Miscellaneous Urban Design

Jim Sell Design has been responsible for hardscapes and planting design on numerous urban projects. These are nearly always part of a building program or – in the case of landscape restoration work – existing buildings. These buildings have a strong influence on the selection and use of both building materials and plants.  Unless there is another clear direction, we try to design the site improvements as an extension of the adjacent architecture. 

When we design planting plans, we must consider: color, texture, scale, fragrance, blooming season, exposure, soil texture, moisture, and light requirements.  Intense urban environments require even more attention to the many microclimates buildings create. Our engineers and landscape architects continually look for ways to use storm drainage to supplement water requirements.  If we have done our job well the end result will be a landscape that is not only beautiful and appropriate, it will require less water and maintenance.