At the risk of bragging, I have some exciting news. This spring I passed my final licensing exams for landscape architecture. I am officially a Licensed Landscape Architect in the State of Michigan! You can address all of your congratulatory letters, checks, flowers etc. to Kristin Faasse, LLA. All kidding aside, this was a pretty […]
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Welcome to the Elements Studio blog. The place where we share our unique perspective and expertise on Landscape Architecture in Mid-Michigan.
What is that Flowering Tree – Part II
Now that we are experiencing more warmer spring weather, there are trees blooming just about everywhere you look throughout Mid-Michigan! As we are approaching mid- to late-spring, the flowering trees are primarily shades of pink and purple, with still some white blooms to break up the color. While these flowering trees are beautiful for us […]
Introducing: Sensory, a Placemaking Installation!
There will be a new creative space at the East Lansing Art Festival this year! On May 19-20, 2018, with the American Institute of Architects Mid-Michigan Chapter, we will be unveiling a placemaking installation that celebrates architectural and landscape architectural design. We have teamed up with three local architects to develop a structure that can […]
What is that Flowering Tree?
Spring has finally come to Michigan! Some trees are leafing out while others are in full bloom. And we want to tackle the question: What is it? Differentiating between various flowering trees and shrubs opens our eyes to the unique and beautiful nuances of nature. But these plants can be tricky! There are some look-alike […]
2 (Normally) Invisible Ways That Landscapes Impact Storm Water
With the recent flooding that we’ve been having here in Mid-Michigan, I’ve been thinking about how our landscapes impact storm water, flooding and groundwater infiltration. Many of these ecosystem services that our landscapes provide are often invisible. And once they are out of sight, they are also out of mind. However, our recent weather in […]
What is Innovation in Landscape Architecture?
Innovation is a popular buzzword these days. I hear it all the time when I watch Shark Tank or read books about business. And this got me thinking, what is innovative about the way that we design outdoor space at Elements Studio? Creating People Places Elements Studio exists in order to create places that people […]
Is A Site Visit Really Necessary?
Doing a site visit is a fundamental part of the design process for us as landscape architects. We visit a site (at least) once for every project we design as one of our first steps in the design process. So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw a drafting/aerial imagery software company promoting their […]
Top 7 Ways to Spot a Well-Designed Landscape Plan
As you begin the development process, you have big aspirations of creating a place that will become a profitable enterprise. You envision creating a space where people will gather and enjoy spending time. You want to create a positive first impression for your site’s visitors. But you know that there is a lot of work […]
Ecosystem Service Functions of Landscapes – Part II: Urban Heat Islands and Biodiversity
In wrapping up the functions of landscapes series, it is fitting to end with ecosystem service functions. Ecosystem services function in order to sustain life through the use of natural systems. As Landscape Architects it is our responsibility to design landscapes that utilize natural systems for human benefit. In Part I of the ecosystem services […]
Ecosystem Service Functions of Landscapes – Part I: Stormwater Management
Ecosystem services are arguably the most important and most undervalued function of landscapes. These functions are often taken for granted. Take for example, the air that we breathe. How many times during the day do you think about the cleanliness of your air. Probably only when you’re parked behind a car that’s expelling poisonous gasses […]