Hawthorn School Science Courtyard, Hawthorn

Hawthorn Elementary wanted an outdoor courtyard. As the science classes look out onto the space, 3D Design Studio designed a solar system model built and painted to scale. The classroom represents the diameter of the sun. A time line illustrates the Big Bang to the present with each brick representing 10 million years. A flagpole doubles as a sundial and provides elements of a magnetically correct compass. A state trail with markers describes the state bird, fish, tree, grass and fossils.

Arlington Heights Friendship Corner, Arlington Heights, Ill.

The Village of Arlington Heights has a corner where two arterial roads intersect and face the central downtown. This parcel of land was an abandoned gas station and the intent was to renovate this piece into a commemoration of the founding father of Arlington Heights, Charles Dunton. The park was designed primarily for viewing by the 47,000 cars that zip past the sight every day, but also creates a beautiful reminder that landscape architecture is an important aspect to our generally hurried and busied lives.

Central Park, Grayslake, Ill.

This 66 acre park near downtown Grayslake has been developed in several phases over the past few years. The park was originally master planned and then systematically implemented over yearly phases. The last phase of development included an elaborate performance amphitheatre, an interactive water spray park, a community scaled playground, two fishing piers that hover over the water, a lighted game quality football field, two lighted softball fields, a loop walking trails system, bocce courts, horseshoes, shuffleboard court, a 9-hole disc golf course and a custom restroom/concessions/storage building.