Christina Hite RLA, ASLA

Christina Hite, president of DH+P, has more than 26 years of experience in planning and landscape architecture. Established in 1994, DH+P is a progressive, award-winning landscape architecture firm. The firm's work includes streetscapes, parks, urban design, multi-modal transportation systems, mixed-use infill, land planning, and all forms of residential, multifamily and hospitality projects. DH+P is internationally recognized and has completed projects in 13 states, including Hawaii. Stewardship of the environment is the foundation of her and DH+P's work. Clients consistently return to DH+P, in large measure, because of its commitment to sustainable design, both from a land planning perspective and through its many detailed architecture models. It maintains an emphasis on low-impact development and a Florida water-wise approach to landscape design, which combines a native drought-tolerant landscape with a low-volume irrigation system. DH+P's designs and presentations speak to the environment, and are expressed visually through high-quality hand and digital illustrations. Clients benefit from its studio structure and collective experience, allowing the company to tailor responses and designs to each client's needs.

Firms
Dix.Hite + Partners Inc. (DH+P), Longwood, Fla.

Work Experience
President of Dix.Hite + Partners (DH+P), spring of 1996 to present; associate, project manager at Post, Buckley, Schuh and Jernigan, Inc., 1988 to 1996.

Licenses
Florida #1340; Virginia #0406001684; Delaware #S1-0000496; South Carolina #755; Georgia #1536; Tennessee #960; Illinois #157001473; Hawaii #15719

Education
Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, University of Georgia, 1987; UGA Studies Abroad Program, Cortona, Italy, 1987; UF Studies Abroad Program, Bali, Indonesia, 2010; master's degree in landscape architecture, University of Florida, 2012, with her thesis on the effectiveness of community participation strategies in the developing regions of Southeast Asia

Professional Affiliations
American Society of Landscape Architects; U.S. Green Building Council, LEED AP; Urban Land Institute

Current Projects
Hite is presently principal-in-charge of several large-scale developments in Florida, including Starkey Ranch, a 5,000-acre mixed-use project in Pasco County; Ravaudage in Winter Park; the Crescent LYNX Central Station in Orlando; and Oviedo on the Park in Oviedo

SunRail, Central Florida

SunRail is part of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Transit system, which covers a 61-mile stretch of rail freight tracks. It links DeBary to Poinciana and serves three counties. DH+P was responsible for site plan coordination, pedestrian circulation, landscape, hardscape and irrigation design for 10 park and ride stations and six urban stations along this rail transit route. The landscape palette focuses on native plant material, determined by evaluating existing soils and historic vegetative communities. SunRail service began on May 1, 2014 with over 10,000 passengers riding the trains on opening day. Current ridership is about 3,200 people per day. Instead of building an entirely new rail line, the state of Florida purchased the 61 miles of existing rail line from CSX Transportation. Ground was broken at the Altamonte Springs station on Jan. 27, 2012, marking the official beginning of construction of phase one of the SunRail project.

Central Station, Orlando, Fla.

Central Station, at 6.4 acres, sits in the heart of downtown Orlando, Fla. The site is bound by West Amelia Street, North Orange Avenue, West Livingston Street, and the LYNX Central Station SunRail platform. The block will contain a six-story, 279-unit mixed-use, transit-oriented development, situated next to the LYNX-Central Station SunRail platform. The project contains park, plaza and trail components, and will be a hub to the LYNX Regional Intermodal Center, the Orange County Courthouse and downtown Orlando's regional bikeway system, known as Gertrude's Walk. DH+P paid close attention to the interaction between bicycle, pedestrian, bus and commuter train users.

Oviedo on the Park, Oviedo, Fla.

Oviedo on the Park is the new urban core for the city of Oviedo. The six-acre central community park is the centerpiece for new residential and retail venues, as well as an outdoor "living room" for all Oviedo residents. The park is connected to the historic town center to the north, and a nearby wetland served as the inspiration for the park's overall character and the public buildings. Working in conjunction with the city of Oviedo and Projects for Public Spaces, DH+P facilitated public workshops. DH+P led the team through the overall vision, design and implementation process. Park amenities include a community amphitheater and multi-purpose lawn area, children's play area, areas for educational opportunities, an interactive water feature area and a lake front promenade. Oviedo on the Park opened in May 2015.

Artisan Park, Celebration, Fla.

Artisan Park is a village in the town of Celebration, Fla. Components include 15 parks, streetscapes and a recreation center. DH+P led the project and provided the inspiration behind the arts-and-crafts style of architecture. Artisan Park incorporates unique hardscape and landscape features, and is a model of low-impact design. The park serves as the central drainage basin and provided a large open play space. It directs storm water to a series of rain gardens that filter runoff. The open space is defined by a series of walls that showcase pieces by local artisans.

Q&A

1. What was the pivotal or motivating factor(s) that made you choose a career in landscape architecture?
I grew up in a small rural town in Connecticut. I had easy access to enjoy beautiful natural areas, woods, streams and meadows. I spent hours exploring these places and spending time outdoors. Being in these special places always made me feel good and gave me time to watch and reflect. This amazing environment was further nurtured by my friendship with two women neighbors that were avid gardeners who taught me a lot about plants - how to grow them and the many species that existed in the garden and in the wild. I spent many afternoons helping weed, plant and harvest. In fact, we started a huge vegetable garden together in my parent's yard. I have always been interested in making things: crafts, jewelry, pottery, etc. When I was in high school I started working for a landscape gardener in our town. We worked on country estates, planting, making stone walls, etc. The combination of my desire to create, his knowledge and sense of design coupled with the early influence of my neighbors led me straight to landscape architecture. I have been on this path since I was 13! And I continue to love what I do every day!

2. What in particular do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost I love seeing our ideas come to life. I Iove the process of creation and walking through the final spaces and, even better, seeing people use places our firm has created. I think my passion for the work is a large part of my success, but that is combined with a very strong sense of collaboration with our clients. I have always focused on the business side of our practice. Without a relevant business model we would not be able to do the work we do, attract a team of talented people and the ability to give back to the community.

3. What career advice would you give to a recently graduated landscape architectural student?
I would suggest that they get as much exposure to design as possible. Visit projects and construction sites; go to lectures related to our field. It is a steep learning curve after a person graduates to become a well-rounded landscape architect; it is not all going to come from the office they work in. I would also read a lot about what is happening in our industry. Stay tuned into design trends, new ideas, innovation.... and be collaborative!