We’re experiencing a sea of change in the way designers engage with the world. Instead of aspiring to influence behavior from a distance, we increasingly want the spaces we design to have a more immediate impact through direct engagement. In support of our ambition, much research by environmental psychologists has confirmed that one’s surroundings can and does have a significant effect on the way individuals feel and how they likely respond. So it stands to reason, that we aim for an engaging, aesthetically-pleasing environment that ultimately has a positive effect on the moods, opinions and behaviors of the visitors, residents, students, tourists and patrons that interact with our projects.

Part of the challenge in understanding how to design for behavior change is to fully recognize what actually motivates someone to change their behavior. Traditionally, design has focused on what people do, and why they do; where landscape architects choreograph experiences that support existing needs. However, we must be mindful to focus on the ‘future’ view of how we want people to behave within that which we create. So while we can’t change a person, we can influence the way they behave by shaping the environment they function within.

So apart from the practical considerations what else do we have to take into account when designing spaces that can change behavior? Simply put, all of the peripheral elements that create sensory experiences. Things like lighting, color, comfort, balance and unity as well as the appropriate use of textures, hues, shapes and proportions in providing for a distinct experience and crafting a specific story.

Let’s focus on color for a moment. On a very basic level, red is intense and attracts attention; it is also associated with passion. Blue is more relaxing and evokes feelings of trust and reliability. Green is linked with nature and is easy on the eye as opposed to yellow which can strain the eye but at the same time can increase concentration. The secret is to incorporate a color palette that is perfectly in tune with how you want people to respond.

What we sense in a space, consciously or unconsciously, affects how we feel about ourselves, the people we interact with and the bricks and mortar housed in that space. Through the skillful space arrangement and other visual cues, EDSA designs render a look and feel that influence how a space "speaks". When applied strategically, these skills can be used to create spaces that contribute to organizational goals, influences consumer purchasing, and impacts client confidence.

EDSA designers understand not only how to create great looking spaces but how that space impacts the people who use it — your clients, customers, residents, visitors, employees and associates. By capturing the spirit of each setting and understanding consumer needs and wants, EDSA designs are revered for the way they engage and integrate the human senses and ultimately influence behavior change.

For more information contact us at communications@edsaplan.com or 954.524.3330.

Service is priority number one in the Linquist Studio, where exemplary relationships are forged and landmark projects are built. Their successes can only be attributed to each member’s personal commitment to providing clients with passionate, creative and experience–driven solutions from the kick-off meeting to ribbon cutting.

With one development recently completed and three projects currently under construction, studio members have been busy transforming their client’s vision into tangible reality. “In our profession, there are few moments more rewarding than the first time you witness a guest enjoying the space you helped create, shape and define.”– Derick Cissel, Senior Associate.

“Each and every project in the studio receives the highest level of creativity and attention. All our

projects are custom – tailored to their site, culture, program and budget. We are constantly striving to craft design solutions that make "great places" while keeping our clients desire for return on investment as a centerpiece of our approach." – Ed Linquist, Associate Principal

Filled with electric personality, the studio environment in Orlando is the ultimate creative playground for landscape architects.  Each member contributes to this dynamic setting with their unique perspective, experience and innovative way of thinking.   In 2013, the Linquist Studio will continue to build upon their emergent international experience as well as expanding their local presence within Orlando's ever-developing hospitality market.

For more information on the Linquist Studio visit http://www.edsaplan.com/en/Team/Studios/Linquist

Passion, tradition and realism represent the core philosophies of Jeff Suiter, the designer. From a family of farmers and a childhood love for the outdoors, Jeff has an ability to visualize the connection between design and how things get built resulting in a very practical approach. During his 12 year tenure with EDSA, Jeff has developed and nurtured numerous client relationships and attributes a great deal of his professional growth to the people and projects with whom he has had an opportunity to work. He finds great reward in being able to step back and see how people positively respond to the spaces he has had a role in creating. A member of the Dugan Studio, Jeff is extremely proud of his involvement with the Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, the first 5-star destination on the beach which ignited an emergence of new/renovated resort properties throughout the beachfront community. As a new dad, Jeff has a new perspective on life, a greater appreciation for time, and a keen awareness of the impact his design and project implementation has on future generations.

Described by her peers as detail-oriented, inquisitive and assertive. Thirst for knowledge and problem-solving abilities drive her creative curiosity in understanding a project's program and objective, determining the programmable parameters, figuring out how it works, and then pushing the design envelope to truly develop a sense of place and implementable reality. A member of the Kissinger Studio, since joining the firm six years ago, Jennifer has been exposed to a broad range of experiences, from working on conceptual and detailed design for a mixed–use resort in the Caribbean to construction documentation and construction administration of an urban revitalization and riverfront park in Owensboro, Kentucky. Jennifer aspires to one day be involved in the design of a project of remembrance; a memorial or monument that evokes emotion from guests and visitors.

