Studio Balcones

Studio Balcones Landscape Architecture & Urbanism

Breathe in, May is National Clean Air Month! Let's celebrate the silent heroes of our atmosphere: TREES! Trees do so muc...
05/29/2025

Breathe in, May is National Clean Air Month! Let's celebrate the silent heroes of our atmosphere: TREES! Trees do so much for us. Not only are they pretty to look at:

🌳 they provide shade
🌳 they sequester carbon
🌳 they cool air via evapotranspiration reducing urban heat island
🌳 they clean water and air
🌳 AND they provide habitat and beauty

Read more about how trees are our silent but steadfast allies in the battle against climate change: studiobalcones.com/the-vital-role-of-trees-in-carbon-sequestration

Five City of Austin Fire and EMS Stations are now enhanced with landscapes that support the vital work of first responde...
05/27/2025

Five City of Austin Fire and EMS Stations are now enhanced with landscapes that support the vital work of first responders while contributing to a greener, more resilient community. 🌳

Our designs prioritize native and drought-tolerant plantings, offering low-maintenance beauty that thrives in Austin's challenging climate. Permeable paving ensures stormwater is managed sustainably, while thoughtfully placed shade trees create outdoor spaces for relaxation and restoration for these hardworking teams.

Each station reflects a balance of form and function, where landscapes aren’t just a backdrop—they're an integral part of the station’s mission to protect and serve.

📍 Locations: Del Valle Fire 50/ EMS 31, Travis Country Fire 51/ EMS 40, Goodnight Ranch Fire 53/ EMS 42, Davenport Fire 60/ EMS 45, and Canyon Creek Fire and APD Substation

🌱 Key Features:
Native and adaptive plantings
Permeable paving for stormwater management
Restorative outdoor spaces
We’re proud to contribute to landscapes that support the city’s heroes while promoting sustainability. 💚

Read more about the stations on our website! studiobalcones.com/projects/five-city-of-austin-fire-and-ems-stations/

Let us know which of these fire stations you've spotted around town! 🚒✨

Transforming Littlefield Café’s Patio into a UT Campus Oasis: Once a dated, divided space, the patio now offers a seamle...
05/24/2025

Transforming Littlefield Café’s Patio into a UT Campus Oasis: Once a dated, divided space, the patio now offers a seamless and welcoming outdoor retreat for students to gather, study, and relax.⁠
⁠
🌳 Enhanced Usability: Doubling café seating and creating better circulation by opening up the space.⁠
☕ Timeless Shade: Leveraging the canopy of two heritage Live Oak trees, including a new artificial turf lawn that forms an inviting “room” beneath the oaks.⁠
🌿 Modern Touches: A stunning steel shade structure, designed by Beck Architecture, complements the historic facade and adds functionality.⁠
Improved Accessibility: Universal access and enhanced circulation ensure inclusivity and ease of movement.⁠
💰 Budget-Smart Solutions: Preserving key retaining walls while introducing modern board-form concrete walls for seating and framing the space.⁠
🌱 Native plantings bring seasonal color and vibrancy, enhancing this highly visible campus gateway. It’s a transformation that balances history, function, and sustainability.⁠
⁠

When it comes to serving up a slice, Home Slice Pizza knows how to deliver and their North Loop location brings that sam...
05/22/2025

When it comes to serving up a slice, Home Slice Pizza knows how to deliver and their North Loop location brings that same energy to their outdoor spaces! We teamed up with Home Slice to create a vibrant, welcoming landscape that complements the iconic pizza joint’s fun and laid-back vibe.

🍕Native & Adaptive Plants: Low-maintenance greenery brings life and color year-round, with plants that thrive in the Central Texas climate.
🍕Patio Perfection: Thoughtfully designed outdoor seating encourages gathering and enhances the community feel.
🍕Street Appeal: Inviting entry spaces make this a standout spot for neighbors and visitors alike.

We loved crafting a space where great pizza and great company come together in a setting that’s as delicious as the menu. Next time you're in the North Loop, swing by for a slice and check out the landscaping!

Check out more about this project: studiobalcones.com/projects/home-slice-pizza-north-loop

🎤 Exciting news! Our very own Rebecca is speaking in the upcoming ASLA SKILL | ED webinar series, How to Speak Developer...
05/20/2025

🎤 Exciting news! Our very own Rebecca is speaking in the upcoming ASLA SKILL | ED webinar series, How to Speak Developer — and you won’t want to miss it!

Rebecca will share her expertise in Course 3: Effective Communication + Engagement in the Development Process — diving into how landscape architects can confidently navigate conversations with developers, consultants, and agencies. 💬✨

✅ Learn to communicate with impact
✅ Build trust with stakeholders
✅ Lead meaningful engagement throughout the process

🌟 Bonus: This is part of a 3-part series designed for emerging + mid-career pros who want to boost their skills and earn 3 PDH (LA CES non-HSW) — plus, all sessions are recorded!

