architect, how golf continues to influence his work, and what happens when a landscape architect decides to take on American Ninja Warrior.

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

My interest in landscape architecture began in high school, when I dreamed of becoming a golf course architect. As I explored that path, I learned that landscape architecture was the foundation for designing golf courses. That discovery introduced me to the broader possibilities of the profession and set me on the career path I’ve followed ever since.

Team Caldwell at the ballpark! ⚾ Jack with his wife, Kaleigh, daughter Capri, and son Sawyer, enjoying some family time at a Braves game.

You were recently promoted to Principal. What does reaching this point in your career mean to you, and how do you see your role changing?

If you had asked me three, five, or even 10 years ago if I would be capable of filling a Principal role at a firm like RVi, I probably would have doubted it. Reaching this point is a testament to the mentors I’ve had throughout my career and the opportunities I’ve had to grow.

It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a firm that creates a path for an ambitious, competitive person like me to achieve those career goals and recognize the hard work that goes into them. I’ve had mentors at RVi who have stuck with me through both failure and success. It hasn’t been a perfect path, and I’m certainly not perfect, but I think that’s part of the story. We learn from our failures and our successes, and we become who we are through that process.

Looking ahead, I see my role shifting to focus more on strategically building teams, improving our systems and services, strengthening our client network, and taking greater ownership of the health of the business. I’m excited about the challenges ahead.

You originally dreamed of becoming a golf course architect. How does that early passion for golf still influence the way you think about landscape architecture today?

Golf was really the thing that connected me to the outdoors. It became a retreat from the stress of life as a young person—my escape and a place where I could connect with the outdoors in all kinds of environments.

I grew up in Sebring, Florida, where we had lakes and golf courses everywhere, so golf became a big part of my life. I was a high school All-American and a scratch golfer. It was pretty consuming.

As I got older, I realized I was ready for another chapter, but the passion for golf and design never completely went away. Today, I have the opportunity to design master-planned communities with golf courses, help plan the courses, and work alongside golf course architects through design and implementation. In that sense, it has really come full circle.

It took 13 to 15 years before I started having the opportunity to play a key role in golf course planning and routing, and now I’m doing it pretty regularly. So, the dream didn’t completely go away.

And for those wondering: Jack says his current golf handicap is about a 12.

Jack and daughter, Capri conquered the 2025 Spartan race together—obstacles, grit, and all—and came home with hard-earned medals!

What has been your favorite or most challenging design project?

The Great Lawn at Florida Gulf Coast University has been my favorite project so far. As an Associate Project Manager at the time, I learned more from this project than any other about the full design and implementation process—from stakeholder collaboration, client communication, and teamwork to contracts, scheduling, construction details, and execution.

The project became a tangible expression of everything I was learning as I pursued my professional landscape architecture license, and it played a significant role in preparing me for and helping me pass the licensure exams.

Most rewarding of all was seeing how the design influenced campus life—how people moved through the space, gathered there, and made it part of their daily experience.

The Great Lawn at Florida Gulf Coast University

Is there another project that has particular significance to you?

Esplanade at St. Marys in St. Marys, Georgia, stands out for a different reason. It was the first project where I really played a key role in the design. I was able to be involved up front in planning and design and then stay involved through execution alongside the golf course architect.

Being able to help bring the course to life from start to finish made it especially meaningful. There are a lot of projects I could point to, but some become sentimental because they represent pivotal moments in your career.

You compete in American Ninja Warrior competitions. How did this start?

My daughter was five years old, and we loved watching the show together. She would just light up every time it came on, so I started looking for a gym where we could try it.

We found one about a mile from our house. It had no air conditioning and there was a dumpster out front. It was basically a small industrial warehouse, but it gave us a place to learn and train. She absolutely fell in love with it, and I wanted to be alongside her on that journey, so I started training and competing with her.

She’s now 13 and has been ranked in the top 10 in the world for the past four years. So, it’s become a really big part of our story.

For me, it’s also a way to stay connected with her. Those moments become harder to find as kids get older, so I’m still trying to be the old guy who can keep up. I have a rip on my hand right now because of it, so it’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

I’ll be competing in Tampa soon, and my daughter is going to be my coach.

Like father, like daughter. Jack and Capri celebrate their UNAA medals after competing together in one of their favorite shared adventures.

Jack and family enjoying the great outdoors.

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Employee Spotlight: RVi Principal Bryan Warne, PLA, on experience-based design, creating places that heal, and thinking at 30,000 feet

08/19/2026 People Tagged Under: Campuses, Landscape Architecture

Based in RVi’s Austin, Texas office, Principal Bryan Warne, PLA, brings a broad perspective shaped by more than two decades in landscape architecture, with particular expertise in healthcare and wellness. In this Employee Spotlight, Bryan shares his unconventional path to the profession, his approach to designing places that support well-being, and why the work of landscape architects matters more than many realize.

Finding your path

Your career has taken you through city planning, boutique design, construction, running your own firm, and leading landscape architecture for a healthcare and senior living practice. How has each chapter shaped the way you approach design today?

Separately, each of those chapters have shaped how I approach design, certainly. But I think it’s more what they’ve done for my approach collectively that matters. I try not to design in a vacuum, and it’s not like I can just turn up one knob and turn down another anyway. I hope those combined experiences have given me a well-rounded and thoughtful perspective on every project, with every client. To see as many of the angles as I can, to answer as many design questions as practical, to provide a solution that makes sense, and ultimately leaves us (RVi), the client, and the end user feeling like we all won.

How did you find your way to landscape architecture, and what led you to focus on healthcare and wellness design?

I wasn’t necessarily drawn to landscape architecture; I sort of stumbled into it. When I was young, I wanted to be a Marine Corps pilot. I wanted to serve my country, make a difference, design planes, fly into space, and explore the galaxy as an astronaut. I was also an athlete and sports fan who happened to be born in Michigan. Putting all of that together, my plan was to attend the University of Michigan’s Naval ROTC program, play soccer, and graduate as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps with a degree in aerospace engineering. But things don’t always go as planned.

Reality punch number one: I didn’t receive a scholarship to Michigan, so I enrolled at Texas A&M, which also has a highly ranked aerospace program. Reality punch number two: I wasn’t mature or prepared enough to succeed in aerospace engineering and risked failing out during my first year. One afternoon, I sat in my dorm room with a few barely interested friends and tried to figure out what I was going to do. We went through the course catalog major by major as I tried to picture myself in each one.

I eventually settled on landscape architecture. My love of the outdoors, working with my hands, being active, and giving back all seemed to align. Reality punch number three: aerospace didn’t want to let me out, and landscape architecture didn’t want to let me in. I argued my case with both programs, and eventually they agreed to give me a probationary year to prove myself. I buckled down and got it done. I said goodbye to flying spaceships and hello to endless questions about mowing lawns.

I didn’t focus specifically on healthcare and wellness until later in my career. Although I believe every project inherently provides some level of wellness to its users, it wasn’t a primary focus until I began working for an architecture firm specializing in healthcare and senior living. It was a direct pipeline to making a difference in people’s lives. Every project, decision, and stroke of the marker or pencil had the potential to affect someone’s life in a profound and meaningful way. That was 12 years ago, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since.

