The Land Group is excited to highlight the following projects which received Idaho Business Review 2020 Top Project Awards! The Idaho Business Review Top Projects award program recognizes the construction industry’s best projects in Idaho. We are proud to be on the design teams and work on projects that achieve high standards of design, development, and construction.

The Land Group was founded on the idea of having a multidisciplinary team working collaboratively with architects and engineers to create great projects. This wholistic approach has led to countless designs that are thoughtful, responsive to the environment, and enhance an experience for the users. Whether a modern new building, condos downtown, or a historic downtown square, our landscape architects, civil engineers, planners, and land surveyors enjoy being part of the team and making visions become realities!

Boise State University’s Center for the Visual Arts | Project of the Year & People’s Choice Award – Public Category

Receiving the top honor of overall Project of the Year was the Boise Center for the Visual Arts Building. Limestone and blue glass adorn this building, which is sure to become a landmark for BSU and the community. At 98,000 square feet, the facility took more than two years to complete at a cost of roughly $42 million. The facility consists of two interconnected buildings: the five-story curved limestone and glass-clad structure serves as studio space and faculty offices, while the blue stainless-steel shingle-clad structure houses galleries, classrooms, and administrative functions.

The landscape design celebrates the form of the building, drawing visitors into central courtyards and facilitating for a social and collaborative environment. The sidewalk flares out from the heart of the plaza to connect with the existing school buildings and major pedestrian corridor. These paths also connect the rest of the BSU campus to this state-of-the-art Visual Arts and Studio Arts facility. The thoughtful and structured planting scheme and palette echo the style of the building design, and together they complement the University’s campus.

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The Afton | People’s Choice Award – Private Category

The Afton’s Phase 2 development won a 2020 Top Projects People’s Choice award in the Private category. Located in the heart of downtown Boise, this mixed-use condominium development provides quick access to the greenbelt, cafes on the first floor, and lies within walking distance to the Boise Art Museum and several parks. The project includes two buildings, each six-stories in height. The easterly building is Phase 1, and the west building is Phase 2. The mixed-use condominium development consists of integrated structured parking, residential units, retail spaces, and amenities including exterior plazas and roof patios.

The Land Group provided civil engineering, landscape architecture (both at the ground-plane and elevated) surveying, and condominium platting. This included an outdoor rooftop common area that boast great views of the Boise foothills, greenspace, and private outdoor enjoyment for residents.

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Historic Rupert Square | Third Place – Renovation Category

Historic Rupert Square came in third place for best renovation project. The Land Group has been partnered with the City of Rupert since 2011 on this robust effort to plan, design, fund, and execute the revitalization of the city’s prized downtown public space. With 3 phases complete and a fourth on the in progress, this long-term commitment has led to a successful revitalization of the downtown square and nearby Historic Wilson Theater Plaza at Fremont Avenue.

The Land Group managed a thorough master planning and public engagement process that reached an estimated 1,200 people in two languages and dozens of venues, culminating in the successful passing of a public bond election to fund the planned improvements. We further assisted the city in securing additional funding through successful CDBG applications for improvements to pedestrian access in the project area and worked hand in hand with the City to solicit private donations making the third phase a reality.

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Congratulations to all those involved in these great project efforts!

For more information on IBR Top Projects, use the following link:

https://idahobusinessreview.com/2020/09/17/idaho-business-review-announces-top-projects-peoples-choice-winners/

Welcome to October! Normally, that would mean time for the TLG Brät Bash. This year, we celebrated a little bit differently. The funds normally used for the event were donated to the Idaho Food Bank. On top of that, we invited our clients, colleagues, and friends to donate as well in a virtual food drive. In just a couple weeks, the food drive surpassed our $2020 goal and raised a whopping $3,835!!! Thank you to everyone that donated to help feed Idaho families during this difficult time and going into the holiday season!

Along with the food drive, TLG employees participated in the first ever (and hopefully last) Drive-Thru Brät Bash! Principals were there to greet and thank employees for their hard work with a fun TLG gift. Everyone had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather outside and visit, from a safe distance of course, for the first time in a while! It also happened to be another first for several participants…. including baby Evie Dettrich, baby Henry Glancey…and fur babies Otis Dawson, and Koda Major. That will make more sense if you scroll through the pics but let’s just say it was exciting to see all the new TLG family members.

Thank you again to everyone who participated, donated, and came to say hello! TLG is proud to be a part of and help create the community that we love and all need right now!