📅 May 28–30
👉 Sign up: https://learn.asla.org/products/asla-skill-ed-how-to-speak-developer

With summer just around the corner, we’re revisiting our blog on designing landscapes that keep us cool and comfortable ...
05/17/2025

With summer just around the corner, we’re revisiting our blog on designing landscapes that keep us cool and comfortable in the heat. From shading techniques to cooling materials, thoughtful landscape design can help combat rising temperatures and create spaces that stay enjoyable all season long. 🌞➡️🌬️

Take a look at how we’re using sustainable strategies to create more resilient, cooler environments for our communities. 🌳🌿

💡 Read the full post here: studiobalcones.com/designing-cool

It's time for another ✨🌿We’re looking back at the Trails at Vintage Creek Playgrounds, one of our favorite collaborati...
05/15/2025

It's time for another ✨🌿

We’re looking back at the Trails at Vintage Creek Playgrounds, one of our favorite collaborations with , completed in 2014 in Northeast Austin.

As part of an UrbanLift grant, we developed a landscape master plan focused on Nature & Play, reconnecting residents to the outdoors while addressing flooding + erosion challenges on site.

Project highlights:
🌳 Nature-inspired play areas woven among existing trees
🏞️ A dry creek to manage stormwater + erosion
🎨 Collaborations with local artists + volunteers for custom signage + gardens
👧👵 Play + gathering spaces designed for all ages

It’s been so rewarding to see how this landscape continues to foster connection, learning, and joy in the community! 💚

Three Lionheart team members presented at the recent Texas ASLA Conference, bringing their insight, creativity, and expe...
05/13/2025

Three Lionheart team members presented at the recent Texas ASLA Conference, bringing their insight, creativity, and expertise to two fantastic sessions!

✨ Worldbuilding: What Fantasy Storytellers Teach Us About Planning and Designing With Communities
Andrew Lesmes joined José Eduardo Sánchez (Tecolotl) + Madeleine Pelzel (Huitt-Zollars) to explore how the art of storytelling can deepen community engagement and inspire more meaningful design.

🌿 SITES in Action: Sustainable Landscape Practices Across Urban Austin
Michael Meihaus & Ilse Frank shared lessons from two Austin projects, Pharr Tennis Center + Richard Moya Bus Plaza, highlighting how the SITES framework is transforming public spaces through sustainability and resilience.

We’re proud to see our team helping shape the conversation on the future of landscape architecture! 💥💬

We wanted to share a few more photos from this special day and project — we’re so proud to see it all come together!We e...
05/10/2025

We wanted to share a few more photos from this special day and project — we’re so proud to see it all come together!

We enjoyed celebrating the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Roger Lavon Taylor Sr. Plaza, honoring Austin’s aviation history and providing a welcoming place for all to enjoy. It’s been an honor to contribute to the design vision of this plaza, and we can’t wait to see it come to life with visitors, gatherings, and everyday moments of connection.

A huge thank you to our collaborators and everyone who helped bring this project to fruition! ✈️✨ Head over and check it out!

Client: Catellus
Architect: Studio8
Civil: Civilitude
Structural: AEC
MEP: Encotech
Irrigation: JAS
RAS: Development Associates of Texas
Lighting: Oldner
Contractor: Flynn

Learn more about the project here: studiobalcones.com/projects/roger-lavon-taylor-sr-plaza

🌿 Mark your calendars! 🌿For The Love of Parks 2025📅 May 17, 2025📍 Richard Moya Park, East Austin⏰ 11 AM – 3 PMWe’re exci...
05/08/2025

🌿 Mark your calendars! 🌿

For The Love of Parks 2025
📅 May 17, 2025
📍 Richard Moya Park, East Austin
⏰ 11 AM – 3 PM

We’re excited to spread the word about the 3rd annual For the Love of Parks Festival — a free, family-friendly celebration of the incredible Travis County parks!

Come out for:
🎶 Live music from Bidi Banda + Los Texmaniacs
🌳 Outdoor activities + workshops
🦋 Hands-on nature programming for all ages

It’s the perfect way to explore our 27 county parks and discover fresh ways to connect with nature. 🌞💚

Learn more at or check the link in bio! https://traviscountyparksfoundation.org/events

“The opportunity to transform a long disused and barren piece of land into a natural and inviting setting through the ma...
05/06/2025

“The opportunity to transform a long disused and barren piece of land into a natural and inviting setting through the magic of native sustainable plantings and innovative hydrology was a very satisfying part of this project for CARTS and a great addition to the Eastside Bus Plaza’s public value and utility. It is a testament to the skills of the landscape architect and the value of an informed approach to sustainability. “
— Dave Marsh, General Manager, CARTS

Now that's what he like to hear! 🥳
Learn more about this project: studiobalcones.com/projects/capital-area-rural-transportation-system-bus-plaza

It’s been 4 incredible years with Kat as part of our team, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything she's achieved. From...
05/03/2025

It’s been 4 incredible years with Kat as part of our team, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything she's achieved. From her *incredible* grading skillz, and ability to make every residential client happy with her designs, to her commitment to sustainable, resilient landscapes, Kat embodies what makes our team great. 🐱

Today, we celebrate her talent, hard work, and the joy she brings to our studio each day. Here’s to more years of impactful projects and continued inspiration. We’re lucky to have you, Kat! 💫

Help us congratulate Kat on their milestone by dropping a “👏” below! 🎉

Address

3908 Avenue B
Austin, TX

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15123838815

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Studio Balcones posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Studio Balcones:

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Studio Balcones

Studio Balcones designs landscapes that inspire and create connections between people, nature and urban life. Based in Austin, Texas, we create outdoor environments that are context-sensitive and beautiful, with moments of the unexpected.