Business Details
37 Years
experience
Landscape Architects & Urban Designers Seattle
Nakano Associates was founded in 1989 with a clear mission to build healthy communities through sustainable landscape and urban design. Over our 30-year history, we have delivered award-winning projects spanning recreation, education, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and cultural spaces. Our work is rooted in universal design principles, ensuring accessibility for all individuals while addressing complex environmental and social needs. We hold certifications as a Womens Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), and Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS), reflecting our commitment to equity in design. Our team collaborates closely with communities to transform concepts into functional, inclusive spaces, as demonstrated by projects like the Jefferson Universal Movement Playground (JUMP!).With extensive experience in both public and private sectors, we specialize in creating environments that foster physical activity, social interaction, and ecological resilience. Our approach integrates technical expertise with deep community engagement, ensuring each project aligns with local contexts and long-term sustainability goals. Recognized for our innovative solutions, we continue to push boundaries in landscape architecture while maintaining a steadfast focus on improving public wellbeing through design excellence.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Urban Masterplanning
Sustainable Design
Community Playground Development
Cultural Landscapes
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of award-winning landscape architecture experience
- Our team holds specialized certifications in equitable business practices
- We implement universal design principles for inclusive public spaces
- Our projects integrate ecological sustainability with community needs
- We maintain direct involvement in hands-on community build projects
Associations and certifications
- Womens Business Enterprise (WBE)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)
- Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS)
What people say
Inclusive playground design
30+ years experience
Certified equitable practices
Community involvement
Sustainable solutions
Services
Landscape Architecture
Offering comprehensive landscape architecture services for public and private spaces, including masterplanning, hardscape design, and ecological restoration. Our approach integrates sustainability, accessibility, and community needs into every project. With decades of experience, we deliver functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that enhance quality of life.
Inclusive Playgrounds
Designing universally accessible playgrounds that accommodate diverse abilities through sensory-rich elements and barrier-free circulation. Our award-winning approach combines therapeutic needs with imaginative play features. We collaborate with community stakeholders to create spaces where all children can interact and develop together.
Urban Design
Providing strategic urban design solutions that balance development with environmental stewardship. Our work addresses transportation networks, public spaces, and sustainable infrastructure. We focus on creating walkable, mixed-use environments that foster economic vitality and social connectivity in growing urban areas.
Cultural Landscapes
Specializing in culturally significant landscapes, including memorials, historic parks, and community gathering spaces. Our designs honor local heritage while meeting contemporary needs through thoughtful material selection and spatial organization. We work closely with stakeholders to preserve cultural identity in modern contexts.
Sustainable Design
Implementing environmentally responsible design solutions that minimize ecological impact while maximizing functionality. Our approach incorporates native planting, stormwater management, and climate-responsive materials. We help clients achieve sustainability certifications through innovative, cost-effective green infrastructure strategies.
People
Kenichi Nakano
Founder
Established Nakano Associates in 1989, bringing decades of experience in creating sustainable public spaces. His visionary leadership focuses on community wellness through landscape architecture. Continues to influence major design initiatives despite retirement.
Jim Yamaguchi
Senior Principal
Licensed landscape architect with extensive expertise in urban design and public infrastructure projects. Leads multidisciplinary teams in delivering complex civic spaces that balance functionality with environmental stewardship across the Pacific Northwest region.
Ida Ottesen
Principal
Accomplished landscape architect specializing in community engagement and inclusive design processes. Brings technical expertise and creative problem-solving to complex public realm projects. Recognized for collaborative approach with diverse stakeholder groups in urban environments.
Paula Gilmour
Senior Associate
Experienced project designer focusing on sustainable landscapes and climate-responsive urban environments. Manages interdisciplinary coordination on large-scale infrastructure projects. Known for integrating ecological principles with practical design solutions.
Patricia Stevenson
Landscape Designer
Talented designer contributing creative solutions to public space development. Combines technical skills with artistic vision in executing landscape design concepts. Actively participates in community build initiatives and hands-on project implementation.
Questions
What services does Nakano Associates specialize in?
We specialize in landscape architecture and urban design with expertise in inclusive playgrounds, cultural landscapes, sustainable infrastructure, and community planning.
Are you certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we're certified as a Womens Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Small Contractors and Suppliers (SCS).
Can you design accessible playgrounds?
Yes, we have extensive experience creating inclusive playgrounds using universal design principles, exemplified by the Jefferson Universal Movement Playground (JUMP!) project.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Washington State with completed projects in Seattle, Chimacum, Gig Harbor, Kirkland, and surrounding regions.