Even though the school year looks a little different this year, it does not mean work has slowed down on the improvements happening to our schools in the valley. TLG has been working alongside LKV Architects as their subconsultant Civil Engineers and Landscape Architects for the rebuilding of Mountain View Elementary School. We are currently nearing completion on the playground and phase 2 site work, and we are just as excited to see the finished product as the students and teachers!

The Land Group is pleased to announce Matthew T. Adams, Principal and Landscape Architect, has been elected as our next firm President!

Matthew joined The Land Group (TLG) in 2005 and quickly formed a strong connection with David Koga, TLG Founder and former President. David has mentored Matthew over these 15 years, building a foundation of client service and business management. This long and enduring relationship began the passing of this torch, igniting a bright future for Matthew, the company, and all our team members.

Matthew holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Degree from Utah State University (2000) and began his career with The HLA Group in Sacramento California (2000 – 2005). Matthew is a Licensed Landscape Architect in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California.

Matthew believes in a collaborative design process with a focus on adding value to our client’s investment, the communities we work in, and the lives of our employees.

We are delighted to have Matthew stepping into the role of President. The TLG culture, philosophy, and mission could not be more evident in Matthew’s proven abilities. His passion for people, places, and problem-solving promise continued excellence in TLG’s vision as we strive to achieve vision, create community, and enrich outcomes.

Congratulations Matthew!

When David Koga paints, he visualizes his last brush stroke. From there, as David puts it, “the rest falls in place.” Art comes from a series of flexible, creative responses to achieve a desired vision. It comes from a complete palette, an acute eye, and a dexterous hand. It comes from years of practice and the introspective wisdom from reflection.

Much like his approach to the canvas, David’s career in design, management, and outreach has benefitted from his vibrant vision and adaptive capacity. As he approaches retirement, we are compelled to look closer at the work and skill that allowed it all to “fall into place” for David Koga.

Looking Back

Although his family roots are in Hawaii, Idaho provided fertile ground for David to grow. He grew up in Emmett and Meridian, Idaho and spent summers as a swimming pool manager at the City of Meridian where he met his future wife, Laurie. They both attended college in Idaho and were married in 1982. Studio art, art history, and architectural history provided the linework to David’s future vision. However, after three years in the pre-architectural program at Boise State University, a professor noted his love of site design and encouraged David to expand on his passion at the University of Idaho’s Landscape Architecture Department. After a visit and talk with Professor Bill Snyder, David knew he had found his place.

With a freshly minted degree and plenty of enthusiasm, David sought his first position at Franz Witte Landscape Contracting as the economy shuttered many firms’ prospects and work was hard to find. David adapted, finding a position in the nursery and planting pines and professional roots with Franz Witte Landscape Construction served him well to apply his new knowledge of plant material and site design.  During these years, he completed design-build projects for Franz Witte and in the winter months, picked up a part time job at St. Luke’s Hospital.

When David and Laurie moved to Salt Lake City for Laurie to attend ultrasound school, David found work as a foreman at a landscape construction company. He eventually found his first position at a landscape architecture firm, Dale Cook and Associates in Utah. After Laurie completed her program, they returned to Boise to be near family. David had the opportunity to work for Jensen Belts Associates, Franz Witte Landscape, and Design West Architects in Boise. Through two years with Design West Architects, David expanded his professional palette, acquiring the skills needed to run a successful business.

The Land Group (TLG)

David’s first venture into business management began as a sub company under Franz Witte called David Koga Landscape Architecture. After graduating from the University of Idaho, Phil Hull joined Franz Witte Landscape, and David gained a talented future business partner and loyal friend. Phil took a full-time job at Franz Witte and worked with David on landscape design projects. As their reputation for quality became well-known throughout the community, contracts increased. The way they saw it, the proverbial door was open and, as always, Laurie encouraged them to walk through it.

Together they approached Franz about starting a firm and he helped them with minor ownership in the business. They moved to a small office in downtown Eagle and began deciding on a name. It needed to be something that could continue beyond their careers, and like their projects, have lasting value. They pictured a multidisciplinary firm that worked on everything outside the building – engineering, designing, planning, and land surveying. This unique strategy formed The Land Group and allowed its resilient corporate structure to continue providing excellent, responsible design through many uncertain times.

