Land Concern

Santa Ana, Calif.

Village of Esencia
Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif.
As the lead landscape architect, Land Concern has assisted Rancho Mission Viejo in developing highly successful communities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, and Sendero. Continuing their legacy of designing unique recreational amenities Land Concern has been at the forefront of innovation, design, and implementation for the Village of Esencia. It is comprised of a diverse mix of neighborhoods each with unique characteristics. Land Concern has been the lead design firm to implement the "Ranch Life" ethos throughout the streetscapes, common area amenities, recreations centers, and agricultural areas. While each of these areas is unique, they all share common design principles of water efficiency, community character enhancement, visual interest, palette richness and suitability. Gems like the Outlook, Campout, Getaway, Hilltop Club and the Backyard center around outdoor play, lounging, social gathering, aquatic fun, creative endeavors, "glamping" and relaxation.

Village of Esencia
Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif.
As the lead landscape architect, Land Concern has assisted Rancho Mission Viejo in developing highly successful communities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, and Sendero. Continuing their legacy of designing unique recreational amenities Land Concern has been at the forefront of innovation, design, and implementation for the Village of Esencia. It is comprised of a diverse mix of neighborhoods each with unique characteristics. Land Concern has been the lead design firm to implement the "Ranch Life" ethos throughout the streetscapes, common area amenities, recreations centers, and agricultural areas. While each of these areas is unique, they all share common design principles of water efficiency, community character enhancement, visual interest, palette richness and suitability. Gems like the Outlook, Campout, Getaway, Hilltop Club and the Backyard center around outdoor play, lounging, social gathering, aquatic fun, creative endeavors, "glamping" and relaxation.

The Oaks Farms
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Located in the hills of charming San Juan Capistrano, The Oaks Farms by Davidson Communities is preserving the historic character of the region and creating a seamless experience that blends history with the existing local landscape. One of the primary goals was to bridge the presence of a world-class equestrian facility with a brand-new residential community, while celebrating the integrity and qualities that make each special. Previously owned by Joan Irvine Smith, the existing area was once a home to her horse breeding program and is considered an important part of the region. A unique connection between the historic San Juan Capistrano Para Adobe and the English Riding aesthetic was fused with local materials to become the guiding design principles for the site. Through the strategic placement of landscape features like adobe inspired monuments, natural stone walls, relocated site artifacts, and reclaimed materials, views looking into the equestrian facility were created and highlighted while also reflecting a refined rustic Southern California style for the 32 new homes in the community. One of the most beautiful features of the site is the mature Coast Live Oaks and California Sycamores gracing the property. Great care was taken to gauge health, inspect and catalogue each one in hopes of preserving or safely transporting them to work around the new construction and landscape design. It was a significant opportunity to be able to work with so many mature trees, which dramatically enhance the sense of place.

The Oaks Farms
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Located in the hills of charming San Juan Capistrano, The Oaks Farms by Davidson Communities is preserving the historic character of the region and creating a seamless experience that blends history with the existing local landscape. One of the primary goals was to bridge the presence of a world-class equestrian facility with a brand-new residential community, while celebrating the integrity and qualities that make each special. Previously owned by Joan Irvine Smith, the existing area was once a home to her horse breeding program and is considered an important part of the region. A unique connection between the historic San Juan Capistrano Para Adobe and the English Riding aesthetic was fused with local materials to become the guiding design principles for the site. Through the strategic placement of landscape features like adobe inspired monuments, natural stone walls, relocated site artifacts, and reclaimed materials, views looking into the equestrian facility were created and highlighted while also reflecting a refined rustic Southern California style for the 32 new homes in the community. One of the most beautiful features of the site is the mature Coast Live Oaks and California Sycamores gracing the property. Great care was taken to gauge health, inspect and catalogue each one in hopes of preserving or safely transporting them to work around the new construction and landscape design. It was a significant opportunity to be able to work with so many mature trees, which dramatically enhance the sense of place.

La Floresta

 
Brea, Calif.
Conceived as one of Southern California's first multigenerational communities, this was originally the site of the Unocal Research Facility. Due to the contamination of the soil during the development of oil exploration techniques this brownfield site had to be completely cleaned up before any construction could occur. The overall master planned residential community included over 1,200 both attached and detached single family homes, an assisted living facility, a Del Webb 55+ housing community with a dedicated recreation center, an all age community recreation swim club, a retail center, an apartment complex, and miles of pedestrian trails and community open space. Every pathway within the commonly maintained areas of the community is lined with a combination of drought tolerant and low water use plant material. Perimeter trails and streetscapes were woven into a Casa California styled themed landscape for connection to shopping and entertainment as well as the outdoor fitness and swim clubs. 100 of the original trees were boxed up and saved for use within the community streetscapes, roundabouts, and linear parks, creating a mature backdrop for encouraging residents to get outdoors and enjoy the lifestyle that Southern California is known for.

