Overcoming Challenges in Landscape Design: Theming, Branding, Rendering, and Sustainability

Landscape design is essential to creating spaces that are functional, visually appealing, and environmentally responsible. At FOCUS Engineering & Surveying, the landscape team works closely with clients to navigate challenges related to theming, branding, rendering, and sustainability. Bryan Wilson, a designer who leads the landscape team, shares how the firm approaches these areas to deliver balanced and well-executed results.

Theming and Branding: Creating Identity

Theming and branding are central to defining a project’s identity, whether it’s for residential communities, parks, or commercial developments. These elements often require balancing the needs of various stakeholders—developers, landowners, and local officials—who each bring their own vision to the project. FOCUS ensures that early communication sets the stage for a unified direction.

For example, when branding doesn’t naturally align with the site’s characteristics, FOCUS draws inspiration from local history or environmental aspects. An instance might involve a project named “River Heights,” which has no geographical connection to a river. In such cases, FOCUS builds on the area’s historical or environmental attributes, ensuring the theme is both relevant and memorable, while still aligning with stakeholders’ goals.

Rendering: Bringing Designs to Life

Renderings are critical to helping clients visualize the final landscape and make informed decisions early in the design process. FOCUS starts with hand-drawn sketches to explore multiple ideas, using these initial sketches to refine the client’s vision and develop an understanding of their aesthetic preferences. Once the direction is clear, the team produces detailed 3D renderings using tools like Lumion.

These renderings go beyond simply showing the placement of trees and plants. They give clients a clear sense of scale and how different elements fit together. For example, adding figures, vehicles, and nearby buildings helps clients visualize how the landscape will look in its surroundings. This process allows clients to fully understand their project’s potential before construction begins, helping to avoid costly changes later.

Sustainability: Balancing Beauty and Responsibility

Sustainability is vital in Utah’s water-conscious landscape design, especially given the frequent drought conditions. Many clients initially envision grass-heavy landscapes. The FOCUS landscape team works with them to explore sustainable alternatives, such as drought-tolerant native plants.

The landscape team also works with clients to identify water-wise options, helping them understand how sustainable solutions can meet both aesthetic and functional goals. Efficient irrigation systems, including drip systems and smart controllers, are integrated to ensure water is used appropriately, targeting plant root zones while minimizing waste. Designs are also made to comply with local water conservation regulations. By presenting sustainable options that balance aesthetic desires with environmental responsibility, FOCUS helps clients reduce long-term water and maintenance costs while still achieving their vision.

Clear Communication for Success

Strong communication is essential to the success of any landscape design project, and the landscape team emphasizes this throughout every phase. Early involvement with clients and stakeholders ensures alignment from the start, enabling the team to manage potential challenges efficiently. FOCUS also works closely with city officials to navigate municipal requirements and codes, ensuring that the project meets all regulatory standards.

As Bryan Wilson explains, “Many firms can deliver technically sound designs, but what sets us apart is our commitment to communication, maintaining client relationships, and responsiveness.”

This commitment to clear communication and collaboration allows FOCUS landscape design to navigate the complexities of theming, branding, rendering, and sustainability, ensuring that landscape projects are completed successfully while fostering lasting client relationships.

For experienced, sustainable, and responsible landscape architects, partner with the experts at FOCUS Engineering & Surveying. Contact our landscape architecture team at info@focus-es.com or (801) 352-0075.