Studio Balcones

Breathe in, May is National Clean Air Month! Let's celebrate the silent heroes of our atmosphere: TREES! Trees do so much for us. Not only are they pretty to look at:

🌳 they provide shade
🌳 they sequester carbon
🌳 they cool air via evapotranspiration reducing urban heat island
🌳 they clean water and air
🌳 AND they provide habitat and beauty

Read more about how trees are our silent but steadfast allies in the battle against climate change: studiobalcones.com/the-vital-role-of-trees-in-carbon-sequestration

Transforming Littlefield Café’s Patio into a UT Campus Oasis: Once a dated, divided space, the patio now offers a seamless and welcoming outdoor retreat for students to gather, study, and relax.⁠
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🌳 Enhanced Usability: Doubling café seating and creating better circulation by opening up the space.⁠
☕ Timeless Shade: Leveraging the canopy of two heritage Live Oak trees, including a new artificial turf lawn that forms an inviting “room” beneath the oaks.⁠
🌿 Modern Touches: A stunning steel shade structure, designed by Beck Architecture, complements the historic facade and adds functionality.⁠
Improved Accessibility: Universal access and enhanced circulation ensure inclusivity and ease of movement.⁠
💰 Budget-Smart Solutions: Preserving key retaining walls while introducing modern board-form concrete walls for seating and framing the space.⁠
🌱 Native plantings bring seasonal color and vibrancy, enhancing this highly visible campus gateway. It’s a transformation that balances history, function, and sustainability.⁠
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Three Lionheart team members presented at the recent Texas ASLA Conference, bringing their insight, creativity, and expertise to two fantastic sessions!

✨ Worldbuilding: What Fantasy Storytellers Teach Us About Planning and Designing With Communities
Andrew Lesmes joined José Eduardo Sánchez (Tecolotl) + Madeleine Pelzel (Huitt-Zollars) to explore how the art of storytelling can deepen community engagement and inspire more meaningful design.

🌿 SITES in Action: Sustainable Landscape Practices Across Urban Austin
Michael Meihaus & Ilse Frank shared lessons from two Austin projects, Pharr Tennis Center + Richard Moya Bus Plaza, highlighting how the SITES framework is transforming public spaces through sustainability and resilience.

We’re proud to see our team helping shape the conversation on the future of landscape architecture! 💥💬

“The opportunity to transform a long disused and barren piece of land into a natural and inviting setting through the magic of native sustainable plantings and innovative hydrology was a very satisfying part of this project for CARTS and a great addition to the Eastside Bus Plaza’s public value and utility. It is a testament to the skills of the landscape architect and the value of an informed approach to sustainability. “
— Dave Marsh, General Manager, CARTS

Now that's what he like to hear! 🥳
Learn more about this project: studiobalcones.com/projects/capital-area-rural-transportation-system-bus-plaza

It’s been 4 incredible years with Kat as part of our team, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything she's achieved. From her *incredible* grading skillz, and ability to make every residential client happy with her designs, to her commitment to sustainable, resilient landscapes, Kat embodies what makes our team great. 🐱

Today, we celebrate her talent, hard work, and the joy she brings to our studio each day. Here’s to more years of impactful projects and continued inspiration. We’re lucky to have you, Kat! 💫

Help us congratulate Kat on their milestone by dropping a “👏” below! 🎉