A courtyard at a senior living community provides a peaceful and quiet space to enjoy nature.

Looking back over more than two decades in the profession, what has kept you passionate about the work?

Realizing that we make a difference with what we do. Truly. I often say we’re not firemen, police officers, or doctors in terms of maintaining perspective when dealing with clients and our level of professional stress. But the reality is, we do have a major impact on people’s lives. How they experience the world around them. How they interact with one another. How they grow and mature from young kids feeling bare grass under their feet for the first time to being surrounded by loved ones as they leave this Earth.

We touch almost every moment of that journey, intentionally or not. There’s a shared experience of being human, regardless of who you are, where you live, and what your story is. What’s more human than breathing fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun or seeing the light of the moon on your skin, seeing and hearing the abundance of life around you, knowing you’re a part of it all, and sharing those moments with your people. We help shape those experiences and environments. All of them. I mean, how can you not be passionate about that?

Designing for healing & wellness

We often hear about evidence-based design in healthcare. How can thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces influence healing, wellness, and quality of life?

I sometimes think we put too much emphasis on terms like “evidence-based design” or “biophilic design” when our connection to nature is something we understand instinctively. We know how it feels to chase a friend through the grass, sit quietly in the warmth of the sun or cool of the shade, stroll through a park, or roll down the car window and feel the breeze. These are simple, universal experiences that remind us how naturally we respond to the outdoors.

We all experience those things throughout our lives. When it comes to landscape architecture, if we need a term to validate a design decision, I think it should be called experience-based design—our own primordial, instinctual human experience.

The actual science is exhaustive and extremely compelling, especially for medical or design nerds. But the short version is that thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can support:

Physical well-being by encouraging movement, activity, healthy habits, better sleep, and reduced stress.

Emotional well-being by providing opportunities for autonomy, stress relief, escapism, reflection, and time outdoors.

Intellectual well-being by encouraging creativity, problem-solving, learning, and new ways of engaging the brain.

Social well-being by creating spaces that bring people together, encourage interaction, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of belonging.

Spiritual well-being by providing places for privacy, self-reflection, meditation, fellowship, gratitude, and compassion.

Occupational wellness by allowing people to share their talents, develop new skills, contribute to others, and find purpose.

Environmental wellness by nurturing our relationship with the Earth, encouraging stewardship, and promoting pride in the places we share.

Ultimately, outdoor spaces influence healing, wellness, and quality of life because they support the many ways people need to move, think, connect, reflect, and find meaning.

This month’s editorial theme is Campuses. Whether it’s a healthcare campus, senior living community, or corporate environment, what role should outdoor spaces play in supporting the people who use them every day?

It’s a slightly different approach for each, but ultimately, there are objectives that are shared and translated across typologies. One role outdoor spaces play is supporting intuitive and appropriate wayfinding. This doesn’t just mean signs. We can use design features that objectively and subconsciously move people in a certain direction or compel them to want to “be” in one particular place or another.

Another common role should be providing spaces for each user group to use distinctly from one another, while also providing flexibility. This requires thoughtfully considering the unique needs and wants of those separate groups and how they ultimately interact. You must consider everyone—from CEOs and employees to patients or residents and families, doctors and caregivers, students and staff, and visitors and vendors.

Circulation is also an important role, both pedestrian and vehicular. As designers, we sometimes have a myopic view of the spaces and projects we’re dealing with, and our clients almost always do as well. It is our job to think about the bigger picture and understand how the entire fabric comes together, particularly on larger campus spaces or in urban environments.

One of the single most important roles to me, and one that can drive many others, is appropriate programming. How are these spaces actually going to be used? I’m not sure how any design takes shape without first considering programming—from large-scale planning, where the programming may be very broad, to hyper-specific user groups and prescribed activities. In every case, the programming must be considered simultaneously with the building’s use and internal programming. One cannot act alone; each must support the other.

The design process

Your colleagues describe you as a “big picture thinker” who also pays close attention to the details. How do you balance long-term vision with the practical realities of a project?

Start at 30,000 feet, land the target. I think the secret for me is having a strong grasp of the project’s realities from the get-go. I want to understand as much as possible about every part of the project from the very beginning; the site, owner requirements, codes, user needs, goals, and parameters. I go down that rabbit hole because it gives me context and helps me see the goal in the distance.

I keep all of that in mind and work my way down from the top. I jump out of the plane and from that moment till I land on the ground I’m aiming for a very small spot that’s a very long way away. But I must start at 30,000 feet and work the process. I can’t – and I don’t want – to get there too quickly or I’ll be unhappy with the results.

I keep my eyes on where I’m supposed to land, learning more and adjusting to the wind along the way. I continually reanalyze new realities, reprocess the information, and apply it to the solution to make sure I hit the tar

Thoughtful programming connects indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring each supports how people live, gather, and experience a place.

Leadership

You’ve presented nationally on wellness design and published articles on creating healthier environments. What ideas are you most passionate about sharing with clients and emerging professionals, and what advice would you offer young designers—particularly those interested in healthcare or campus planning—as you mentor them and help them grow?

What I’m most passionate about sharing is the importance of what we do, the impact it has on people, and honestly, how simple it can be when the support to accomplish it is there.

That’s the same advice I’d give any young landscape architect, regardless of their specialty: The details matter, and so does the process. Check your ego at the door and focus on the solution, not the problem.

As a principal, what I enjoy most about mentoring is seeing someone “get it,” whatever “it” may be in that moment. Watching the light switch turn on and then seeing them do more with that understanding than I could, is remarkably satisfying. It’s gratifying to watch people succeed and know that I helped in some way.

Judy Waxman Memorial Garden at the Campus of Shalom Austin, the Jewish Community Center in Austin.

Personal perspective

Is there a project in your career that you’re especially proud of—not necessarily because it was the biggest, but because of the impact it had on people’s lives?

There are several—nearly every senior living project I’ve worked on. Any small thing I can do to bring dignity, comfort, compassion, joy, and purpose to someone who may have lost hope or the desire for those things is incredibly meaningful.

Most recently, I worked on the Judy Waxman Memorial Garden at the Campus of Shalom Austin, the Jewish Community Center in Austin. After Mrs. Waxman’s passing, her family commissioned the garden to honor her memory and legacy of philanthropy. They wanted to create a place for members and visitors to find reflection and peace while continuing their good work.

I’m proud of how happy her family was and how our team gave them the garden they had envisioned. I’ll always remember that project and that family.

This beautiful garden honors Judy Waxman’s memory and legacy of philanthropy, creating a peaceful place for reflection for members and visitors.

Outside of work, where do you go to recharge? Is there a favorite outdoor place or landscape that inspires you?

Not any single one, no. Just generally being able to escape somewhere quiet and remote. Somewhere with trees and water and sun, temps in the 40’s-70’s, and a campfire.

Bryan enjoys what he values most about the outdoors – time to recharge, explore, and connect with family.

Looking ahead

Healthcare design continues to evolve. What trends are you most excited about, particularly when it comes to outdoor environments and campus planning?

Big picture, I’m focused on the continued push to validate landscape architecture, and the role landscape architects play in the design process. We’re not fully there yet, but it’s a great time to be a landscape architect.

