Planning Design Studio (PDS) is an employee-owned planning, urban design and landscape architectural firm in the historic Raeder Place Building on Laclede's Landing in St. Louis.

The firm is lead by principals Noel Fehr, ASLA and Daniel Bockert, ASLA, who oversee a staff of eight. L. Andrew Franke, ASLA, LEED GA, and Jeffrey Nilges, ASLA, are also founding members.

Since PDS opened for business 10 years ago it has focused on creative, sustainable and economical design for parks and recreation, greenways, transportation enhancements and waterfronts. A quarter of the staff is LEED AP certified.

Riverfront and Marina District, Alton, Illinois
PDS has assisted Alton in its efforts to renew and revitalize its riverfront over the last two decades. These efforts have focused on the preparation of the planning and design of a master plan, a public participation program, multiple facilities including a 300-slip marina, an excursion boat mooring, a river-walk promenade, an amphitheater, a public fountain plaza, pavilions, parks, pedestrian walkways and a pedestrian bridge connection to the historic downtown area. The staff also assisted the city with a marina feasibility analysis, marina developer selection, as well as design guidelines and implementation of well over $30 million in public and private redevelopment on the riverfront. The project management and urban design services for development of the amphitheater were led by PDS staff while employees of Parsons, the design firm of record.

 

Greenways and Trails, St. Louis, Mo.
Communities today appreciate the value of comprehensive greenways and trails that connect people to recreation, neighborhoods, work and schools. PDS landscape architects completed the trail alignment plans for two greenways in St. Louis, leading the design team that prepared the contract documents for construction of 6.5 miles of trails and over 1,250 feet of pedestrian bridges. PDS also provided construction period services.

Kirkwood Park, Kirkwood, Missouri In 2004, the Kirkwood Park Board embarked on an ambitious 10-year master plan for its 400-acre park system. PDS landscape architects completed the master plan for the park and lead the design team that prepared the contract documents for construction of numerous play areas, pavilions and lake renovation projects in the park. PDS also provided construction period services. A series of improvements known as "The Ridge" were identified in the plan as the first implementation project. Developed in four phases, the impressive list of improvements included a new concession stand; three new comfort stations; playgrounds; a renovated historic pavilion and several stand alone pavilions. The planning and design improvements to the Kirkwood Parks system received a design award from the ASLA Saint Louis Chapter. Featured in LASN March 2013 https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/114761/89

Family Sports Park, O'Fallon, Illinois
PDS landscape architects completed the master plan for the 200-acre sports park and lead the design team that prepared the contract documents for construction of over $18 million in 3 phases of improvements. PDS also provided construction period services for all phases. The play area and splash pad at Family Sports Park in O'Fallon, Ill., has been a signature community destination since opening in 2012. The site provides an oasis of play activities for all ages, kids and adults. Featured in LASN Sept. 2013 https://landscapearchitect.com/research/article/18274

Private Residence, Saint Louis, Mo.
For the "Lions Gate" residence PDS Landscape Architects prepared layout, grading and planting plans, car court and terrace plans, fountain and reflecting pool plans, details for site walls, steps, entry gates, and crushed granite and precast paver walks. The technical specifications and contract documents were prepared by PDS with input from the other team members. PDS also provided construction period services. Featured in LASN Jan. 2014 https://landscapearchitect.com/research/article.php/18761

Missouri Botanical Garden – Shaw Blvd. Streetscape, Saint Louis, Mo.
Concept development plans through final design and construction documents were completed by PDS for the entryway streetscape along Shaw Avenue between Vandeventer and Tower Grove avenues. The client's goals were promoting pedestrian connectivity between the garden entry and satellite parking areas west of the entryway corridor; providing aesthetic improvements to create a strong visual identity to their entryway corridor; demonstrating sustainable streetscape design techniques; and preserving the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Project improvements included widened sidewalks; entry corner plazas; pedestrian lighting; tree and native plantings; signing; walls; and ornamental fencing and related infrastructure. Sustainable design elements included permeable pavement, rain gardens and use of recycled materials.