Business Details
16 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture & Land Planning Services
Hja Design Studio is a landscape architecture and planning firm with over four decades of combined expertise guiding our clients through complex development challenges. Our seasoned team collaborates with engineers, environmental scientists, and legal experts to deliver cohesive solutions tailored to urban and natural environments. We prioritize early-stage site analysis and honest client consultations to address potential obstacles proactively. Our process integrates community outreach to ensure stakeholder alignment while maintaining a focus on sustainable development principles. With a proven track record in securing land use approvals across diverse regions, we combine technical precision with creative design to enhance physical environments.Our commitment to communication and problem-solving has earned recognition through industry awards and long-term client partnerships. We operate from Florida's Treasure Coast but serve projects globally, emphasizing regulatory compliance and innovative design documentation. Our team's deep understanding of municipal processes streamlines entitlements, ensuring efficient project timelines from concept to completion. We maintain affiliations with green building organizations to advance environmentally responsible development. Every project reflects our dedication to elevating community standards while providing clients with market-competitive advantages through thoughtful planning.
Services
Land Planning
Urban Design
Site Planning
Landscape Architecture
Project Entitlements
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of experience in Landscape Architecture and zoning approvals.
- Our team integrates sustainable development principles with practical design.
- We maintain a proven track record with complex Treasure Coast entitlements.
- Our collaborative approach combines expertise from multiple design disciplines.
- We provide honest assessments of regulatory challenges upfront.
Services
Land Planning
Our land planning services integrate environmental analysis with regulatory requirements to create feasible development frameworks. We conduct comprehensive site assessments and produce detailed master plans that balance economic viability with ecological preservation. Clients benefit from our extensive experience navigating zoning codes to achieve optimal land use configurations.
Urban Design
We shape urban environments through pedestrian-friendly layouts and public space enhancements. Our approach combines functional infrastructure with aesthetic considerations to create vibrant, walkable communities that meet evolving municipal standards while maintaining distinct character.
Project Entitlements
Our entitlement specialists secure complex land use permits through strategic government relations. We develop evidence-based cases for rezoning and special exceptions while maintaining transparent communication with regulatory bodies throughout the approval process in Florida and beyond.
Landscape Architecture
We create functional outdoor environments that harmonize built structures with natural systems. Our designs incorporate sustainable materials, water-efficient landscaping, and durable site elements while maintaining compliance with accessibility standards and local ordinances.
Community Outreach
We facilitate effective community interaction through structured outreach programs. Our process addresses neighborhood concerns while building support for development proposals through transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving strategies.
People
Michael Houston
President
Michael Houston brings 40+ years of landscape architecture experience. As founder of Hja Design Studio, he oversees complex entitlements and sustainable developments, earning industry awards for innovative planning solutions across Florida and international markets.
Todd Troxell
Vice President
Todd Troxell manages high-profile projects including mixed-use communities and golf course developments. With 14 years at HJA, he specializes in design innovation and client relations while leading staff development initiatives as Vice President.
Erika Beitler
Project Manager
Erika Beitler oversees planning and entitlement processes for residential and commercial developments. Her expertise in Florida municipal regulations helps clients navigate complex approval workflows while maintaining environmental sustainability standards.
Patti Tobin
Senior Project Manager
Patti Tobin combines 40 years of public sector planning experience with private development expertise. She specializes in large-scale entitlements and regional planning, managing complex projects from concept through final approvals across Southeastern markets.
Kristina Harkins
Administrative Assistant
Kristina Harkins coordinates permitting submissions and follow-up actions with local jurisdictions. Her organizational skills ensure smooth communication between consultants and government agencies throughout the entitlement process.
Questions
What types of projects does HJA Design Studio handle?
We manage large-scale developments including master-planned communities, mixed-use projects, golf courses, and public parks across residential, commercial, and government sectors.
Do you specialize in Florida land use regulations?
Yes, our team has extensive experience navigating Treasure Coast zoning codes and South Florida's complex entitlement processes for both private and public sector clients.
How does HJA approach sustainable development?
We integrate green building standards with environmental analysis to create energy-efficient, ecologically responsible designs that minimize environmental impact while meeting client objectives.
Can you assist with international projects?
Yes, our experience extends to the Caribbean, Middle East, and South America, offering the same rigorous planning approach and regulatory compliance expertise globally.
What makes HJA different from other firms?
Our combination of technical expertise in entitlement approvals, multidisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to sustainable solutions creates unique value for complex development projects.
