design studio
design studio
HG’s foundation is in creative problem solvers that employ a collaborative cross-discipline approach to ensure strong solutions for our clients. In our decades of design in Virginia, we have amassed a vast portfolio of work in all sectors, including healthcare, academic projects, residential, municipal, and private and public development.
Dave Gerstenmaier, PLA President and Director of Design For over 30 years, Dave has accumulated an extensive and award-winning portfolio in landscape architectural design and land planning in Virginia. He started his own firm in 1991, and built a reputation for effective project delivery balancing cost, time, and quality design. In 2000, he took the helm of H&G Landscape Architects in Richmond and catapulted the firm into the preeminent landscape architectural and land planning firm in the region. Clients appreciate Dave’s passion and responsiveness resulting from the small-size firm mindset, but creative ingenuity usually characteristic of a metropolitan practice that has distinguished the firm’s work. Through Dave’s creative land planning, and design of the courtyards and grounds at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center, the campus was designated “America’s Most Beautiful Hospital,” and in that same year, Dave was the recipient of The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture Impact Award for Landscape Architecture.
Charlene Harper, PE, LEED AP Director of Engineering and Design Partner Charlene has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of water resources and site development specializing in low impact development and innovative stormwater treatment designs, stormwater concepts for federal projects, and compliance strategies for MS-4 and industrial stormwater permit programs. Her work focuses on the reduction of environmental impacts due to the built environment both during and post-construction, as well as identifying opportunities for water quality and flood control retrofits. Charlene is an expert in the design and installation oversight of innovative stormwater treatment techniques such as green roofs, cisterns, permeable pavements, submerged gravel wetlands, and bioretention cells in addition to traditional treatment practices such as filters and basins. She has managed significant contracts for both public and private sector clients, using a collaborative project approach and management style.
Magnolia Green | Chesterfield County, VA
LOCATION Chesterfield County, VA CLIENT iStar Financial DATES Start: 2012 Completion: Under construction DISCIPLINES Landscape Architecture TEAM David Gerstenmaier, PLA Randy Biltz, PLA
Magnolia Green | Chesterfield County, VA HG Design Studio is providing landscape architecture for this multi-phased single-family home development located in western Chesterfield County, including landscape design and construction management for the clubhouse/sales center. We have also provided conceptual plans, construction documents, construction permit plans and construction administration services for multiple neighborhood entrances. In addition to the entrances, HG was contracted to provide a comprehensive landscape analysis, streetscape and buffer design, irrigation design coordination and construction administration for the major thoroughfares of the development. We continue to assist the Developer as the project continues to grow.
Harper’s Mill | Chesterfield County, VA HG Design Studio took a comprehensive approach to this vibrant community. Preservation areas were a key factor in envisioning the site’s amenities. The scenic environs have 240 acres of parks and over 25 miles of sidewalks and biking/walking trails, and HG kept all that in mind when creating schematics for the recreation complex, which includes a soccer field, resort-style pool, and clubhouse. We designed the pool to be suitable for the neighborhood, while keeping in mind the potential for future expansion. The property developer requested a fresh approach to the Harper’s Mill entrance. A two level water features departs from the mundane, and captures the scenic and relaxing setting that lies beyond.
LOCATION Chesterfield County, VA CLIENT HMG Investments, LLC DISCIPLINES Landscape Architecture DATES Start: 2014 Completion: 2015 TEAM David Gerstenmaier, PLA Randy Biltz, PLA Rick Gorrell, PLA
Harper’s Mill | Chesterfield County, VA
New Post | Spotsylvania, VA
New Post | Spotsylvania, VA
West Broad Village | Henrico County, VA
LOCATION Henrico County, VA
West Broad Village is a 115-acre mixed-use development located at West Broad Street and I-64 in western Henrico County, Virginia. The development combines residential, retail, office, hotel, and recreational uses all within a walkable community. HG Design Studio was retained by the developer during rezoning to work with the architect in developing an open space plan, conceptual park design, and landscape standards for streetscapes and screening. We prepared a comprehensive open space plan and conceptual designs for the main street park, community clubhouse and pool area, residential courtyards, and the linear park. The village buildings and open spaces connect through the urban streetscape network. Combining conceptual plans, images, and textual descriptions, the project team generated detailed design standards for the rezoning submittal.