Inspired by the creativity and intellectual challenges of the design industry, Masa Taguchi wanted nothing more than to become a landscape architect. Born and raised in Japan, he was always intrigued by people, vegetation, weather, flora and fauna inclusive of their interrelationships. Much like his solution-based design approach, Masa incorporates variations in color to create a natural palette of movement, texture, context and balance. He is currently designing Nanhai Vanke Plaza – an urban mixed-use shopping, living and working destination in China. His dedication, commitment and desire for continuous self-improvement are rooted in his competitive tennis expertise – where practice is the only way to improve the quality of his game. A member of the Lalli Studio, Masa believes working hard, staying motivated and being engaged in a project's evolution is the foundation of a successful designer.

Committed to creating one of the world's most exclusive destinations, Guacalito de la Isla represents a pristine natural sanctuary where guests from across the globe will enjoy luxury living while connecting in an authentic way to the culture, people, and land of Nicaragua.

The $250 million tourism development tucked into the forested Pacific slope, overlooking a series of unexplored coves is being called a “game changer” for Nicaragua’s small yet feisty tourism sector. The private, oceanfront community by the Pellas Development Group represents Nicaragua’s first five-star sustainable residential resort destination and is intended to serve as a catalyst for putting Nicaragua on the world tourism map.

With 1,600 acres of natural beauty, the low-density community offers residents and visitors a private, enriching oceanfront lifestyle. The property features two pristine white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and high elevations capturing dramatic ocean views with amenities including a David McLay Kidd signature golf course, beach club, world-class spa and a five-star boutique hotel. Future phases of the development include a first-rate marina and equestrian community as well as ecological, cultural and adventure sports areas and a family center.

One of the major guiding principles for Guacalito de la Isla is a dedication to conservation and giving back for the greater good. The vision, planning, and design of the residential resort development followed this spirit, leaving a light footprint on the land through various renewable energy methods, the re-use of gray water and rainwater, and other sustainable building and daily living practices. Built with eco-friendly materials and the use of water capture areas of rain, the resort is between and surrounded by thousands of trees, including a 1-million pound, 150-year-old Guanacaste tree that was transplanted at the entrance of the complex. All told, the construction crew has already transplanted 1,500 trees to avoid cutting anything down, and newly planted 75,000 trees in a nursery that will be used to reforest the site once construction is completed.

Life at Guacalito de la Isla also creates opportunities for learning and growth by inherently supporting locals who are in need. Pellas’ goal is to generate six jobs for every tourist who visits Guacalito de la Isla. Already, the development has 1,200 workers on payroll in preparation for the first tourists to arrive late this year. The surrounding community will certainly benefit economically, socially and environmentally with an improved quality of life.

The combination of world-class facilities and pure natural beauty will raise the bar for tourism in Nicaragua and remove the chains on the country's development potential. Phase two development includes the installation of a second hotel affiliated to an international franchise, establishing a commercial area, an airport for private jets and small marina, and the expansion of residential and recreational areas. Guacalito de la Isla is not only raising the standards for other tourism projects, but for Nicaragua itself.

EDSA created the overall master plan for the development and is providing detail design and
construction observation services for this project.

As one of the biggest projects ever proposed in Baltimore, the Red Line is a 14.1-mile, east-west transit line. The overarching purpose of the transportation initiative is to address traffic congestion, provide better connectivity to existing transit service, support new and future economic development and revitalization efforts, as well as address air quality issues.

In support of Governor Martin O'Malley's "Smart, Green & Growing" initiative, the Red Line would provide enhanced mobility to Baltimore's existing mass transportation systems. With 19 proposed stations and a $2.2 billion budget, the project is estimated for completion in 2030 and will service an average daily ridership of more than 57,000 commuters and residents.

Additionally, the Red Line’s success will be measured through the strengthening of communities, economic empowerment of the people, and promoting a healthy and attractive environment. These definitions of success are reflected through the addition of jobs, implementation of green initiatives, creation of community centered stations as well as maximized benefit and minimized impact to the communities along the corridor.

Strong believers that transit-oriented design is the key to a vibrant, liveable city, EDSA members of the Baltimore office are actively involved with the Red Line Now PAC; a group of citizen volunteers who are working to mobilize community support and advocate for legislation that will fund this project and other vital transit infrastructure investments.

Stretching 50 miles along Lake Superior's south shore, Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, is a hiker's dream and spectacular for camping. The name "Pictured Rocks" comes from the streaks of mineral stain that decorate the face of the weather-sculpted cliffs. Cliffs of ochre, tan, and brown – sandwiched with layers of white, green, orange, and black – glisten against the cloud-streaked sky and clear waters of Lake Superior. The mosaic of colors, textures and sights, only add to the beauty of the challenging scenic trails with rewarding, exhilarating views of pristine white beaches, cool water, game fishing and an occasional bear encounter.

Continuous research and self-learning with regard to our profession, the places in which we work and the business of our clients, helps us stay competitively poised for what we do, how we approach our work and why we remain passionate. The following are the latest editions to our bookshelves:

Tree Gardens: Architecture and the Forest, by Gina Crandell
Siftings 1939, by Jens Jensen
Tribal Leadership, by Dave Logan, John King, & Halee Fischer-Wright
Designing Disney, by John Henchhn Hench
The Shape of Green: Aesthetics, Ecology, and Design, by Lance Hoseyance Hosey
Landscape Architecture Now!, by Philip Jodidio