Closer to home, I’ve been exploring a new concept that could shift the paradigm around healthcare and community. It would provide essential services to underserved communities while simultaneously addressing some of the funding challenges that keep great and necessary projects from ever getting off the ground.

Quick takes

Favorite place to visit in Texas? Tough question. At the moment, I’m going with Pedernales Falls State Park.

One book that has influenced your thinking? The Tao of Poo

A landscape or garden you’ve visited that left a lasting impression? My paternal grandparents farm in Michigan.

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Employee Spotlight: Director of Parks + Recreation Lacey Lawrence on her passion for creating meaningful parks and public places

07/10/2026 People Tagged Under: Landscape Architecture, Public Places

In celebration of National Park and Recreation Month, this month’s Employee Spotlight features RVi’s Director of Parks + Recreation, Lacey Lawrence, who is based in our Naperville, Illinois office. In this Q&A, Lacey shares her passion for creating parks and public spaces that connect people, strengthen communities, and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the natural world.

With more than 20 years of experience planning parks, trails, and recreation spaces, Lacey combines collaboration, environmental stewardship, and technical expertise to create places where people and nature thrive together.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture, and what drew you specifically to parks, recreation, and environmental planning?

I’ve always loved being outdoors—hiking, camping, kayaking—and I also had a creative side that loved drawing and design. I explored a variety of career paths before starting college in Forestry and working as a Natural Resource Specialist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. While I enjoyed the environmental focus, I realized I wanted a career that combined nature, creativity, engineering, and design. An academic advisor suggested landscape architecture, and it immediately clicked. It brought together everything I was passionate about and ultimately led me to parks, recreation, and environmental planning, where I can help connect communities with nature through thoughtful design.

Exploring the outdoors with her family reminds Lacey why creating parks and public spaces that connect people with nature is so meaningful.

Looking back on your career, was there a particular project, mentor, or experience that confirmed you had chosen the right profession?

The experience that had the biggest impact on me was participating in my university’s study abroad program. Spending nine weeks traveling through Europe and studying iconic landscape architecture expanded my world and perspective immensely. But what stayed with me most wasn’t just the landscapes, it was experiencing different cultures and their ways of life.

Seeing how different countries design and care for their public spaces, while also experiencing their history, traditions, and daily life, gave me a much deeper appreciation for the connection between people and place. It sparked a lifelong love of travel and learning, and it continues to influence how I approach design today. It reminded me that every community has its own unique story, and great landscapes should reflect and celebrate that identity.

National Park and Recreation Month celebrates the spaces that bring communities together. In your view, what makes a park or public space truly successful?

A successful park/public space is one that becomes part of people’s everyday lives. It’s a place where children create memories, neighbors gather, families celebrate milestones, and individuals find moments of respite. You know a park is successful when it feels like it belongs to the community, when people return time and again, because it has become part of their routine and identity. The best parks/public spaces aren’t defined by their amenities or iconic design; they’re defined by the experiences and memories they help create.

Leo Creek Preserve, an outdoor learning laboratory, nature preserve and botanical garden in Suttons Bay, Michigan continues to inspire the way Lacey approaches design

What is one park, trail, or recreation project you’ve worked on that had a particularly meaningful impact on the surrounding community?

One project that stands out is the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Its vision was to create one of the country’s most inclusive nature-based spaces that gave children and families of all backgrounds and abilities a place to connect with nature, play, learn, and feel a true sense of belonging.

Working within a historic conservatory presented unique design challenges—from the tropical plant palette to constructing everything under glass—but it was also an incredible opportunity to grow as a landscape architect. Extensive community engagement and strong public-private partnerships shaped every aspect of the project, and our role was to translate that shared vision into an inspiring design.

Seeing the garden come to life reinforced for me that the most successful park projects are built through collaboration. When community voices, strong partnerships, and thoughtful design come together, the result is a place that will serve and inspire people for generations.

For Lacey, the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden embodies what great park design is all about.

What role do you believe parks and natural areas play in helping communities become more resilient in the future?

Parks are some of our most valuable community infrastructures. Beyond recreation, they help manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, improve public health, and provide gathering spaces during times of need. As communities face changing climate conditions, thoughtfully designed parks will continue to play an increasingly important role in both environmental and social resilience.

You’ve worked on everything from native landscape restoration to riverfront master plans and green infrastructure projects. How have you seen communities’ priorities around sustainability evolve over the years?

Early in my career, sustainability was often viewed as an added benefit. Today, it’s become the baseline expectation, and increasingly, communities are looking for landscapes that go beyond sustainability to be net positive and give back to the environment. There is a growing emphasis on solutions that address stormwater, habitat restoration, resilience, and long-term maintenance while still creating beautiful, functional public spaces. There’s also a much greater appreciation for native landscapes, not only because they’re environmentally beneficial, but because they create a stronger sense of place.

As Director of Parks + Recreation, what do you enjoy most about leading teams and helping shape projects across the country?

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is mentoring others and helping them grow in their careers. I enjoy bringing together talented people with different perspectives and watching those ideas evolve into stronger solutions than any one person could develop alone. Seeing younger designers build confidence and take ownership of projects is incredibly fulfilling.

Lacey and project partners accept recognition from the Wisconsin Park & Recreation Association

What advice do you often give younger landscape architects who are interested in pursuing a career in parks, recreation, or environmental design?

Stay curious and never stop learning. Some of the best ideas come from experiences outside of landscape architecture, such as traveling, volunteering, visiting parks, studying ecology, or simply observing how people use public spaces. Also, spend as much time listening as designing. Great projects begin with understanding people, places, and the stories that make each community unique.

When you’re not working, how do you personally enjoy spending time outdoors?

One of my favorite places to spend time outdoors is our own backyard. We’re fortunate to have several mature oak trees, and we’ve intentionally designed the landscape with native plants that support a diverse ecosystem of insects, birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the landscape come to life throughout the seasons.

As a family, we also enjoy traveling to national parks, forests, and rivers to hike, explore, and experience nature together. Sharing those adventures with my husband and our two children is one of my favorite ways to recharge and reminds me why creating memorable outdoor spaces is so important.

Some of life’s best moments happen outdoors. Adventures like these with Lacey’s family continue to shape her passion for creating places where others can experience the same connection to nature.

What is one lesson that nature has taught you, that you apply to your work every day?

Nature has taught me that resilience isn’t about resisting change; it’s about adapting to it. Ecosystems are constantly evolving, responding to new conditions, finding new pathways, and rebalancing themselves to thrive. I think that’s a valuable lesson, both personally and professionally. In a world that’s always changing, I’ve learned the importance of staying curious, being adaptable, and looking for creative solutions rather than trying to force things to stay the same.

What trends or opportunities are you most excited about in the future of parks and recreation?

I’m excited to see parks being recognized as essential community infrastructure rather than simply amenities. They’re expected to support public health, strengthen communities, improve environmental resilience, manage stormwater, and preserve habitat, all while creating memorable places for people to gather and connect.

What excites me most is the growing focus on nature-positive, regenerative design. Instead of simply minimizing our impact, we have an opportunity to restore ecosystems, improve biodiversity, enhance water quality, and leave the land healthier than we found it. I also appreciate that communities are placing greater value on restoring native landscapes and creating authentic places that reflect their local history, ecology, and identity.