CLIENT Unicorp National Developments, Inc. ARCHITECT Antunovich Associates DATES Start: 2004 Completion: 2015 DISCIPLINES Master Planning Landscape Architecture TEAM David Gerstenmaier, PLA
West Broad Village | Henrico County, VA
John Rolfe Square | Henrico County, VA HG was tasked early in the development process for this 55+ community in western Henrico to assist with rezoning. This process required creating illustrative exhibits to convey the clients intentions. To help the County planning commissioner and board of supervisor member understand our client’s vision, HG produced a bird’s eye flythrough video that took the viewer through the neighborhood in real time. It was a huge part of securing the desired zoning proffer changes requested. In addition, HG also met numerous times with adjacent property owners to address their concerns with stormwater runoff and landscape buffering. Charlene made a presentation to concerned citizens regarding plans for enhanced stormwater management practices both during and after construction.. The case was passed unanimously by the planning commission and board of supervisors, with adjacent neighborhood support. Additionally, during the land planning phase, HG had to solve the need for level home sites being placed on a rolling topography on a very tight land area due to this being an infill site. HG navigated a very challenging slope to accommodate the home sites while eliminating the need for expensive walls via stepping the homes as needed and adding walk out basements to take up the grade. Through clever layout of house pad sites and land sculpting, we were able to steppe the homes with the land, while still creating a cohesive neighborhood vibe. Without our innovation, the original zoning submittal had 25’ tall walls holding up the home sites at the rear of the property, and HG was able to substantially lower expense to the owner. HG also created a central park amenity for all homeowners to congregate and enjoy company of friends and neighbors. A pedestrian path system made up of concrete sidewalks and mulched trails connects the community as a whole. By providing amenity design options based on good, better, best, the client was able to make a decision balancing between producing a return for its investors while still designing a community with elegant amenities to attract the target market. Landscape architecture was a key component to creating beauty and function for homebuyers.
John Rolfe Square | Henrico County, VA
Click to view fly-through video
Proposed Entrance Concept
John Rolfe Square | Henrico County, VA
John Rolfe Square | Henrico County, VA
Founder’s Bridge | Chesterfield County, VA
Founder’s Bridge | Chesterfield County, VA
Chickahominy Falls | Hanover County, VA
Chickahominy Falls | Hanover County, VA
Magnolia Lakes | Chesterfield County, VA
Magnolia Lakes | Chesterfield County, VA
The Sauer Center Master Plan | Richmond, VA The Sauer Center is a 40 acre mixed-use city infill project anchored by a new Whole Foods store. HG Design Studio provided the master plan, which includes a 125unit apartment complex with high-end amenities and several office buildings such as the C.F Sauer Company headquarters, which will receive a complete renovation. Several of the buildings on the site are historic and will be fully restored while new buildings are also added. Efforts are being made to maintain an urban look and improve walkability by providing a pedestrian plaza and corridors throughout the site. The plan also includes a GRTC Pulse station, streetscaping along Broad Street, and a parking deck servicing the apartment complex and the historic Putney building. The entire site will be upgraded to be ADA accessible.
LOCATION Richmond, VA DATES Start: 2015 Completion: Under construction DISCIPLINES Master Planning Landscape Architecture TEAM Dave Gerstenmaier, PLA Rick Gorrell, PLA
The Sauer Center Master Plan | Richmond, VA
Tarrington | Chesterfield County, VA
Tarrington | Chesterfield County, VA Tarrington is a large community in Chesterfield County, Virginia. HG Design Studio worked on master planning for the neighborhood, entry signage design and planting, playgrounds, the recreation center and community park grounds, three pools, walking trails and a boardwalk bridge over a wetland.
LOCATION Chesterfield County, VA CLIENT E|Class Advisors, LLC DATES Start: 2001 Completion: 2007 DISCIPLINES Master Planning Landscape Architecture TEAM David Gerstenmaier, PLA AWARDS 2007 Homebuilders Association: Best Community Landscaping Best Community Signage Community of the Year
Tarrington | Chesterfield County, VA
Tarrington | Chesterfield County, VA
Wellesley Pool | Henrico County, VA HG Design Studio provided the Wellesley Homeowners Association with a full analysis of the existing pool complex to identify any deficiencies. As a result, we were tasked with redesigning the complex, providing a more up-todate pool and meeting all the current US swim safety standards. The new plans included rebuilding the baby pool with a beach entry, sun deck, and interactive water features.
