community-focused landscape architect

Creating dynamic, safe, and imaginative play spaces for children of all ages and abilities is a specialty at Nancy Owens Studio in New York City. Our playground design service goes beyond standard equipment layouts; we craft environments that stimulate physical activity, social interaction, and creative exploration. We work closely with community groups, schools, and park departments to understand the unique needs of each neighborhood.

Our process begins with a thorough site analysis and community engagement to gather input from future users. We then develop conceptual designs that incorporate inclusive play elements, durable materials, and sustainable landscaping. Safety is paramount, and all our designs adhere to or exceed CPSC and ASTM standards. From whimsical custom play structures to naturalistic play areas that blend with the landscape, we build spaces where childhood memories are made. Choosing our firm means partnering with experienced landscape architects who understand how to weave play, nature, and community into every project.

Nancy Owens Studio provides forward-thinking green infrastructure and masterplanning services for New York City and beyond, helping communities and private developers build resilient, environmentally responsible futures. Our green infrastructure designs manage stormwater naturally through bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs, reducing runoff pollution and enhancing urban ecology.

Our masterplanning work establishes a long-term vision for land use, open space, and connectivity. We analyze site conditions, regulatory frameworks, and community goals to create comprehensive plans that guide sustainable growth and development. This service is ideal for large-scale residential communities, institutional campuses, municipal parks departments, and brownfield redevelopment projects. We integrate principles of sustainability, accessibility, and beauty into every plan, ensuring that projects are not only viable today but are adaptable for generations to come. Our expertise in New York City's unique urban context allows us to navigate complex challenges and deliver plans that are both visionary and practical.

Tell your site's unique story through our specialized interpretive signage and cultural exhibit design services. At Nancy Owens Studio in New York City, we design and plan installations that educate, engage, and connect visitors to the history, ecology, or significance of a place. This service is perfect for museums, historic sites, parks, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions.

We begin by deeply researching the narrative, collaborating with historians, ecologists, and your team. We then develop a cohesive design strategy that integrates signage, exhibits, and the surrounding landscape seamlessly. Our designs consider durability for outdoor exposure, accessibility for all visitors, and visual clarity. From wayfinding systems that guide exploration to immersive exhibits that bring history to life, we create meaningful connections between people and place. By choosing our firm, you benefit from a multidisciplinary approach that blends landscape architecture with graphic design and storytelling, ensuring your message is communicated powerfully and beautifully.