Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Landscape Architecture Services in Waterloo, IA
Ritland + Kuiper Landscape Architects is a full-service landscape architecture firm with over 90 years of combined expertise. Our LEED-accredited and state-certified professionals specialize in innovative, site-specific design solutions for parks, public spaces, and community developments. Founded in 1970, we have shaped Iowa's open spaces through award-winning projects like George Wyth Memorial State Park. Our interactive approach prioritizes client collaboration, environmental responsibility, and cost-effective outcomes. With three registered landscape architects and a dedicated team, we blend decades of experience with cutting-edge sustainable practices.Our work spans campus master plans, urban streetscapes, athletic facilities, and community-driven designs that reflect local needs. We maintain leadership roles in professional organizations while fostering the next generation through intern mentorship. Our commitment to excellence has earned industry recognition, including Fellow status in the American Society of Landscape Architects. We serve clients across Iowa and beyond, delivering creative solutions for diverse public and private projects. From concept to construction, we ensure every project meets functional, aesthetic, and ecological goals.
Services
Park Design
Recreation Master Planning
Site-Specific Design
Sustainable Landscapes
Public Art Integration
Urban Streetscapes
Campus Planning
Stormwater Management
Community Engagement
Construction Documentation
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 90+ combined years of landscape architecture experience
- LEED-certified professionals for sustainable design
- Community-driven design process with public input
- Award-winning firm since 1970
- Registered architects in multiple Midwestern states
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- CLARB
- Iowa Registered Landscape Architects
Services
Park Design
We create functional, sustainable park spaces tailored to community needs. Our designs integrate natural elements with recreational infrastructure while maintaining environmental integrity. Projects range from neighborhood parks to state memorial parks.
Master Planning
Our comprehensive master plans guide long-term development of public spaces. We analyze site conditions, community needs, and environmental factors to create visionary yet practical frameworks for implementation.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate eco-friendly practices like rain gardens and permeable paving. Our LEED-certified professionals develop water-efficient systems and habitat restoration solutions that reduce environmental impact.
Public Engagement
We facilitate collaborative design through public workshops and stakeholder meetings. This ensures projects reflect community values while educating residents about sustainable landscape practices.
Urban Streetscapes
We transform urban corridors into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environments. Our designs balance traffic needs with green spaces, incorporating lighting, seating, and native plantings to enhance walkability.
People
Craig Ritland
Founder
50+ years of landscape architecture experience. Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Specializes in master planning and site design. Iowa State University graduate (1965).
Mark Kuiper
Landscape Architect
20+ years of national project experience. LEED Accredited Professional. Combines civil engineering and landscape architecture expertise. Registered in three Midwestern states.
Samantha Price
Landscape Architect
10+ years in parks and urban design. Specializes in 3D renderings and community-led projects. Manages intern training program. Iowa State University graduate (2009).
Mallory Sage
Emerging Professional
Recent Iowa State graduate (2022). Focus on sustainable, community-driven design. Part-time staff and community engagement coordinator. Participates in prairie conservation efforts.
Questions
What types of projects do you specialize in?
We focus on parks, public spaces, urban streetscapes, and community-driven designs. Our expertise includes master planning, sustainable landscapes, and LEED-certified projects across Iowa and the Midwest.
How do you involve communities in design?
We facilitate public workshops, stakeholder meetings, and interactive design sessions. This ensures projects reflect local needs while educating residents about sustainable landscape practices.
Are you licensed in states beyond Iowa?
Our professionals hold licenses in Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. This allows us to serve clients across the Midwestern United States while maintaining local regulatory expertise.
What sustainable practices do you use?
We implement rain gardens, permeable paving, native plantings, and stormwater management systems. Our LEED-certified team develops energy-efficient solutions that reduce environmental impact.
Do you work with educational institutions?
Yes, we collaborate with universities on campus planning and student internships. Our team also partners with the Tallgrass Prairie Center on conservation projects.
