Business Details
18 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture & Urban Design Solutions
Core Studio Design is a woman-owned landscape architecture and planning firm established in 2008. Our practice focuses on delivering high-level landscape architecture, urban design, and planning services with dedicated attention to each project. We work across diverse sectors including academic institutions, public parks, institutional spaces, commercial developments, and residential projects. Our approach emphasizes spatial and temporal design, integrating each site's cultural, natural, historical, and functional identity.We combine this perspective with practical expertise in cost management, scheduling, and modern construction techniques. The firm operates as an equal partnership among its principal designers, all of whom remain actively engaged in design work. Our licensed professionals serve clients across Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina, holding certifications including LEED AP, MDOT MBE, and multiple state-specific diversity certifications.
Services
Urban Design
Academic Projects
Public Parks
Institutional Projects
Commercial & Residential Development
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Founded in 2008 with continuous focus on landscape architecture
- Equal principal partnership ensures dedicated design leadership
- Integrates site-specific cultural and historical context into designs
- Licensed professionals across six states with multiple certifications
- Balances creative vision with practical cost and scheduling expertise
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- MDOT MBE
- Hub
- Swam
- WBE
- OMWBE
- City of Baltimore WBE
- Maryland-National Capital Parks & Planning Commission MFD
- City of Baltimore Pre-Qualified Consultant
Services
Urban Design
We create cohesive urban environments that integrate cultural, historical, and functional elements. Our approach balances aesthetic vision with practical considerations for public use and infrastructure needs. Projects include waterfront parks, campus master plans, and mixed-use developments.
Academic Projects
Specializing in educational institution landscapes, we design functional outdoor spaces that enhance learning environments. Our work includes research complex grounds, student housing courtyards, and recreational areas that reflect institutional identity while meeting modern usage demands.
Public Parks
We develop public green spaces that preserve natural elements while creating accessible recreational areas. Our designs incorporate sustainable practices and community input to create spaces that serve diverse populations and become local landmarks.
Institutional Projects
Creating dignified, functional landscapes for civic buildings and public institutions. Our work maintains appropriate scale and symbolism while ensuring accessibility and long-term maintenance efficiency for government and cultural facilities.
Commercial & Residential Development
We design site-specific landscapes for mixed-use developments and residential communities. Our solutions optimize property value through thoughtful space planning, sustainable materials selection, and integration with surrounding environments.
People
Betsy Boykin
Principal
Co-founder with 16 years of experience in landscape architecture, specializing in urban design and academic projects. Licensed professional committed to creating functional, sustainable environments.
Steve Young
Principal
Co-founder and design leader with expertise in public spaces and institutional projects. Maintains active design involvement in all projects while ensuring technical excellence and client satisfaction.
Questions
What types of projects does Core Studio Design specialize in?
We specialize in urban design, academic campuses, public parks, institutional sites, and commercial/residential developments.
How long has Core Studio Design been in business?
The firm was founded in 2008 and has maintained continuous operation since then.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
What certifications does Core Studio Design hold?
We maintain LEED AP certification, multiple state MBE/WBE certifications, and pre-qualified consultant status in several jurisdictions.
How does the firm approach design projects?
We integrate each site's cultural, historical, and natural context with practical considerations of cost, scheduling, and construction techniques.