La Floresta
Brea, Calif.
Conceived as one of Southern California's first multigenerational communities, this was originally the site of the Unocal Research Facility. Due to the contamination of the soil during the development of oil exploration techniques this brownfield site had to be completely cleaned up before any construction could occur. The overall master planned residential community included over 1,200 both attached and detached single family homes, an assisted living facility, a Del Webb 55+ housing community with a dedicated recreation center, an all age community recreation swim club, a retail center, an apartment complex, and miles of pedestrian trails and community open space. Every pathway within the commonly maintained areas of the community is lined with a combination of drought tolerant and low water use plant material. Perimeter trails and streetscapes were woven into a Casa California styled themed landscape for connection to shopping and entertainment as well as the outdoor fitness and swim clubs. 100 of the original trees were boxed up and saved for use within the community streetscapes, roundabouts, and linear parks, creating a mature backdrop for encouraging residents to get outdoors and enjoy the lifestyle that Southern California is known for.

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Village of Esencia
Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif.
As the lead landscape architect, Land Concern has assisted Rancho Mission Viejo in developing highly successful communities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, and Sendero. Continuing their legacy of designing unique recreational amenities Land Concern has been at the forefront of innovation, design, and implementation for the Village of Esencia. It is comprised of a diverse mix of neighborhoods each with unique characteristics. Land Concern has been the lead design firm to implement the "Ranch Life" ethos throughout the streetscapes, common area amenities, recreations centers, and agricultural areas. While each of these areas is unique, they all share common design principles of water efficiency, community character enhancement, visual interest, palette richness and suitability. Gems like the Outlook, Campout, Getaway, Hilltop Club and the Backyard center around outdoor play, lounging, social gathering, aquatic fun, creative endeavors, "glamping" and relaxation.

2 / 6

Village of Esencia
Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif.
As the lead landscape architect, Land Concern has assisted Rancho Mission Viejo in developing highly successful communities such as Rancho Santa Margarita, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, and Sendero. Continuing their legacy of designing unique recreational amenities Land Concern has been at the forefront of innovation, design, and implementation for the Village of Esencia. It is comprised of a diverse mix of neighborhoods each with unique characteristics. Land Concern has been the lead design firm to implement the "Ranch Life" ethos throughout the streetscapes, common area amenities, recreations centers, and agricultural areas. While each of these areas is unique, they all share common design principles of water efficiency, community character enhancement, visual interest, palette richness and suitability. Gems like the Outlook, Campout, Getaway, Hilltop Club and the Backyard center around outdoor play, lounging, social gathering, aquatic fun, creative endeavors, "glamping" and relaxation.

3 / 6

The Oaks Farms
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Located in the hills of charming San Juan Capistrano, The Oaks Farms by Davidson Communities is preserving the historic character of the region and creating a seamless experience that blends history with the existing local landscape. One of the primary goals was to bridge the presence of a world-class equestrian facility with a brand-new residential community, while celebrating the integrity and qualities that make each special. Previously owned by Joan Irvine Smith, the existing area was once a home to her horse breeding program and is considered an important part of the region. A unique connection between the historic San Juan Capistrano Para Adobe and the English Riding aesthetic was fused with local materials to become the guiding design principles for the site. Through the strategic placement of landscape features like adobe inspired monuments, natural stone walls, relocated site artifacts, and reclaimed materials, views looking into the equestrian facility were created and highlighted while also reflecting a refined rustic Southern California style for the 32 new homes in the community. One of the most beautiful features of the site is the mature Coast Live Oaks and California Sycamores gracing the property. Great care was taken to gauge health, inspect and catalogue each one in hopes of preserving or safely transporting them to work around the new construction and landscape design. It was a significant opportunity to be able to work with so many mature trees, which dramatically enhance the sense of place.

