The Mitchell Nelson Group by John Nelson, FASLA The 900-acre West Delta Park includes Heron Lakes Golf Course, Portland International Roadway and abundant natural resources. The firm redesigned the entire racetrack facility to allow Indy-car races to begin in 1984. Mitchell Nelson has provided continuous master planning and design services for the 235-acre Amberglen development since 1989. The plan will allow for 2.8-million square feet of office space planned within a web of open spaces and a central park. The development is in heavy demand by Portland's growth companies like Intel and Nike, and was honored with the Best Master Plan award from the National Association of Industrial Office Parks. The Mitchell Nelson Group provides highly specialized professional services that are focused on master planning major private and public developments. Specific services include Landscape Architecture, land use planning and project management, and civil engineering. The firm has evolved from its beginnings in Eugene, Oregon, more than thirty years ago, to be a recognized leader in strategic planning, creative site planning, and traditional Landscape Architecture. In a business environment dominated by large national firms, the company remains focused on providing clients with highly experienced individuals who possess key skills for the execution of planning and design services. "We prefer to begin our work with the master plan. Only by starting with a blank slate can we provide our client with the very best planning, design and execution during construction. We did this 25 years ago, and we continue to do it today," explains Principal Tom Nelson, ASLA. Kitty Firth, ASLA, Manager of Landscape Architecture Services, continues, "Grading, planting and irrigation; these are the three legs that support the plan. We enjoy seeing the finished product even when our master plans can take years to evolve. We don't want to forget the simple rule; we are judged by what it looks like!" The firm has an enviable record of successfully completed projects-- and receipt of over thirty design awards-- which have been cost effective, provided major civic improvements, and contributed to our environment through wise and creative land use design. John Nelson, one of the firm's founders, has served as a member of the ASLA Board of Trustees representing the Oregon Chapter. He was the Chapter President, and has served as a member of the Oregon Board of Landscape Architect Examiners. Thomas Nelson, also a founder, served as Oregon Chapter President, and was a member of the Washington State landscape Architects Board. Principal John Nelson concludes, "Portland has been a great experience for us. Tom and I started out when Portland's now famous river greenway, transit mall, urban squares, and fountains were just design problems for students. Growth pressures were non-existent. The concept of greenspaces was unknown in this environment of unbroken greenery. However, those early leaders were forward looking. The profession has a lot more work to do now, and must stay visionary!" lasn