From the company’s formative years, Phil took on the company’s financial management while David headed up the client and marketing relationships. As Laurie puts it, they were the perfect union; Phil had the financial acumen, while David thrived in developing client relationships. People were drawn to David; his approachability and humility allowed him to communicate ambitious designs and technical details clearly, and he listened to clients purposefully.

Despite Phil and David’s considerable and complementary skills, the business grew in large part to their dogged work ethic. Laurie recounted, with a knowing smile, David asking to stop at a job site on the way home from the hospital after their second daughter was born. Though the Koga children were not swaddled in construction drawings, Phil and David would work well after dinner many nights building their vision.

Having just graduated from the University of Georgia, Doug Russell headed northwest looking for work. After a car accident had him stranded at a KOA for a few days, he cold-called David and Phil and started doing contract work. Before he knew it, Doug was TLG’s 2nd employee, and eventually, their third partner.

Left to right: Phil Hull, David Koga, Doug Russell

Initially, the main clients were architectural firms and private developers. However, David and Phil’s vision to develop a multidisciplinary firm to include civil engineers and land surveyors soon became a reality. They often worked with Russ Hepworth at EHM Engineers in Twin Falls and eventually hired Russ to bolster the group with civil experience. Jason Densmer at Roylance Engineers & Associates was also a reoccurring consultant which eventually led to the merger with Roylance Engineers in 2006, bringing Jason aboard. This series of events turned The Land Group into a true multidisciplinary firm of landscape architects, civil engineers, planners, and land surveyors.

Challenges Faced

One of the greatest challenges in the profession, even 30 years later, is explaining what landscape architects do and getting consultants on board. Adding the civil component to the company put their team in unique position and growth was fast, reaching a peak of 50 plus employees in 3 offices.

The Land Group’s next great challenge, however, was to survive the recession of 2008. David assumed the role as HR representative during this time; because of his empathy he felt the personal burden of downsizing. Thankfully, they reshaped their focus and were diversified enough to survive while many of their competitors disappeared. They focused on a variety of projects, such as school campus work, subdivisions, commercial buildings, retail stores, governmental projects, and public parks. David credits the diversified structure they achieved for The Land Group with helping them through the difficult times.

But unbeknownst to many, David faced some personal challenges long before landscape architecture was a consideration in his life, fostering his resilient mindset. At age 16, David suffered a devastating head injury that nearly took his life. After being in a coma for three days, doctors did not think he would recover. His family took him to the Mayo Clinic, and after a year of speech and cognitive therapy, he was able to recover and learn how to communicate again. It was not easy getting through college, at times Laurie went with him to classes to help take notes. Overcoming all the odds, David made an amazing recovery.

By rising above those challenges, David was able to form a unique view on life, one that emphasizes relationships, goals, and persistence. His past has reinforced a belief in second chances, illuminated the transformative power of learning and allowed him to lead through action. Through his own optimism, honesty, and easy-going demeanor, he has guided clients through conflicts, served as a mentor to emerging professionals, and inspired his community.

The Work

From Laurie holding a survey stake at David’s first subdivision, to celebrating his daughter’s marriage at Marianne Williams Park, David’s work often forms the background of his family’s experiences. Subdivisions, parks, golf courses, schools, commercial developments, religious institutions, and residences formed with David’s touch can be seen across the landscape, but none elicit a smile quite as authentic as his grandkids playing in parks that “Papa” built.

That is the point of all this work to David. A full portfolio includes more than site designs, planting schedules, and planning literature. It is filled with products that improve the lives of others, facilitate connections, and enable memories to be made. Take, for instance, Settlers Park in Meridian, which features accessible play areas so all can enjoy the play structures and splash pad. Or Fort Missoula Park which reclaims a former gravel pit with historical interpretation and athletic fields. A few others include Heritage park, Island Wood, Generation Park, several BSU Projects, and many more. If you have spent time in Eagle, Idaho, and throughout the Treasure Valley, chances are you have experienced his handiwork. If you’ve spent time with David, you know he loves his job, loves designing, and loves people. The work is, in the end, a product of passion and collective problem-solving that makes the world happier and healthier.

When asked what project he liked the most or is there anything he hasn’t designed yet, David had a unique answer. He enjoys doing high-end residential work and finds it rewarding when there is a great budget that yields high quality design, materials, and planting.  On the other side of the spectrum, a project that he has never done, but would like to do, is a residential housing project for the homeless. Providing a unique environmental community that is functional and welcoming for the less fortunate who need a place to stay for a day, week, or month – is just another example of David’s passion to help enhance the places we all experience life in.

