By Roberto Leo, Principal Landscape Architect – Design Studios Landscape Development
Working within a compact footprint means every square foot must serve a purpose. These projects challenge our team to integrate green space more efficiently, protect existing resources, and design with intention at every step. Rather than limiting creativity, these constraints often produce solutions that are more resilient, community-focused, and innovative.
Urban infill work is some of our favorite design terrain for exactly these reasons.
One of our current infill sites—nestled between a major arterial street and the Los Angeles River—offers a clear example of this approach. Despite the tight boundary, our team successfully stitched the landscape together thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively, demonstrating how smart design can elevate even the most constrained spaces.
This project reflects the core of what Design Studios Landscape Development brings to every site: creativity grounded in feasibility, technical fluency, and a commitment to enhancing communities one thoughtful design at a time.