4 / 6

The Oaks Farms
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
Located in the hills of charming San Juan Capistrano, The Oaks Farms by Davidson Communities is preserving the historic character of the region and creating a seamless experience that blends history with the existing local landscape. One of the primary goals was to bridge the presence of a world-class equestrian facility with a brand-new residential community, while celebrating the integrity and qualities that make each special. Previously owned by Joan Irvine Smith, the existing area was once a home to her horse breeding program and is considered an important part of the region. A unique connection between the historic San Juan Capistrano Para Adobe and the English Riding aesthetic was fused with local materials to become the guiding design principles for the site. Through the strategic placement of landscape features like adobe inspired monuments, natural stone walls, relocated site artifacts, and reclaimed materials, views looking into the equestrian facility were created and highlighted while also reflecting a refined rustic Southern California style for the 32 new homes in the community. One of the most beautiful features of the site is the mature Coast Live Oaks and California Sycamores gracing the property. Great care was taken to gauge health, inspect and catalogue each one in hopes of preserving or safely transporting them to work around the new construction and landscape design. It was a significant opportunity to be able to work with so many mature trees, which dramatically enhance the sense of place.

5 / 6

La Floresta
Brea, Calif.
Conceived as one of Southern California's first multigenerational communities, this was originally the site of the Unocal Research Facility. Due to the contamination of the soil during the development of oil exploration techniques this brownfield site had to be completely cleaned up before any construction could occur. The overall master planned residential community included over 1,200 both attached and detached single family homes, an assisted living facility, a Del Webb 55+ housing community with a dedicated recreation center, an all age community recreation swim club, a retail center, an apartment complex, and miles of pedestrian trails and community open space. Every pathway within the commonly maintained areas of the community is lined with a combination of drought tolerant and low water use plant material. Perimeter trails and streetscapes were woven into a Casa California styled themed landscape for connection to shopping and entertainment as well as the outdoor fitness and swim clubs. 100 of the original trees were boxed up and saved for use within the community streetscapes, roundabouts, and linear parks, creating a mature backdrop for encouraging residents to get outdoors and enjoy the lifestyle that Southern California is known for.

6 / 6

La Floresta
Brea, Calif.
Conceived as one of Southern California's first multigenerational communities, this was originally the site of the Unocal Research Facility. Due to the contamination of the soil during the development of oil exploration techniques this brownfield site had to be completely cleaned up before any construction could occur. The overall master planned residential community included over 1,200 both attached and detached single family homes, an assisted living facility, a Del Webb 55+ housing community with a dedicated recreation center, an all age community recreation swim club, a retail center, an apartment complex, and miles of pedestrian trails and community open space. Every pathway within the commonly maintained areas of the community is lined with a combination of drought tolerant and low water use plant material. Perimeter trails and streetscapes were woven into a Casa California styled themed landscape for connection to shopping and entertainment as well as the outdoor fitness and swim clubs. 100 of the original trees were boxed up and saved for use within the community streetscapes, roundabouts, and linear parks, creating a mature backdrop for encouraging residents to get outdoors and enjoy the lifestyle that Southern California is known for.

In business for over 40 years, this landscape architectural firm was founded in 1974 by Rob Sawyer and then known as Robert M. Sawyer and Associates. Located in Costa Mesa, Calif., the firm eventually outgrew its small office space and in 1980 moved to their current location, and changed the name to Land Concern, LTD. There are four principals, each of whom are licensed landscape architects: Rob Sawyer, ASLA, Mike Imlay, ASLA, Andy Bowden, FASLA and Mike Sweeney.

In addition, there are nine staff members, three of whom are also licensed landscape architects. This includes one senior associate, one associate, three project managers, and two designers.

The firm provides a myriad of services and offers everything from schematic / conceptual designs to full construction documents, construction details, on-site construction observation and consultant coordination. While the early work of the firm was primarily model home and community landscape design, it has evolved to include recreational amenity design, golf course and community club facility design, and more notably, master planned residential community design.

Land Concern has garnered over 60 awards over the years for the work that we've done for many of our builder clients. Most recently, we were awarded a Gold Nugget Grand Award - Best Landscape Architecture for a Community at the 2019 Pacific Coast Builders Conference for the Village of Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif. as well as a Gold Nugget Grand Award - Best Recreational Use Facility at the 2018 Pacific Coast Builders Conference for The Hilltop Club at Esencia, Rancho Mission Viejo, Calif.
Our clients include many of the major homebuilders and developers in the Southern California region as well as the Southwest such as Shea Homes, William Lyon Homes, Meritage Homes, Shopoff Realty Investments, Pulte Homes, Davidson Communities, Chevron Land and Development, and Rancho Mission Viejo Company.

As seen in LASN magazine, November 2019.

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