Business Details
33 Years
experience
Sustainable Landscape Design Services in Austin, TX
Kelley Carolyn Landscape Architect is an Austin-based practice dedicated to collaborative and sustainable landscape design. With over thirty years of experience creating public landscapes in central Texas, we have completed notable projects at Austin's City Hall, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the University of Texas at Austin, and numerous parks, schools, and medical facilities. Our focus on sustainable design has resulted in LEED-certified projects that prioritize native and naturalized plants, regional materials, and high-efficiency irrigation systems. We specialize in water management techniques such as biofiltration and rain gardens, and have successfully designed green roofs. Our collaborative approach involves working closely with architects, engineers, clients, and public representatives to create functional and environmentally responsible spaces.Recognized for excellence through awards from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Austin Design Commission, we maintain a commitment to innovation and ecological stewardship. As a registered professional landscape architect in Texas and member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, our practice combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of local ecosystems. Our educational foundation includes a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Swarthmore College. This extensive experience ensures our clients receive designs that balance aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility. We remain actively engaged in advancing sustainable practices through ongoing professional development and community collaboration.
Services
Public Open Space Design
Environmental Restoration
Sustainable Landscape Design
Xeriscape Planting
Green Roof Implementation
Water Management Systems
Campus Planning
Riparian Restoration
Community Collaboration
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of Austin-specific landscape design expertise
- Pioneers in LEED-certified public space design
- Specialized in native plant ecosystems and water conservation
- Award-winning green roof and rain garden implementation
- Collaborative approach with architects and community stakeholders
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
- American Society of Landscape Architects
Services
Public Open Space Design
Creating functional public spaces that enhance community interaction while maintaining ecological balance. Our designs integrate native vegetation, accessible pathways, and sustainable infrastructure. Projects include award-winning parks, plazas, and recreational areas across central Texas.
Environmental Restoration
Revitalizing natural habitats through stream restoration, riparian buffer creation, and invasive species management. We employ bioengineering techniques to stabilize banks and improve water quality. Our projects restore ecological function while maintaining aesthetic value for public enjoyment.
Sustainable Landscape Design
Developing landscapes that minimize environmental impact through native plant selection, permeable paving, and renewable materials. Our approach reduces maintenance needs while supporting local biodiversity. Each design incorporates climate-responsive elements tailored to Texas conditions.
Xeriscape Planting
Designing drought-tolerant landscapes using native and naturalized plants that thrive in Texas climate. Our systems reduce irrigation needs by 50-75% through strategic plant grouping and efficient water management techniques adapted to local soil conditions.
Green Roof Implementation
Creating vegetated roof systems that provide insulation, stormwater management, and urban habitat. We design lightweight growing media and select appropriate plant species for Texas heat while ensuring structural integrity and long-term maintenance access.
People
Carolyn Kelley
Principal Landscape Architect
Registered Texas landscape architect with 30+ years experience in sustainable public space design. Holds MLA from University of Illinois and BA from Swarthmore College. Recipient of multiple design awards including Green Roofs for Healthy Cities recognition.
Questions
What types of landscape projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in public open spaces including parks, campuses, streetscapes, and environmental restoration projects with a focus on sustainable design.
Are your designs environmentally certified?
Yes, most of our projects achieve LEED certification through sustainable material selection, water conservation systems, and native plant integration.
How do you handle water conservation in designs?
We implement xeriscaping, rain gardens, biofiltration systems, and high-efficiency irrigation tailored to Texas climate conditions.
Can you work on private residential properties?
Our primary focus is public and institutional projects, though we occasionally collaborate on large-scale private developments.
What makes your firm different from other landscape architects?
Our unique combination of 30+ years local experience, environmental expertise, and collaborative design process creates award-winning sustainable spaces.
How do you involve the community in projects?
We conduct public workshops and collaborate with neighborhood groups to ensure designs reflect community needs and values.