Looking Forward

David has served as President of the Idaho-Montana chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, as well as the President and a Principal Landscape Architect of The Land Group since the company was founded in 1988. In that time, the firm has grown from two landscape architects working on a kitchen table to more than 40 individuals that specialize in landscape architecture, civil engineering, planning, and land surveying. David will be missed greatly, but his legacy will live on through the people he has connected, the places he has created, and the company he built. The firm’s culture, capabilities, and charisma are a direct reflection of David and his character – and we are all incredibly grateful for that.

The Land Group has a great future, thanks to the vision and passion of David, Phil, the team of Principals, and their employees. Upon David’s departure, Matthew T. Adams, Principal and Landscape Architect, will step into the company’s role as President.

When people describe David Koga, they note his humility, kindness, honesty, patience, talent, earnestness, artistry, and compassion. His partner, Phil Hull, puts it a different way:

“Imagine a surfer dude meets a landscape architect, that’s David.” - Phil Hull

What does retirement look like for David? He enjoys camping, traveling, hunting, golf, music, art, and being with his grandkids. He will surely continue to play the bass guitar in his cover band, paddle into a few sunsets with Laurie in their new kayaks and paint their adventures with his distinct touch.

David’s vision was always larger than himself. He always considered all of the people that he would work with and that would use the spaces he imagined. With a focus on the larger human and relationship aspects of his career, he has created gardens, communities, and a company of lasting value. Much like his art, he envisioned what that might look like. David’s humility compels him to say things “fell into place.” Those around him know better; David’s career is the well-earned result of enduring relationships, quality work, keen design, persistent integrity, talented colleagues, mutual respect, and inspiring passion. That is how his vision became a reality, and his career a work of art.

The Land Group is excited to announce two new team members to the landscape architecture team! Both Elaine Zabriskie and Chad Lorentzen have previously worked with TLG through our internship program. We are excited to have them on full time and know their talents will be much appreciated. Welcome Elaine and Chad!

Elaine Zabriskie

Education: Recently completed Master of Landscape Architecture at University of Idaho Urban Design Extension

Fun Fact: Elaine is also a master of every major rap in Hamilton, and is excited to be a part of a firm with an incredible Non-Stop attitude.

Chad Lorentzen

Education: Recently completed Master of Landscape Architecture at University of Idaho Urban Design Extension

Fun Fact: Chad is also a master of his dog’s insatiable beagle hunger. 

World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM) was established by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). WLAM occurs the month of April and is an international celebration of landscape architecture and designed public and private spaces. People and communities around the world have deep, long-standing personal connections to the spaces landscape architects create – they’re just not always aware of it. During WLAM, landscape architects around the world aim to demonstrate, educate, and bring awareness to our profession. This year’s campaign is “Life Grows Here.”

The Land Group would like to share our projects and perspective on what it is Landscape Architects do. Check back here on our News tab throughout the month to see what is new and what we are doing to achieve vision, create community, and enhance outcomes of the environments we are lucky to help create!

April 2, 2020

Have you ever wondered...."What do Landscape Architects do exactly?"

Well you all are in luck! April is World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM)! If you need a break while you are working from home, you are tired of binge watching netflix, and you are ready to learn about the designed environments around you - then tune in this month to TLG social media as we celebrate WLAM with the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Campaign "Life Grows Here." Enjoy! #WLAM2020 #LifeGrowsHere.

https://vimeo.com/landscapearchitects/wlam2020

April 7, 2020

"A Landscape Architect adds value to people’s lives and the communities we work in. Consider a new school where children learn, grow, and make friendships that last a lifetime, families play, and communities gather."

- Matthew T. Adams, TLG Principal and Landscape Architect

From site planning to sports fields, outdoor teaching areas to playgrounds - a Landscape Architect helps influence the design, circulation, and ultimately the experience students and teachers have at a school's campus.

With the current events in our world and the announcement of school closures in Idaho, our hearts go out to the community. We appreciate all the teachers, students, and parents being flexible and creative to keep our kids educated. We understand the importance of the education environment and enjoy getting to help design them. #WLAM2020 #LifeGrowsHere #createcommunity #weareinthistogether

April 9, 2020

“Question: What does a landscape architect do?”

