MESA Landscape Architects (MESA) provides award-winning work guided by a commitment to ecological stewardship. Since their inception in 1984, they have provided landscape architecture, planning, sustainable design, and horticulture services to clients worldwide. Their work has always centered around education, conservation, recreation, and restoration. Past projects have included: zoological and botanical gardens, parks, interpretive centers, and community visioning. Regardless of scale, every project contains a "Spirit of Place," and MESA sees it as their role to honor that spirit in the work they do. Over the past 40 years, MESA has been at the forefront of what is now referred to as sustainable practices, providing advocacy and leadership at local, state, regional, and international levels, laying the foundation for future generations of professionals to build on.


Palisades Overlook, Petit Jean State Park; Perry County, AR

Petit Jean State Park was established in 1923 as Arkansas' first State Park, but after almost a century, Arkansas State Parks wanted a safe and aesthetically pleasing alternative to the existing, unsafe natural outcrop. The result is the 1000-square-foot Palisades Overlook. After extensive research, a local sandstone was selected to blend with the existing outcropping, especially when viewed from other vantage points. Every attempt to "rest lightly" on the site was made so it is perceived as part of the landscape instead of in contrast with the surroundings. See LASN's October 2024 Hardscapes Issue to see a full-length feature on this project! PHOTO CREDIT: MARK A. ROBERTSON

 


Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo; Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park Zoo asked the design team to create a new environment reflective of the Upper Midwest's biome to educate children from the Chicago Metropolitan area about the wildlife close to home. The landscape serves as a collection point for runoff and diverts the water to infiltration wells. The living roofs are filled with native plants and, in addition to stormwater reduction, provide a pleasing view for the high rises overlooking Lincoln Park. The project includes over 24,000 native plants - including 600 trees - to interpret distinct Midwest ecotypes. The play and activity zones spread across the 1.5-acre site make the zoo fun as well as educational. PHOTO CREDIT: DOUG SNOWER & MARK A. ROBERTSON




Garvan Woodland Gardens; Hot Springs, AR

Garvan Woodland Gardens is considered the premier botanical garden in Arkansas. The 200-acre property was bequeathed to the University of Arkansas with the purpose of being a public garden committed to woodland plants and settings. MESA provided a revised master plan and the design of many of the well-known gardens that were part of the initial opening to the public. The firm worked alongside garden staff throughout the construction process to ensure the naturalistic features and water elements were brought to life. Their work was the foundation on which future garden improvements have been made for the public to enjoy over the past 25 years. PHOTO CREDIT: MARK A. ROBERTSON




Pulaski County Private Residence, AR

The owner of this private garden wanted something inspired by the Arts and Crafts Gardens of England. The garden blends the formal with the natural across seven individual spaces, including five water features and intimate walled gardens. The house opens onto a lawn with perimeter gardens, a sunken elliptical pool, and a display fountain. A series of smaller courtyard gardens emerge in a setting that creates the impression of a natural stream and pools. Details include custom-blended soil, hand-forged stainless steel panels, a koi pond, and a grotto. MESA provided design and project management services over the four-year process, and was on site almost daily during construction. PHOTO CREDIT: MARK A. ROBERTSON

As seen in LASN magazine, October 2025.