Business Details
Landscape Architecture & Urban Design Experts
Surroundings is a multidisciplinary design practice dedicated to transforming the built environment through innovative landscape architecture, urban design, and planning. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of collective experience in creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically compelling spaces across the American Southwest. Founded on principles of collaboration and technical excellence, we integrate landscape architecture, master planning, and strategic design guidelines to address complex project challenges. Our principals hold dual licenses in landscape architecture and architecture, along with LEED accreditation, ensuring environmentally responsible solutions. We maintain rigorous project management standards by assigning Principals-in-Charge and dedicated project managers to every engagement.Our diverse team includes landscape designers, planners, CAD specialists, and administrative professionals who deliver tailored approaches to meet specific project needs. We prioritize operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality outcomes through meticulous team structuring and client-focused methodologies. Our work spans academic, civic, commercial, residential, and hospitality sectors, reflecting our adaptability to varied contexts. With a portfolio featuring award-winning parks, urban plazas, cultural institutions, and wellness resorts, we emphasize contextual sensitivity and community engagement. Our commitment to sustainable practices and innovative design thinking positions us as leaders in regional and national design conversations.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Master Planning
Wayfinding Design
Sustainable Development
Highlights and features
- We have 30+ combined years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design
- Our team includes dual-licensed professionals in architecture and landscape architecture
- We maintain LEED-accredited practitioners for sustainable design expertise
- We implement structured project teams with Principals-in-Charge for quality assurance
- Our tailored staffing approach ensures project-specific expertise for every engagement
Associations and certifications
- LEED
Services
Landscape Architecture
We create functional outdoor spaces that balance aesthetics with environmental stewardship. Our approach integrates ecological principles with user needs to develop parks, plazas, and institutional campuses. Projects emphasize sustainable materials, water conservation, and climate-responsive design tailored to the American Southwest's unique conditions.
Urban Design
Our urban design practice shapes walkable, vibrant communities through comprehensive place-making strategies. We develop cohesive design frameworks for mixed-use districts, public corridors, and civic spaces that enhance urban livability while respecting cultural and environmental contexts across regional and municipal scales.
Master Planning
We craft long-term spatial strategies for campuses, parks, and developments that balance growth with sustainability. Our process involves stakeholder engagement, site analysis, and phased implementation plans that create adaptable frameworks for evolving project needs and community requirements.
Wayfinding Design
Our wayfinding solutions combine intuitive navigation with environmental storytelling. We develop cohesive signage systems that enhance user experience in public spaces, cultural institutions, and commercial developments while maintaining visual harmony with surrounding architecture and landscapes.
Sustainable Development
We integrate LEED-certified practices and regenerative design principles into all project phases. Our sustainable approach addresses energy efficiency, water management, and material lifecycle considerations to create resilient environments that minimize ecological impact while maximizing long-term value.
People
Kenneth Francis
Founding Principal
Licensed landscape architect and architect with 25+ years of experience in sustainable design. LEED-accredited professional specializing in complex institutional and public space projects across the Southwest region.
Faith Okuma
Principal
Award-winning landscape architect with expertise in master planning and regional design strategies. Holds dual licenses in architecture and landscape architecture, focusing on culturally responsive urban environments.
Joseph Charles
Principal
ASLA-accredited design leader with specialization in technical innovation for large-scale public infrastructure projects. Brings 20 years of experience in integrating ecological systems with urban development.
Abby Feldman
Senior Associate
Project manager with 15 years of experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams for complex civic and cultural projects. Expertise in translating design concepts into constructible, sustainable solutions.
Suzanne Stevens Rasic
Studio+Finance Manager
Oversees financial operations and studio management with 12 years of experience in architectural practice administration. Ensures operational efficiency while maintaining creative studio environment standards.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily work throughout New Mexico and the American Southwest region, with select projects across the United States.
What project types do you specialize in?
We focus on landscape architecture, urban design, and master planning for academic, civic, commercial, and residential projects.
Are your professionals licensed and certified?
Yes, our principals hold dual licenses in landscape architecture and architecture, along with LEED accreditation.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate LEED standards, water conservation strategies, and climate-responsive materials into all our projects by default.
