Environs, Inc.
San Diego

Martin Schmidt founded Environs Landscape Architecture, Inc. in 1989. For over 20 years the firm has designed landscapes appropriate to the Southern California’s Mediterranean climate. Environs specializes in personalized landscapes and outdoor spaces that incorporate conservation of natural resources and reduction of energy consumption and pollution. Project types range from small scale to estate residential, HOA/urban design, commercial, institutional, streetscapes, turf renovation, corporate campuses and public works facilities. Principal: Martin Schmidt, and a staff of three.

Duck Pond Residence, San Diego
Located on a peninsula of the Los Penasquitos Open Space Preserve, this three-acre site originally housed two separate lots with six different graded pad areas. The challenge was to create a continuous, fluid landform by designing a landscape that transitioned from the residence’s desired tropical/resort landscape to the surrounding native vegetation. The design team worked together on the placement of buildings, the creation and the design of the landform, the grading, the walls and all the site features. The landscape design evolves from a palm oasis resort, to Mediterranean climate plantings, to endangered coastal maritime scrub habitat that is indigenous to this estate.

Scripps Corporate Center, San Diego
Scripps Corporate Center was originally an office building built in the early 1970s and in need of attention and upgrading. Environs began renovation in 2008 using the client’s vision to create a green, Zen-like environment for employees and visitors. Along the east edge, the eucalyptus trees were thinned and shaped in an attempt to highlight the architecture. The entrance layout was altered for the duel purpose of landscape embellishment and the creation of a tranquil employee use area. Vegetation was planted to highlight the overall scope of the project by tying in the architecture and the land. The current irrigation system was replaced with a recycled water service and low-use irrigation, which has resulted in a sign

464 Prospect, La Jolla
Located on a large parcel between Prospect Street and Coast Boulevard and adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, 464 Prospect was originally the site of the Scripps Memorial Hospital. Now a historical landmark, it has been renovated and expanded to include a village of one and two-story luxury villas. Following a construction-defect lawsuit, Environs was retained to address project issues. The firm recommended the plant palette be altered and installed the latest technology in irrigation, transforming the site to reflect the concerns and passions of the owners and residents. Phasing was divided to address the immediate needs of the construction-defect and then continued with onsite supervision during construction for the courtyards, promenade, streetscape, rooftop gardens and a private alley that bisects the development.