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Landscape architecture is the art and
science of shaping the land for people to use and enjoy. The
land provides the context for the objects placed upon
it, such as buildings, roads, parks, and courtyards. Understanding
the relationship of these objects to the land and to each
other is the work of the landscape architect.
Each project is unique – not only
due to the client and desired use, but also due to the location
upon the land. Each site has its own opportunities and constraints.
The same objects can be placed on two different sites and
different results will occur. Therefore, keen powers of observation
and analysis are critical to the success of any project.
McKinney Landscape Architect
strives to understand the nature of each site and the desires
of the client and blend the two into a harmonious composition.
The design process seeks to bring the quality of the building
details and materials into the exterior environment. Artistic
expression and functional parameters bear equal weight. Sustainable
approaches ensure that the final product is a durable and
cost effective solution that meets the client’s requirements.
With an in-depth understanding of design
and construction processes, the studio strives to produce
creative projects that meet the demands of owners, review
agencies, other consultants, and contractor’s schedules.
Establishing good relationships with all parties ensures that
the project moves forward in a productive manner. Regular
job site visits offer the opportunity to solve problems in
a timely fashion.
Watching people use and enjoy the completed
project is the best reward. Seeing initial design ideas manifested
on a site, and then seeing people interacting with the design
in the manner in which it was intended. These are the experiences
that continue to motivate us to create landscapes that are
unique and exciting.
McKinney Landscape Architect is an advocate
of sustainable landscape design incorporating native and adapted
plant materials and efficient irrigation. These plants are
naturally drought tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases.
They use less water, fertilizer, and chemicals, thereby contributing
to the overall health of the landscape.
Ms. McKinney has been at the forefront
of the use of native plants since 1976 when she worked as
a Horticulturist for the UT Rare Plant Study Center. The center
experimental greenhouses were used to grow native plants,
such as Mountain Laurel and Texas Sage, and introduce them
to the nursery trade. From 1978 through 1985, McKinney taught
organic gardening classes in Honduras, East Texas, and Austin.
In 1995, she was the Project Landscape Architect for Bob Anderson
on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. And in 2005, she
was the Project Manager for McKinney Kelley on the new Austin
City Hall. The entire landscape design used native plants
celebrating the various eco-systems in Central Texas.
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