Business Details
45 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture & Urban Design Services in Boston
Founded in 1981, Brown Richardson & Rowe has established itself as a leader in landscape architecture, urban design, planning, and environmental analysis. Our firm, originally founded by Nina Brown and Clarissa Rowe and later joined by Alison Richardson, has operated as a women-owned business for over four decades. We specialize in creating sustainable, functional landscapes that address community needs through projects ranging from waterfront parks and rail trails to campus designs and transportation infrastructure. Our team combines creative problem-solving with rigorous project management to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.With a portfolio spanning public and private sectors, we prioritize equity, inclusion, and ecological resilience in urban environments. Recognized with numerous industry awards, including honors from the Boston Society of Architects and the Urban Land Institute, our work reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation. Our principals and staff bring decades of collective experience, ensuring every project benefits from deep technical expertise and a nuanced understanding of local contexts. Headquartered in Boston, we serve clients across New England and beyond, fostering dynamic spaces that strengthen communities and ecosystems.
Services
Parks & Playgrounds
Campus Planning
Rail Trails
Corporate Landscapes
Mixed-Use Developments
Waterfront Design
Historic Landscapes
Transportation Infrastructure
Civic Spaces
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design.
- Our women-owned business combines creativity with proven project management expertise.
- We specialize in large, complex projects while maintaining budget and timeline commitments.
- Our award-winning designs prioritize sustainability and community needs.
- We have received multiple industry recognitions for innovative and inclusive landscape solutions.
Services
Parks & Playgrounds
We create vibrant public parks and playgrounds that balance recreational needs with ecological sustainability. Our designs incorporate accessible pathways, native plantings, and stormwater management systems to serve diverse communities. Projects like the Quequechan River Rail Trail and Bremen Street Park demonstrate our ability to transform underutilized spaces into thriving urban assets.
Campus Planning
Our campus planning services integrate green spaces, circulation systems, and architectural elements to enhance educational and corporate environments. We focus on creating cohesive master plans that support long-term growth while preserving historical context, as seen in projects for the University of Massachusetts and private institutions.
Rail Trails
We specialize in converting former rail corridors into multi-use trails that connect communities and promote active transportation. Our approach emphasizes safety, environmental stewardship, and historical preservation, exemplified by the Russell Field project and Lynn Common Bandstand rehabilitation.
Waterfront Design
Our waterfront projects restore ecological function while creating public access to shorelines. From Spectacle Island to Providence Waterfront Park, we address climate resilience through living shorelines, flood mitigation strategies, and sustainable materials selection.
Historic Landscapes
We preserve cultural landscapes through meticulous research and adaptive reuse strategies. Projects like the Frances Perkins Homestead and Eldredge Library rehabilitation demonstrate our expertise in maintaining historical integrity while meeting modern functional requirements.
People
Nina Brown
Principal
Co-founder with over 40 years of experience in landscape architecture, leading innovative urban design projects that prioritize community needs and sustainability.
Alison Richardson
Principal
Joined the firm in 1987, bringing expertise in complex urban infrastructure projects and sustainable design solutions for public spaces across New England.
Clarissa Rowe
Principal
Co-founder with a focus on integrating ecological principles into large-scale landscape projects, ensuring long-term environmental and social benefits.
Anna Ciacciarelli
Principal
Chief Financial Officer managing project budgets and financial strategy, ensuring fiscal responsibility while supporting creative design excellence.
Dave Andrews
Principal Landscape Architect
Lead designer with expertise in sustainable site planning and construction documentation, delivering award-winning projects that meet technical and aesthetic standards.
Questions
What services does Brown, Richardson + Rowe offer?
We specialize in landscape architecture, urban design, campus planning, rail trails, waterfront development, historic preservation, and transportation infrastructure projects.
How long has the firm been in business?
Founded in 1981 by Nina Brown and Clarissa Rowe, we have over 40 years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While headquartered in Boston, we work throughout New England and on select national projects, with clients in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.
What makes your firm unique?
As a women-owned firm with decades of experience, we combine creative design with technical expertise to deliver sustainable, community-focused landscapes.
Can you handle large-scale infrastructure projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience managing complex projects like transportation corridors, waterfront parks, and multi-phase developments while meeting budgets and deadlines.