I think the future of parks is designing spaces that not only serve people but also actively regenerate the environment. That’s an exciting challenge and one I’m eager to be part of.

If there is one thing you hope people take away from the parks and places you help create, what would it be?

I hope they feel like they belong and that they have fun. Parks should spark curiosity, encourage play, inspire discovery, and create moments of joy. Those experiences are often what build lifelong connections to nature. Whether they’re making memories with family, finding a quiet place to reflect, exploring with their children, or simply spending time outdoors, I hope the spaces become places they return to throughout their lives. If a park becomes part of someone’s story, then I feel we’ve done our job well.

Lacey joins community leaders and project partners at the groundbreaking for Deerpath Community Park in Lake Forest, Illinois.

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Employee Spotlight: Vice President Alex Fenech on leadership, landscape architecture, Disney, and building places that matter

06/11/2026 People Tagged Under: Hospitality + Entertainment, Landscape Architecture

From helping launch the former Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) Florida office to leading RVi’s Coral Springs and Bonita Springs teams, Alex Fenech, PLA, FASLA, has built a career around creating memorable places and helping others succeed. Recently elevated to Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), arguably one of the profession’s highest honors, Alex brings equal parts passion, humility, and vision to his work.

We sat down with Alex to discuss his career journey, the projects that have shaped him, the future of landscape architecture, and why he’s always open to the possibility of Sasquatch.

Tell us about your role at RVi and what a typical day looks like for you.

I serve as a Vice President at RVi, overseeing our Coral Springs and Bonita Springs offices, while also acting as Managing Principal for the Coral Springs team. On top of that, I maintain an active project management workload across several of our market sectors and co-lead RVi’s Hospitality + Entertainment practice nationally.

The reality is that no two days are the same. One day I might be working through project strategy with a client, the next I might be mentoring team members, reviewing designs, or collaborating on business development initiatives. That’s one of the things I enjoy most about the role; every day presents new opportunities and challenges.

What first drew you to landscape architecture?

Unlike many people in the profession, I knew I wanted to be a landscape architect before I went to college.

The moment of realization happened during a family trip to the Grand Canyon when I was in high school. Standing on the South Rim, I was completely overwhelmed by the experience. There was this sense of wonder, adventure, and connection to place that I had never felt before. I remember thinking, “How do you create experiences like this for people?”

My aunt suggested I look into landscape architecture. At the time, I had no idea what a landscape architect was, but I started researching it and quickly became fascinated.

I was also a competitive soccer player and had opportunities to continue playing in college. Ultimately, I chose Michigan State University’s landscape architecture program because I knew that was the career I wanted to pursue. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Your path wasn’t always easy. How did those early challenges shape you?

In a lot of ways, I joke that landscape architecture was the profession that never wanted me.

When I was at Michigan State, admission into the landscape architecture program was competitive, and I didn’t initially make the cut. I had a conversation with the dean, who told me I had two options: find a different path or improve my grades and try again. So, I went back, worked harder, boosted my GPA, and eventually graduated second in my class.

Then the recession hit.

I graduated into one of the toughest job markets our profession has ever experienced. Out of 26 students in my graduating class, only two found jobs in landscape architecture. Today, only three of us are still practicing landscape architects.

Experiences like that taught me resilience. They taught me how to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan. Those lessons continue to influence how I approach leadership today.

What keeps you passionate about the profession after all these years?

The people.

I genuinely love helping others grow and succeed. Whether it’s mentoring younger professionals, supporting my team, or helping clients realize their vision, the people side of this profession is what energizes me.

Landscape architecture also offers endless opportunities to learn. Every project presents a new challenge, a new environment, or a new problem to solve. That continual learning keeps things exciting.

You were recently elevated to ASLA Fellow. What did that recognition mean to you?

More than anything, it was humbling. There are only about 1,500 ASLA Fellows in the organization’s 126-year history. To be recognized alongside so many people I admire is incredibly meaningful. It was also an honor that wouldn’t have been possible without the countless moments of collaboration and support that others brought to the initiatives and systems in which I was recognized.

At the same time, I view it less as a finish line and more as a starting point. The recognition creates an opportunity, and perhaps a responsibility, to help others. I’ve benefited from people who invested in me, and I want to continue paying that forward.

One thing I’ve learned throughout my career is that the most important work often happens when nobody is watching. Awards are wonderful, but they’re really the byproduct of years of dedication, service, and helping others succeed.

Who has had the biggest influence on your leadership style?

While I’ve always valued mentorship, I haven’t had many people truly take me under their wing throughout my career. One person who did was Bill Inman.

In 2022, Bill and the HDG board of directors trusted me and joined me in taking a leap of faith to establish the HDG Florida office. That experience reinforced the importance of trust, empowerment, and believing in people before they’ve fully proven themselves.

Today, I try to lead in a similar way, giving people opportunities, supporting them when they need it, and helping them achieve goals they may not yet realize are possible.

Is there a common philosophy that guides your work?

Absolutely: reliability, trust, and communication.

At the end of the day, great projects are built on relationships. I focus heavily on creating trust with clients, supporting my team, communicating clearly, and always doing the right thing.

From a design standpoint, I’m constantly thinking about the user experience. How will people move through a space? What will they feel? What memories will they take away?

Those questions are often more important than any single design element.

Is there a project that stands out as especially meaningful?

Two projects immediately come to mind.

The first is Shepherd’s Hollow in Michigan, a banquet and event venue nestled within a 100-year-old pine forest. What made that project special was the client’s commitment to storytelling. Every detail, from the architecture to the landscape design, supported a larger narrative. It wasn’t just about creating a building; it was about creating an experience.

The second is what many people would consider a very simple project: the Swan and Dolphin Connectivity Project at Walt Disney World. On paper, it was essentially a pedestrian connection between two hotels. But instead of treating it as a utilitarian walkway, we approached it as an experience. We carefully preserved mature trees, created intentional view corridors, and designed moments where guests suddenly catch glimpses of iconic Disney landmarks.

It’s become one of those hidden gems that many visitors don’t expect. For me, it perfectly illustrates the power of landscape architecture. Sometimes the spaces between destinations become destinations themselves.

Shepherd’s Hollow banquet and event space among the 100-year-old pine forest.

Hidden Gem at Walt Disney World: The Swan and Dolphin Connectivity Project

What do most people misunderstand about landscape architecture?

Many people think we simply pick trees and shrubs. Plants are certainly part of what we do, but landscape architecture is really about placemaking, problem-solving, connectivity, and creating experiences.

We help shape how people interact with spaces. We think about circulation, resilience, sustainability, accessibility, identity, and how everything works together as a cohesive whole.

The profession has a tremendous impact on quality of life, even when people don’t realize we’re the ones behind it.

What advice would you give the next generation of landscape architects?

Learn business skills.

Design skills are essential, but understanding business development, leadership, communication, advocacy, and client relationships will dramatically expand your opportunities.

I would also encourage young professionals to get involved. Volunteer. Join professional organizations. Advocate for the profession. The more engaged you become, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself and others.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Travel is probably at the top of the list.

