Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture in Durham, NC
Founded in 1993, Surface 678 is a landscape architecture firm dedicated to design excellence and the integration of natural systems and craft into our work. We believe great public spaces allow both human culture and ecological health to thrive, creating iconic landscapes that reflect and inspire communities. Our approach begins with a generative idea that shapes the foundation of each concept, ensuring a sense of place and relevance in every project. We prioritize collaboration and communication, achieving successful design through open, honest partnerships among all parties. Our work emphasizes sustainability and equity, focusing on horticultural zones 6, 7, and 8 across the southeastern United States.We orchestrate functional and technical aspects of projects while holding true to the core design idea, resulting in distinctive landscapes that satisfy residents, attract visitors, and enrich communities. Our team combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of regional ecological and cultural contexts. We are committed to advancing the profession through meaningful inquiry and innovation, shaping a more sustainable future. Our ethos is rooted in the belief that design excellence emerges from the intersection of natural systems, human interaction, and technical precision. Through this philosophy, we deliver landscapes that serve as enduring assets to the communities they inhabit.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Public Space Planning
Sustainable Design
Campus Master Planning
Stormwater Management
Ecological Restoration
Community Engagement
Horticultural Zoning
Site Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in landscape architecture.
- Our designs prioritize sustainability and community engagement.
- We specialize in horticultural zones 68 across the Southeast.
- Our collaborative approach ensures client and community satisfaction.
- We create iconic, award-winning public spaces and urban landscapes.
What people say
Innovative designs
Community-focused approach
Sustainable solutions
Exceptional collaboration
Ecological expertise
Services
Landscape Architecture
We create functional, sustainable landscapes that enhance ecological health and community well-being. Our approach integrates natural systems with human needs, delivering spaces that foster social interaction and environmental resilience. Projects include parks, campuses, and urban plazas across the southeastern United States.
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on shaping vibrant, walkable communities through thoughtful public spaces. We prioritize connectivity, accessibility, and environmental stewardship, creating places that reflect local culture while addressing modern urban challenges like climate adaptation and equitable access.
Sustainable Design
We specialize in sustainable landscapes that reduce environmental impact and promote biodiversity. Our strategies include native plant selection, stormwater management, and low-impact materials. These solutions create resilient spaces that adapt to climate challenges while providing long-term value to communities and ecosystems.
Community Engagement
We facilitate inclusive design processes that incorporate community voices into every project. Through workshops, surveys, and collaborative sessions, we ensure designs reflect local needs and aspirations. This approach builds trust, fosters ownership, and creates spaces that truly serve the people who use them.
Campus Master Planning
We develop comprehensive plans for educational and institutional campuses that balance growth with environmental stewardship. Our designs create cohesive, functional spaces that support learning, wellness, and sustainability. Projects integrate circulation, green spaces, and architectural harmony to enhance institutional identity and user experience.
People
Swati Khimesra
President, CEO
Swati Khimesra leads Surface 678 with a vision for sustainable, community-driven design. She brings over 25 years of experience in landscape architecture, specializing in urban resilience and ecological planning. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration and innovation in every project.
Eric Davis
Vice President
Eric Davis oversees project execution and client relations at Surface 678. With expertise in public space design, he has managed award-winning projects across the Southeast. His focus on technical excellence and stakeholder engagement ensures high-quality outcomes that meet community needs.
Charles Bradley
Principal
Charles Bradley specializes in sustainable site design and stormwater management. As a principal at Surface 678, he leads complex projects that integrate ecological systems with functional landscapes. His work emphasizes long-term environmental benefits and community resilience.
Robert Pratt
Principal
Robert Pratt directs urban design initiatives at Surface 678. His expertise in placemaking and public engagement shapes vibrant, inclusive spaces. He has led transformative projects for universities, municipalities, and cultural institutions across the southeastern United States.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in horticultural zones 6–8, primarily working in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee.
What types of projects do you handle?
We focus on landscape architecture, urban design, campus planning, and sustainable public spaces for educational, civic, and private clients.
How do you involve communities in design?
We conduct workshops, surveys, and collaborative sessions to ensure designs reflect local needs and aspirations throughout the process.
What makes your firm unique?
Our integration of natural systems with human-centered design, combined with deep regional expertise in horticultural zones 6–8, sets us apart.
How do you address sustainability?
We prioritize native plants, stormwater management, and low-impact materials to create resilient landscapes that adapt to climate challenges.
Can you work on complex urban sites?
Yes, we specialize in transforming challenging urban environments into vibrant, functional spaces that enhance community connectivity and ecological health.