LOCATION Henrico County, VA CLIENT Wellesley Homeowners Association ARCHITECT Antunovich Associates DATES Start: 2004 Completion: 2015 DISCIPLINES Master Planning Landscape Architecture TEAM David Gerstenmaier, PLA Randy Biltz, PLA
Semmes Avenue Site | Richmond, VA
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CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN
SEMMES AVENUE SITE RICHMOND,VA
JANUARY 30, 2018
LOCATION Chesterfield County, VA CLIENT Stylecraft Homes DATES Start: 2012 Completion: Under construction DISCIPLINES Landscape Architecture TEAM David Gerstenmaier, PLA Randy Biltz, PLA
The Landing at Swift Creek | Moseley, VA
When StyleCraft Homes decided to build a luxury residential community along the Swift Creek Reservoir, HG Design Studio understood what the discriminating demographic would appreciate and expect. The Landing at Swift Creek design plan not only enhanced the already the peaceful, wooded setting on which the charming neighborhood of spacious houses was neatly tucked, but also created more value by way of fashioning appealing and unique amenities. HG’s land plan facilitated housing lots to nestle around the waterfront and created an outdoor lifestyle amenity connecting homeowners to the lake via a private dock and pavilion, with canoe/kayak storage area. We included a cozy patio with fire pit for gatherings, and provided environmental services and site landscaping. HG was also tasked with developing an entrance feature that was grand enough to draw home buyers focus before Woolridge Road was expanded, while still designing the correct proportions once the road was widened.
The Landing at Swift Creek | Moseley, VA
Twin Hickory | Glen Allen, VA
Westhampton Mixed-Use | Richmond, VA
Entrance Signs
Entrance Signs
Developer Partners
Neighborhoods and Developments
Atack Properties, Inc. Atlantic Development & Acquisition Blue Green Communities Boyd Homes Bryan Robinson Real Estate, Inc. C. B. Robertson Centex Homes D. O. Allen Builders Dominion Land & Development Corporation Eagle Construction of Virginia, LLC East West Partners Gray Land Development Company, LLC Gumenick Properties Harper Associates HHHunt Homes Hometown Realty iStar Financial LandVest, Inc. Lifestyle Homes Olympia Development Corporation R.C. Evans Management Group, Inc. Realty Ventures Group, Inc. Reed’s Landing Community Association Republic Land Development, LLC Royal Dominion Homes Ryan Homes South Coast Properties, LLC SouthLand Properties, Greenville SC Sowers Properties Stony Point Land, Inc. Stylecraft Homes The Tascon Group The Wilton Companies Tricord Homes Villa Construction, Inc. Youngblood Properties, LLC
Abbey Village Ashbury Village Barley Woods Barrington BelCrest Belgrade Plantation Belmont at Broad Bentley Blueberry Hill Cary Court Shopping Center Centennial Towers Charter Colony Chickahominy Falls Creekside Village Crimson Crest Crossridge Ellington Woods Founders Bridge Four Season’s at New Kent Gardenbrook Grace Hill Gray Oaks Hancock Village Harper’s Mill Heron Point Hill’s Quarter Hills Quarter Holly Hills Innsbrook Office Park (updates) Iron Mill John Rolfe Square King’s Charter Lake Chesdin Magnolia Green Magnolia Lakes Manakin Towne Martin’s Grant Monument Park New Kent New Market Village New Town Oak Park
Overbrook Lofts at The Cooperage Port Warwick Raleigh Reynolds Crossing River Pines River’s Bend Rivergate Riverwatch Rutland Master Plan Saddlecreek Farms Scott’s View Shores of York Stonebridge Gardens Stonehenge Village Stonehouse Glen Tarrington Terraces at Swift Creek The Grove at Lucks Lane The Landing at Swift Creek The Marshall at City Center The Nest at Scott’s Addition The Park at Salisbury The Preserve at Deerfield The Sauer Center The Summit at Scott’s Addition The Villages at Quarterpath Tillman Farm Tonsler Park Townes at Pouncey Place Townes at Wistar Glen Tree Hill Farm Trellis Crossing Twin Hickory Villas at Ashlake Villas at Hunton Waterford Square Wellesley West Broad Village Westchester Village Westhampton on Grove Westmont at Short Pump Wyndham
Community and Swim Club Facilities Arbor Landing Community Swim Club Ashcreek Community Swim Club Autumn Run Community Clubhouse and Swim Club CrossRidge Community Clubhouse and Swim Club Founders Bridge Community Clubhouse and Swim Club Foxhall Community Swim and Racquet Club Harvest Glen Community Clubhouse and Swim Club Hermitage Country Club Kanawha Recreation Association and Swim and Tennis Club Kings Charter Community Swim Club Oak Park Community Swim and Racquet Club - Charlotte, NC Settler’s Landing Community Swim Club Tarrington Community Clubhouse and Swim Club The Colonies Community Swim and Tennis Club The Country Club of Virginia The Dominion Club Community Swim and Racquet Club Three Chopt Recreation Association Swim and Tennis Club Twin Hickory Community Swim and Racquet Club Wellesley Community Swim Club West Broad Village Community Clubhouse and Swim Club Wyndham Community Swim and Racquet Club