Studio Balcones

🎤 Exciting news! Our very own Rebecca is speaking in the upcoming ASLA SKILL | ED webinar series, How to Speak Developer — and you won’t want to miss it!

Rebecca will share her expertise in Course 3: Effective Communication + Engagement in the Development Process — diving into how landscape architects can confidently navigate conversations with developers, consultants, and agencies. 💬✨

✅ Learn to communicate with impact
✅ Build trust with stakeholders
✅ Lead meaningful engagement throughout the process

🌟 Bonus: This is part of a 3-part series designed for emerging + mid-career pros who want to boost their skills and earn 3 PDH (LA CES non-HSW) — plus, all sessions are recorded!

📅 May 28–30
👉 Sign up: https://learn.asla.org/products/asla-skill-ed-how-to-speak-developer

With summer just around the corner, we’re revisiting our blog on designing landscapes that keep us cool and comfortable in the heat. From shading techniques to cooling materials, thoughtful landscape design can help combat rising temperatures and create spaces that stay enjoyable all season long. 🌞➡️🌬️

Take a look at how we’re using sustainable strategies to create more resilient, cooler environments for our communities. 🌳🌿

💡 Read the full post here: studiobalcones.com/designing-cool

It's time for another ✨🌿

We’re looking back at the Trails at Vintage Creek Playgrounds, one of our favorite collaborations with , completed in 2014 in Northeast Austin.

As part of an UrbanLift grant, we developed a landscape master plan focused on Nature & Play, reconnecting residents to the outdoors while addressing flooding + erosion challenges on site.

Project highlights:
🌳 Nature-inspired play areas woven among existing trees
🏞️ A dry creek to manage stormwater + erosion
🎨 Collaborations with local artists + volunteers for custom signage + gardens
👧👵 Play + gathering spaces designed for all ages

It’s been so rewarding to see how this landscape continues to foster connection, learning, and joy in the community! 💚

We wanted to share a few more photos from this special day and project — we’re so proud to see it all come together!

We enjoyed celebrating the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza, honoring Austin’s aviation history and providing a welcoming place for all to enjoy. It’s been an honor to contribute to the design vision of this plaza, and we can’t wait to see it come to life with visitors, gatherings, and everyday moments of connection.

A huge thank you to our collaborators and everyone who helped bring this project to fruition! ✈️✨ Head over and check it out!

Client: Catellus
Architect: Studio8
Civil: Civilitude
Structural: AEC
MEP: Encotech
Irrigation: JAS
RAS: Development Associates of Texas
Lighting: Oldner
Contractor: Flynn

Learn more about the project here: studiobalcones.com/projects/roger-lavon-taylor-sr-plaza