“Answer: They do the landscapes of buildings. And they work on some buildings.”

- Nora Glancey, Age 7, Daughter of Jyl Glancey, TLG Landscape Architect

Nora is right, we do the landscapes of buildings, but it can be much more than that. Take for example the recently completed Ronald McDonald House Charities in Downtown Boise. The landscaping and site planning provide a beautiful view out a window, or a spot with to gather, maybe even some shade, that a family can enjoy quality time - as well as a little nature - together.

Thanks to everyone involved - the collaboration between landscape architects, architect, contractor, and owner - we are collectively able to create a place and space that families can grow together.

April 14, 2020

“Landscape architects are negotiators with a flair for design. We weigh the needs of individual people, whole communities, and the natural environment, and we find ways to create beautiful and unique design solutions that meet as many of those needs as possible. Through design, we find compromises that will serve our communities – both built and natural – for generations to come.”

- Elaine Zabriskie, TLG Landscape Designer

Landscape Architects design for resilience. As Elaine says, we serve our communities as well as the natural and built environment to create long-lasting spaces to enjoy that are beautiful and unique, much like the new Boise State University Fine Arts Building.

April 17, 2020

As Landscape Architects, we are honored to design spaces and places that provide a respite for hard working healthcare workers, like this corridor at St. Luke's Downtown campus. Especially right now, we are grateful to everyone in the healthcare profession, fighting this pandemic and helping save lives. Thank you for all that you do!

April 22, 2020

Happy Earth Day! As we are celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month, we would like to tell you a bit more about what our profession does. Landscape Architects are more than just designers and plant experts. They are Stewards of the Land. Creating and protecting habitats, restoring natural sites, and finding sustainable solutions that work with the environment are always a part of our process. Hope you are able to get out and enjoy nature today! If so share your experience with us!

April 27, 2020

Happy 198th Birthday to the Father of Landscape Architecture, Frederick Law Olmstead! Did you know that Central Park in New York City was designed by a Landscape Architect? Frederick Law Olmstead, Sr. designed Central Park with his partner Calvert Vaux creating one of the most iconic, well known, and visited urban parks in the world. Thank you to all the landscape architects and designers that make places like this exist for our enjoyment! And thank you Frederick Law Olmstead for starting it all! TLG Project Pictured: Rupert Square in Rupert, ID. The Land Group has been partnered with the City of Rupert since 2011 on this robust effort to plan, design, fund, and execute the revitalization of the city’s prized downtown public space. With 3 phases complete and a fourth on the way in 2020, this long term commitment has led to a successful revitalization of the downtown square and nearby Historic Wilson Theater Plaza at Fremont Avenue.

April 30, 2020

We hope you enjoyed celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month with us! Hope you learned a little more about the profession and maybe you can go visit one of our projects soon! Stay safe and healthy out there!

Project Featured: Discovery Park Located in one of Idaho’s fastest growing cities, Discovery Park is already having a great impact on the community Meridian, Idaho. With views of the Boise foothills to the northeast, and the Owyhee range to the southwest, this park takes “discovering” nature and play to a new level. A climbing wall is detailed as a map of Idaho and a sand park mimics the natural reservoirs of the area. The play structures include informational graphics about the Idaho state bird, tree, and more. A stacked rock wall creates multiple areas for kids to climb, provides scenic views, and creates a natural grade for slides. Scope of work also included a zipline, splash pad, dog park, event lawn where food trucks could park along the perimeter, a natural amphitheater and stage area, and a nature area with demonstration gardens.

It’s that time of year again, raising a Million Meals in March for the Idaho Food Bank and having a little bit of fun while doing it!

The Land Group decided to celebrate “Pi” Day (3/14) by having another fundraising contest! This year, individuals were nominated to have a pie thrown in their face. If they accepted, then the TLG team helped contribute by purchasing tickets to see which top 3 individuals will receive said pie in face.

Thanks to a tremendous response from the team - TLG raised $880 which will provide 4,400 meals to the Idaho Food Bank. Due to the current events, we are postponing the Pie Event - stay tuned to see the following individuals receive a pie in the face :)

                1st place with 282 tickets – Tamara Thompson

                2nd place with 262 tickets – Gabe Welz

                3rd place with 239 tickets – Jim Gute

Thank you to everyone who participated and if you would still like to donate to Million Meals in March, visit the following website! https://millionmealsidaho.org/land-group/

Thank you!