I also enjoy cycling and golfing, and I’ve come to appreciate quiet, intentional time to reset and recharge whenever possible.

My wife Kati and I are both former soccer players. We actually met at Michigan State, and soccer remained a big part of our lives for many years.

Alex and wife Kati in Egypt among the pyramids.

Is there something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a huge Disney fan. The parks, the resorts, the movies, I genuinely admire Walt Disney’s vision and the way he approached storytelling and placemaking.

And while we’re sharing surprises, I’m also not entirely opposed to the possibility that Sasquatch exists.

Let’s just say I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Sasquatch podcasts on road trips over the years. Do I know Bigfoot is real? No. Am I open to the possibility? Absolutely.

Alex and wife Kati making a new friend during one of many visits to Walt Disney World.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future?

Helping people realize their potential.

When we started the Florida office several years ago, we had a vision of creating something special. Watching our teams grow, watching people advance in their careers, and seeing them work on projects they’re genuinely proud of, that’s incredibly rewarding.

Professionally, I’m focused on continuous improvement. Every project, every initiative, every relationship can be better tomorrow than it is today.

If I can help move the needle just one percent every day, for myself, for my team, and for our clients, that’s a worthwhile goal.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

More than anything, I hope people remember the opportunities I helped create for others.

Projects eventually become part of the landscape. Buildings change. Communities evolve.

But if I’ve helped people grow, achieve their goals, and realize their potential, that’s a legacy worth leaving behind.

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RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture promotes Ryan Binkowski to President

06/09/2026 People Tagged Under: Campuses, Community Development, Hospitality + Entertainment, Land Planning, Landscape Architecture, Outdoor Hospitality, Planning, Public Places, Urban Design, Urban Planning

June 9, 2026 (Austin, TX) – RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture (RVi) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ryan Binkowski as President. Binkowski, who served as Senior Vice President of Operations, has assumed the role following the retirement of longtime President Chris Crawford.

Binkowski brings extensive operational leadership experience and a deep understanding of RVi’s business, culture, and clients. Since joining the company, he has played a key role in driving operational excellence, strengthening team performance, and supporting strategic growth initiatives.

“Ryan’s leadership, vision, and commitment to our people and clients make him the right choice to lead RVi into its next chapter as the best outdoor experience design studio in the country,” said Crawford. “His track record of delivering results and fostering collaboration positions the company for continued success.”

Binkowski said he is honored to step into the role. “I’m excited to build on the strong foundation that Chris and our team have established to ‘Design a Better World’.” RVi has an exceptional group of professionals, and I look forward to working together to continue delivering outstanding service to our clients and partners.”

Over the course of his 40-year career, Crawford has been instrumental in RVi’s growth and success. His leadership and dedication have helped shape the firm’s culture, strengthen its reputation, and guide its continued evolution.

RVi remains committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service as it enters this new leadership chapter.

At RVi, we advocate for nature, inspire creativity, tell captivating stories, and forge strong relationships to create places with staying power. Through creative strategy and design, we lead integrated teams to envision the world’s next great communities, public places, campuses, and hospitality experiences. RVi is a part of the Atwell Family of Companies.

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Chris Crawford’s next chapter: Retirement

05/29/2026 People Tagged Under: Campuses, Community Development, Hospitality + Entertainment, Land Planning, Landscape Architecture, Outdoor Hospitality, Planning, Public Places, Urban Design, Urban Planning

After decades of leadership and lasting impact, Chris Crawford is stepping into retirement and closing an extraordinary chapter at RVi. Over the course of his career, Chris has helped shape not only the firm’s growth, but also the culture and relationships that define it today. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, the moments that mattered most, and the perspective he’s gained along the way.

How did you start working at RVi?

I joined RVi as a new college graduate in May 1986. The firm actually taught my senior design class at Texas A&M, and I was hired through that connection while I was still in school. I graduated on a Friday and started the following Monday. I still remember my first-day outfit: a mauve shirt and matching mauve pants.

Early on, I had the opportunity to work closely with the firm’s founder, Bob Richardson, and build a strong relationship with him. He became a mentor to me. After some time, I left RVi to gain experience at another firm, but seven years later, I returned. I’ve now spent the last 32 years here.

It’s a good reminder of how important relationships are. You never know when your paths might cross again or where those connections might lead.

What moments from your time at RVi stand out most to you?

Leaving RVi is not easy. This place has shaped my life in ways I will always carry with me.

I met my wife here, which makes this chapter even more meaningful, and even harder to step away from. But what I will remember most are the people. The relationships built here have defined my career and made it truly special.

Many clients and colleagues have become lifelong friends. Some of those friendships go back to when I started my career 40 years ago, and even now, we can pick up right where we left off. Even if we haven’t spoken in a long time, the moment we reconnect, it feels like no time has passed.

That sense of connection is what makes RVi different, and it is what I will carry forward.

What was your favorite or most memorable project?

I’ve had the chance to travel widely and work on a variety of meaningful projects. I’m proud of what we’ve created. Our work influences how people live, gather, and play, and I’ve been able to visit these places and see that impact firsthand. What we design becomes part of people’s everyday lives and some of their most meaningful moments. Our communities are the backdrop for first birthdays, graduations, and countless everyday experiences.

We’re not just designing projects; we’re helping shape communities in lasting ways. That’s what made every new project something to look forward to.

Looking back on your time as President, what is one thing you are most proud of?

I’m incredibly proud of how much RVi has grown. Not long ago, we were a firm of about 25 people. Today, we’re nearly 200 strong. Along the way, we’ve expanded our geographic reach and built meaningful relationships with clients and communities across the country.

What matters most is how we’ve grown. We’ve stayed true to who we are. Our creativity, our vision, and our genuine desire to shape the world around us remain at the core of everything we do. As we’ve grown, we’ve stayed grounded in the values that defined us early on, and that balance is something I’m especially proud of.

What excites you most about the future of RVi?

What excites me most is the depth of talent we’ve built, especially as we’ve brought several great firms into the fold. The people who have joined us bring new perspectives, fresh ideas, and a level of creativity that continues to push us forward.

We’re in a position now where we’re not only expanding geographically, but also expanding what we’re capable of as a firm. We’re continuing to lean into innovation, explore new ideas, and take on projects in areas we haven’t worked in before. That combination of experience and new energy is incredibly exciting, and it opens the door to possibilities we’ve never had before.

What is your advice to those just starting out their career in landscape architecture?

Focus on building relationships. Your career is about much more than good work and design. It’s about getting to know your clients, understanding what matters to them, and developing genuine, lasting connections. Those relationships are often the most meaningful part of what we do, and they shape not only the success of a project but the experience of working on it.

What do you plan on doing with your time now that you are retiring?

I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I’m also excited to enjoy some of the things I love, including traveling, fishing, painting, and spending time on our ranch.

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Employee Spotlight: Creative Director Sean McKenna on storytelling, brand design, and creating places people remember

05/13/2026 People Tagged Under: Community Development, Hospitality + Entertainment, Outdoor Hospitality, Public Places

“A well-executed brand makes the intangible unforgettable. Brand design turns business goals into ideas, identities, and environments that delight and inspire.” – Sean McKenna, Creative Director

Based in Austin, Texas, Sean McKenna is a multidisciplinary creative director, designer, and brand strategist who helps clients uncover the unique identity of a place and shape it into memorable, experience-driven brands. As leader of RVi’s Visioning + Brand Design practice, he guides the development of narratives, identities, and environments that connect people to place through thoughtful storytelling, strategic visioning, and purposeful design.

