How We Work

Established in 2023, Whole System Studio is a landscape architecture and planning practice that designs ‘people spaces’.
Our design philosophy is simple:

Whole System Studio philosophy. 'EXPERIENCE' with overlapping circles labeled 'participant,' 'engagement,' and 'resource.'

Transformative design celebrates the human experience - that is the ‘show’ in our work. Landscape architecture, if employed with thoughtfulness and restraint, serves as the stage-set for those experiences. Our landscapes do not shout, rather they whisper, and humbly participate as the backdrop to all of life’s meaningful memories.

Our work is process-based, founded in a respect for the participants and resources that comprise our projects. The manner(s) in which those participants and resources interact is known as engagement, and it is where memories and experiences are realized. The depth and value of which is what measures the success of our work.

Participants embody those we serve, and those we wish to serve - a diverse group full of different storylines, perspectives, and needs. Our collaborative process establishes a forum of Dignity, Empathy, and Integrity that allows us to celebrate our ‘common grounds’ while building unity, and more importantly relationships that will guide our work.

Transformative design celebrates the human experience - that is the ‘show’ in our work. Landscape architecture, if employed with thoughtfulness and restraint, serves as the stage-set for those experiences. Our landscapes do not shout, rather they whisper, and humbly participate as the backdrop to all of life’s meaningful memories.

Our work is process-based, founded in a respect for the participants and resources that comprise our projects. The manner(s) in which those participants and resources interact is known as engagement, and it is where memories and experiences are realized. The depth and value of which is what measures the success of our work.

Participants embody those we serve, and those we wish to serve - a diverse group full of different storylines, perspectives, and needs. Our collaborative process establishes a forum of Dignity, Empathy, and Integrity that allows us to celebrate our ‘common grounds’ while building unity, and more importantly relationships that will guide our work.