What originally drew you to creative direction and brand design?

I’ve always been drawn to graphic design. As a kid obsessed with motocross, I was fascinated not just by the bikes, but by the logos, colors, and identities behind them. (I mean, how cool is the CZ logo? Simple, powerful, and crafted. Like the bike itself.) Growing up in the golden age of television, rock music, and being raised Catholic, I became deeply aware of the power of culture, design, and the stories symbols can tell.

That fascination became a career path when my sister Kate, then Art Director at the Austin American-Statesman, introduced me to the Macintosh while I was in college. Watching her design newspaper layouts on a computer was a revelation. The idea that you could build a meaningful career at the intersection of creativity and business changed everything for me. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working at both large and small advertising and design studios alongside talented clients and creative directors—many of whom I still collaborate with today.

How did your path ultimately lead you to RVi?

Honestly, it was the love of tacos.

In spring 2023, after more than a decade running my own design studio, I happened to run into Trent Rush and Joemy Buschur at an Austin taco shop. I knew Trent from a multifamily project in San Antonio years earlier—he was the landscape architect, and I was responsible for the project’s name, identity, signage, and overall brand experience. At the time of our reunion, Trent was leading the Austin office of Hitchcock Design Group (HDG) and mentioned the firm was looking to refresh aspects of its brand.

What began as a small branding engagement quickly evolved into a much larger creative partnership. As I got to know the broader HDG team and the caliber of their work, I became increasingly invested in the company’s vision and culture. Eventually, it made sense to formalize the relationship, and I joined the team full-time. Along the way, I led a comprehensive rebrand of HDG—one that I’d like to think helped position the company as an attractive addition to Atwell and RVi.

What excites you most about leading the Visioning + Brand Design practice area at RVi?

The opportunities! We have an incredibly talented group of planners and landscape architects “shaping the world” across the country. Visioning and brand design adds another layer, helping define why those places exist in the first place, how they’re experienced, and how they connect with people.

It’s a chance to move upstream in the process, align teams early, and create a clear narrative that moves from concept to construction and beyond. What I’m really hoping we do, in large part, is to help clients fall in love with their own story.

When you start working on a new project, what are the first things you look for to uncover the true identity of a place?

Of course, the nature and conditions of the site itself. What does the land and location already tell us? Who are the people we’re creating this for (our true client)? What motivates them? Why should they care about what we’re doing? How will we affect and improve their lives? I’m looking for differentiation. And perhaps some kind of cognitive or creative dissonance. Those seams are where the truth lies.

Why should clients include Visioning + Branding in their project?

We treat visioning as both strategic and creative, in that order. It’s not just mood boards and inspiration. It’s about aligning stakeholders around a clear idea of what the place is, who it’s for, and how it should feel. From there, everything else becomes more focused and more efficient. Done well, it greatly simplifies decision-making.

What separates a brand that simply looks good from one that truly resonates with people? 

Well, a brand isn’t simply the way something looks. A brand isn’t a logo. It’s the feeling people get when they interact with or experience the brand. It’s the way sales teams speak to clients and prospects. It’s the way the brand anticipates someone’s arrival and navigation of a place. In other words, it’s not what we say it is, it’s what they say it is. 

Is there a project in your career that changed the way you think about branding or placemaking? 

One project that truly changed the way I think about branding and placemaking was one I worked on while running Sean McKenna Design, in partnership with agency partner Wick Marketing, for a major Southern California developer. The work was groundbreaking, and I think that was largely because the client, agency, and consultants all aligned around a two-day visioning session held in a construction trailer onsite. Custom invitations were created, and participants were given a list of questions in advance to juice the conversation. We knew from the start that they wanted to keep the working name of the project, “Skyline,” given the expansive vistas provided by the site. That name, and what it conjures, provided a great visual metaphor for visioning (and ultimately the brand). Descriptive language, tone of voice, meeting graphics, posters, charts and more used that to great advantage.

We even wrote a “brand anthem” together, led by Austin-based singer-songwriter Darden Smith. It was an ideal melding of business strategy and out-of-the-box creative thinking but requiring the team to quickly articulate what was truly important to them from a visioning standpoint. It was like trying to create an elevator pitch in 4/4 time. Very fun, very revealing.

Ultimately, we created a brand centered around a new tagline, “Life wide open,” and developed a campaign that included the individual naming and branding of four launch neighborhoods, website design, print, radio, digital and television advertising (including full page ads in the LA Times), signage, wayfinding and more. The work garnered a Gold Award for Best Digital Marketing Campaign at The Nationals, held at the International Builders’ Show.

I look forward to bringing that same spirit of collaboration, openness, and big-picture thinking to the work we’re building at RVi.

Where do you find creative inspiration outside of work? 

I’m an avid guitarist, and I play in a band and absolutely love it. But good ideas are everywhere if you’re looking for them. Being in nature, traveling, and honestly just paying attention. Experiencing and participating in creative expressions outside of what you do for a living will keep the juices flowing, introduce new ways of thinking, and remove some of the constraints we put ourselves under. 

What advice would you give someone interested in getting into brand design or creative direction? 

Listen. Be a sponge. Read everything. Becoming a better writer will help you learn to articulate and defend an idea. Design is important but understanding people and translating ideas clearly are what will really set you apart. Don’t rely solely on AI tools – you have to develop an aesthetic and learn to think for yourself.

Sean McKenna doing his part to keep the trout population humble. Catch, quick photo, clean release — no fish were harmed.

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Landscape Architecture in Action: Meet the people behind the projects

04/27/2026 People Tagged Under: Campuses, Community Development, Hospitality + Entertainment, Land Planning, Landscape Architecture, Outdoor Hospitality, Planning, Public Places, Urban Design, Urban Planning

April is World Landscape Architecture Month, which is centered on Landscape Architecture in Action – through design, practice, learning, and impact. To bring that theme to life, we connected with three RVi leaders to hear their insights and perspectives.

Brett Anderson, PLA, ASLA – Landscape Architecture in Action through design

Out in the field where ideas take shape. Brett Anderson out on a recent hike taking in the landscape, finding inspiration in every line, slope, and horizon.

We asked Vice President, Brett Anderson to share one design decision he made that had a big impact on a project. “It is hard to point to one decision that made a big impact,” he stated. “It is more a series of small decisions that cumulate into overall project success.” That mindset shapes how he approaches every project, with a clear personal standard: “This has to be the best project I have ever done.”

Rather than seeing constraints as limitations, Brett leans into them as part of the creative process. “Take all of the parameters, restrictions, budgets – things that you could look at as roadblocks – and incorporate them into a creative solution without sacrificing the overall outcome,” he says. “Project restrictions should not be deal-breakers, but challenges to be more creative in our solutions.” It’s a perspective that turns problem-solving into design opportunity and keeps the work both grounded and innovative.

For Brett, a project becomes tangible in the earliest moments of design. “I love to draw and sketch. Design is the language that I use to get out my ideas and thoughts.” That act of sketching is where ideas begin to take shape, where abstract concepts start becoming real places.

Inspiration is “everywhere, constant, and all around,” says Brett. As a keen observer of public spaces, he studies how people move through and interact with their environments—how circulation, materials, and the natural context influence behavior and define the character of a place. He’s especially drawn to the energy and complexity of cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Chicago, where design is constantly on display in how people gather, connect, and experience the built environment.

Andy Howard, PLA, CPSI – Landscape Architecture in Action through practice and learning

Standing small beneath something timeless. Andy Howard and family taking in the scale, perspective, and quiet inspiration only a place like this can offer.

For Andy Howard, Senior Landscape Architect, the most important parts of a project are often the ones no one ever sees.

“People rarely see the depth of the design process,” says Andy. “The rough sketches, iterative concepts, and team discussions all shape a project long before anything is built. What they experience is the final space, but behind it are layers of ideas, testing, and refinement.”

That process is anything but linear. Using Bellaboo’s Imagination Garden as an example, Andy describes the work as an “onion” of design thinking, where ideas are built up, tested, and sometimes intentionally peeled back to create a stronger outcome. Ongoing collaboration plays a key role, especially with play equipment vendors and manufacturers. Through shared sketches and multiple rounds of iteration, concepts evolve into something both imaginative and buildable.

Early in a project, success comes down to alignment. “Strong collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and the community is critical,” Andy explains. “Establishing a clear vision and continually reminding ourselves of the end user helps ground each design decision in purpose from the start.”

But some of the most meaningful lessons come after a space is in use. Watching how families and communities actually engage with parks and play environments has shifted how Andy approaches design. “You can’t fully predict the creative and unexpected ways children play and learn,” he says. “Seeing those interactions firsthand reinforces the importance of designing flexible, layered environments that invite discovery.”

That perspective is shaped by experiences beyond the office, too. Travel and time in nature—whether backpacking through Europe or hiking with family in state and national parks—continue to influence his work. “Nature offers endless inspiration. Its forms, systems, and sense of wonder all inform how I approach creating meaningful, people-centered spaces.”

At the core of it all is a belief that design should bring people together. As Andy puts it, “Families and friends that play together, stay together.”

Joemy Buschur, Sites AP, LEED Green Associate – Landscape Architecture in Action through impact

Joemy Buschur exploring Chinati Foundation in Marfa, TX and how simple forms and big landscapes come together.

For Joemy Buschur, Associate Project Manager, landscape architecture is rooted in growth—expanding how we think about design and understanding its long-term impact. Her perspective has evolved alongside the challenges shaping today’s built environment.

“The acceleration of climate change and the increased need for resiliency have changed the implications and responsibilities of design and construction,” she explains. With a background in adaptive reuse, Joemy approaches projects with a systems-based mindset—looking beyond individual elements to understand how landscapes, infrastructure, and communities work together. “It gives me the tools to take a broader view, analyze existing systems, and work collaboratively to address immediate challenges in both the urban environment and natural systems.”

That approach is grounded in continuous learning, often found outside the office. Time spent observing native plant communities has been especially influential in shaping how she thinks about design. “Spending time in natural settings has deepened my understanding of plant design,” she says. “Mimicking natural plant groupings in designed landscapes creates a true sense of place and a plant palette that’s made to thrive.”

For Joemy, impact isn’t defined by a finished project; it’s revealed over time. “I know a project is successful when I see it evolve with use,” she shares. “Adoption and adaptation by communities is the mark of a project infused with life.”

Through Joemy’s lens, Landscape Architecture in Action is both a learning process and a lasting commitment—one that connects people, ecology, and places in ways that continue to unfold over time. “I see my work as a framework for co-creation with communities for many years to come.”

From process to place

At its core, Landscape Architecture in Action is a continuous process shaped by people, perspective, and purpose. From Brett’s iterative decision-making to Andy’s behind-the-scenes collaboration and learning, to Joemy’s long-term view of impact, a common thread emerges; meaningful design evolves, adapts, and ultimately belongs to the communities who use it.

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Employee Spotlight: Principal David Cosslett on his career, the personal and professional impact of Tropical Storm Helene, and his approach to stewarding large lifestyle community brands.

03/24/2026 People Tagged Under: Community Development, Landscape Architecture

Based in RVi’s Asheville, North Carolina office, Principal David Cosslett brings more than 20 years of experience in landscape architecture to work across the country. He leads a diverse range of work from luxury custom homes to large-scale master-planned communities while focusing on site design, urban connectivity, and community-centered planning that reflects the people it serves.

How did you first get interested in landscape architecture?

In my early teens, though at the time, I wouldn’t have called it landscape architecture. It was really landscape maintenance and installation. A buddy and I went out one snowy afternoon trying to make some money. He had a four-wheeler with a plow, and I had a shovel.

We ended up working for a guy who owned a large piece of land near where I grew up in Pennsylvania, in the Allentown/Bethlehem area, lots of cornfields and cow pastures. He had inherited a farm and wanted to turn it into a weekend getaway. After winter, we kept working for him, mulching, cleaning up the property, building retaining walls, laying pavers and flagstone. That hands-on experience really stuck with me. When it came time to decide on a major in college, I knew I liked being outside, I liked art, and I was good at math. I had some exposure to CAD and architecture in high school, but I didn’t want to design buildings. When I found landscape architecture, it just clicked, it combined everything I enjoyed.

I went all in, attended Clemson University, and earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture through their five-year program.

Did you always know what type of projects you wanted to work on?

At first, I thought I wanted to be a golf course architect. I was a golfer, so that seemed like a natural fit. But once I got into the program, I realized how specialized that path is. I wanted more variety. I liked the idea of working across different scales from small residential projects to large master-planned communities and everything in between. Clemson gave me a well-rounded education that supported that.

What brought you to Asheville?

In 2019, my wife and I had two young kids, and her parents who had been living in Florida decided to move back to Georgia. That got us thinking, having family nearby with young kids is huge. We started looking across the Southeast including Asheville, Atlanta, Charleston, Raleigh, Charlotte, Knoxville, Nashville, trying to find a place that fit our lifestyle: outdoors, live music, family-friendly, and somewhere I could continue building my career. Asheville quickly became our top choice, and fortunately, it’s also where I found the right opportunity.

I initially joined a very small firm, just the owner, myself, and an intern, which was a big shift from the large firm environment. Then COVID hit, and work slowed down. Around that time, I reconnected with Ryan Binkowski, who I’d worked with earlier in my career. He asked if I’d consider coming back. I said yes, and we opened a new office in Asheville, with me leading it. Over the past six years, I’ve been growing the office, building an incredible team, expanding our client base, and now we’re moving into a larger space to support that growth

Have you faced any significant challenges in your career?

In 2008, I had just gotten married, we had just bought a house, and then the economy collapsed. I was unemployed for about five months, picking up odd jobs and living off my wife’s teacher’s salary and unemployment. It was definitely a crossroads moment, questioning whether this profession could really support a family long-term. Eventually, I found another job at a small firm in Naples, but at a much lower salary. To make ends meet, I worked two jobs. I’d start at a golf course around 5:45 a.m., setting up the course including moving tee boxes, cutting new holes and then heading into the office for a full day of design work.

It was tough, but it reinforced my commitment to the field and helped me push through.

Can you share a moment that really solidified your passion for this work?

One that stands out is the grand opening of the Esplanade Naples amenity center, a project I helped design. I brought my dad and my daughter with me. Up until that point, I had only seen the project under construction. Walking into that finished space at sunset, seeing people enjoying it, hearing them talk about how much they loved it was incredible.

It really hit me at that moment: something I had imagined and put on paper had come to life and was creating joy for people. Sharing that with my dad, especially knowing my parents helped me through college, made it even more meaningful. That’s what makes it all worth it.

What advice would you give someone considering landscape architecture?

Find something you’re passionate about. You’re going to spend a lot of time working, so it should be something that excites you.

Landscape architects are problem solvers and storytellers. Every project is different, every day brings new challenges, and that’s what makes it interesting. If you like variety and creative problem-solving, it’s a great field to be in.

How did Tropical Storm Helene impact you and your work in Asheville?

Tropical Storm Helene was an intense experience. I was in Phoenix for a work trip when the storm hit. My return flight got rerouted, and I ended up stuck in Dallas for a couple of days, not fully realizing how bad things were back home. Communication was limited, and my family was without power, water, and low on supplies. When I finally got back, it was clear the entire region was in trouble. We were out of power and water for days, eventually relocated the family to Georgia temporarily, then came back to help clean up, both at home and in the community.

Our RVi team made a decision early on that we wanted to give back. We partnered with a local church and spent weeks volunteering, distributing supplies, cleaning out flooded homes, and cutting down fallen trees.

When the opportunity came up to work on the French Broad River Parks Recovery Project, we saw it as a way to contribute on a larger scale, working directly with the community to support long-term recovery. What makes certain work meaningful is the impact it has on people and communities. This is one of those.

What are you working on now that excites you?

Lately, I’ve found myself working a lot in brand-driven master-planned communities. Projects like Esplanade, Star Farms, and new concepts like Del Webb Explore. It’s interesting because I’ve kind of fallen into this niche of shaping not just physical spaces, but the identity and experience of entire communities. It’s creative, strategic, and really rewarding work

You have worked on large lifestyle communities like Esplanade and Star Farms, which each have a strong identity and lifestyle promise. What is your initial approach to being a steward of the brand and continuing to be a trusted partner to these clients?

It starts with listening, really understanding the core pillars of the brand, what matters most to the client, and how people will experience the community. From there, it’s about taking ownership and treating the brand like it’s our own, while staying true to those pillars. At the same time, we adapt to each site, market, and user group so each community feels authentic and connected to the people it serves. The goal is to balance consistency with creativity—delivering something unique for each client while maintaining the integrity of their brand.

David and his wife Beth and their three children, Grace (12), Violet (5) and Caleb (8) enjoy being active outdoors, listening to live music and living in the family-friendly city of Asheville.

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Employee spotlight: Zerek Kroll shares about his role as a Senior Project Manager and leader of the digital innovation group.

11/17/2025 People Tagged Under: Landscape Architecture

As a Senior Project Manager and Landscape Architect, Zerek Kroll is helping drive digital innovation at RVi. In this Employee Spotlight, he shares how nature and technology work together to inspire great places that come to life through collaboration.

What inspired you to pursue a career in landscape architecture?

In college, I thought I wanted to be an architect. I took an environmental design class where professionals in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design came in to talk about their day-to-day. The landscape architect who came in talked about everything outside of the building—streets and urban spaces, trails, national parks—everything. Hearing that opened my eyes to a broader understanding of design and got me started on the path to landscape architecture. I always had a love for nature and the outdoors, and being able to design for the environment in a way that brought so many seemingly unrelated things together, that’s where I was drawn in.

How did you start getting involved in RVi’s digital innovation efforts?

Before joining RVi, I had been experimenting with 3D design tools in my work, but a lot of it was still done in a flat, 2D CAD space. When I arrived at RVi, I learned that a few team members had just finished Revit training, so I saw an opportunity to expand our use of these tools. I had the support of leadership to run with it on a multifamily development project at the time, which is being built now. That turned out to be really successful, and we’ve continued embracing new tools as they evolve, always looking for ways to better serve our industry, clients, and ultimately, the end users.

Could you tell me more about the digital tools you’re using?

We’re using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, specifically Revit. BIM tools allow us to design in a 3D world where we can move around and interact with other disciplines, instead of working in a 2D environment. It has made our processes more efficient by improving collaboration across disciplines. Working in a 3D environment, we can see what others are doing in the design environment and work with structural, MEP, architects, and others in real time.

How do you keep up with new innovations?

We come together regularly as a group and with our leaders to talk about new tools we’re using. When we’re trying out something new, the focus is less on the tool itself, and more on the impact it has. We’re asking, “how can we push our designs forward more efficiently? How can we collaborate and manage teams more effectively?”

Every year the software keeps improving. Revit wasn’t originally designed for landscape architecture, and so the features have really picked up as more designers continue to use it. Whether it’s topography or planting tools, it’s helping us communicate our designs both internally and externally with clients. Being able to render 3D models for client input and public engagement helps projects come to life and allows them to give us better feedback to incorporate in the final design.

What made you choose RVi?

I first heard about the company when I moved to Austin about six years ago. I liked that there were opportunities to work on a lot of different project types, and there was a focus on bringing influences from the natural world while still encouraging innovation. It just seemed like a natural fit. I’ve been able to find the things I’m passionate about in landscape architecture and have some ownership over the processes and my own development.

Is there anything you wish the public understood better about landscape architecture and what it takes to deliver a project?

Landscape architecture is about so much more than plants and aesthetics. That’s a big part of it; it’s how people experience it most of the time, but there is so much that happens behind the curtain. As designers, we’re thinking about hydrology, ecology, infrastructure—even human behavior and psychology can drive our designs. We’re always working with intention and thinking about how all the parts can promote sustainability and the long-term health of people and their communities. When someone walks into a park and has a great experience, it’s so rewarding as designer to know how many decisions went into shaping that experience. We design with intention so that people can have great experiences.

Could you share a project that stands out during your time at RVi? What made it especially meaningful?

There’s one in particular, I can’t share much detail because it hasn’t been built yet, but it was the process and collaboration that stands out and speaks to what we’ve been talking about here. It was a project in the hospitality and entertainment sector, where there was so much energy working with the architect and client. Every meeting we just went back and forth with new ideas, constantly asking ourselves, “how does someone have the best time here?” We were diving so deep into the personal experiences of different user groups, like a family of four, or a solo traveler who only gets one chance to be there. How can we tailor it so that every group has an amazing experience? When you find that shared passion with the client and other designers, it translates into a great project.

What are you passionate about outside of work? Do those interests inform your professional life at all, or vice versa?

I enjoy travelling, live music, and spending time with my wife and our two German shorthair pointers. I love spending time outside, and it’s part of why I’m always influenced by the natural world. I enjoy anything having to do with hunting, fishing, camping—anything outdoors. It really inspires me, so I try to hold onto that respect for nature throughout everything I do.