design studio
At HG, our landscape architects and civil engineers work side by side, combining aesthetic sensibility with technical acumen, which creates attractive yet functional solutions for your external built environment. Our design philosophy is that site design should perform required functions without distracting from the aesthetics of the buildings they serve.
design studio
HG intentionally maintains a small firm culture, even though we routinely compete on projects with much larger firms. We have found that clients prefer to work with the same senior staff that appeared on the submittal and attend the interview. We are keen on customer service and invite you to call the owners/partners whenever necessary. This way, we maintain relationships‌over 80% of our clientele is repeat business. We have active projects in Virginia from Blacksburg to Virginia Beach, and D.C to South Boston.
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.
Corporate Campus Headquarters HG Design Studio was contracted to perform Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture for a series of projects for this private campus,, incorporating two new buildings, extensive outdoor amenities, green space, and a second parking deck. Emphasis was placed on collaborative outdoor green space, pedestrian connectivity and environmentally responsible campus features. A complex and sleek entry fountain and plaza design was vital to the clients desire to attract top talent, as well as views and connections to and from other buildings. The centrally located meadow and stormwater management combination provides most common vista from each building. A pedestrian bridge designed by HG spans stormwater rain garden filtration system. HG navigated topography with a series of steps and a ramp system designed by HG, as well as an intricate native plant plan to tie the campus into the surrounding natural area. Client project schedule required diligence and internal planning to devote proper resources and priority to design and construction, as well as knowledge based construction administration. Other Civil Engineer and Landscape Architecture projects include the following: The Commons Outdoor Terrace: This project required high quality design and extensive construction administration. Dave worked directly with the client and Leo A Daly, an architecture firm out of Nebraska, on this project. The Den Renovation: HG collaborated with HLW Architects out of New York City to incorporate a new entry access and building extension between campus Buildings 5 and 6. Both Civil and Landscape Architecture services were offered. HG ensured that a continuity of the campus design standards were incorporated into the renovation project. Thoughtful consideration of new bike and pedestrian circulation, planting design and utility reconfigurations were all part of the final design. Town Center Refresh: An office campus facility expansion, HG worked with Gensler and their Schematic Design to deliver this project’s Design Development and CD’s for civil/landscape within one month’s turnaround. HG had to consider impact on existing utility ducts, grading and drainage, hardscape and landscape design. West Creek Village: Seeking a rare LEED-NC certification for a private owner, HG engaged in design and expansion of the site green space and amenities requiring integration with existing facilities, pedestrian connections, courtyard and garden, upper and lower patios, lighting, concrete ramp, retaining walls and metal handrails. HG partnered with architecture firm SMBW with substantial design completion in February 2017.
Corporate Campus Headquarters
Corporate Campus Dining Terrace LOCATION Richmond, VA CLIENT Client Requests Anonymity ARCHITECT BHDP Architecture DATES Start: 2015 Completion: 2015 DISCIPLINES Landscape Architecture Civil Engineering Construction Management TEAM Dave Gerstenmaier, PLA Charlene Harper, PE
HG was tasked with assisting the architect with the design of the new outdoor dining terrace, and providing civil and landscape design for the perimeter of the terrace and surrounding land form affected by the expansion. We created bid documents showing how the addition would drain and how an existing storm sewer line and sanitary sewer line could be accommodated. HG served as construction manager, providing hands-on site supervision and working out a temporary pedestrian traffic pattern to keep the building accessible during construction. We were asked to bring smaller, local contractors to the table and bid out all the hardscape, grading, drainage, landscape and irrigation. When a communication pole and wire were encountered during construction, we were able to orchestrate working around the conflict while maintaining the integrity of the design since we were already on the site. In addition, we helped to keep costs down by working with trusted contractors, scrutinizing invoices, and making sure contracts were met to the complete satisfaction of our client. With two weeks of work to remain, the word came out that our client wanted the project done in half that time. Due to our strong relationship with the subcontractors and our ability to react quickly to the job site, we were able to stay on top of everything and even get our partners to work through the weekend. Our client was very appreciative of our efforts as the project was completed on their compressed time frame and was open for business. We were lauded for our ability to remain flexible as the scope of work changed, and to complete complex deliverables despite an aggressive deadline. As a result, the client has trust and a level of loyalty with the knowledge that with our supervision, the project will be completed beyond the satisfaction of all parties concerned.
Caritas Center
LOCATION Richmond, VA ARCHITECT Walter Parks Architect DATES Start: 2016 Completion: Under construction DISCIPLINES Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture TEAM Charlene Harper, PE Dave Gerstenmaier, PLA Charley Sessoms, PE
The Caritas Center project involves the renovation of the existing buildings located off of Everett Street in the Manchester Canal watershed. HG Design Studio is providing Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture services for our client, SWA Construction. HG will complete a topographic survey to supplement the Alta survey which will include topography, finished floor elevations and as built information on the exterior storm/sanitary sewer system. We will also establish parking and loading requirements and develop a schematic site plan to include vehicular paving, pedestrian paving, and other hardscape and landscape elements.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science Research Facility HG designed an entrance that combines sustainability, stormwater as an amenity, and learning opportunities for the study program. Early in the concept phase, HG suggested bio-retention features as an attraction for users to encounter upon entering the research facility. A bridge over a bioretention area connects parking, sidewalk and front doors, and serves as a ‘living lab’ for science students to be educated on natural material as water filtration. HG designed a tiered outdoor classroom down to the river, and implemented several naturalized micro stormwater management amenities and native planting around the building in place of typical landscaping. Research for bridge material includes locally harvested black locust lumber, and interpretive signage will be implemented to highlight the function of the bio-retention areas, which not only treat stormwater from the building roofs, but provide habitat and naturalized frontage for the facility. The project is pursuing LEED Silver certification.
University of Virginia Civil Engineering Term Contract HG Design Studio was selected for the Civil Engineering Term Contract attributed to our collaborative, multi-disciplinary design approach, and UVA has given high marks to our performance for dozens of projects in the last 2 years. UVA appreciates our responsiveness and flexibility: on the Davenport Field Baseball Stadium Expansion project, we were told we “set the bar high” for quick turn-around of construction submittals and RFIs. HG has become design partners with our clients and treat their problems as our own. For example, we recently saved the University over $200,000 by redesigning the sanitary sewer for the baseball stadium while the project is still under construction; we were able to get approval for a crossing from CSX railroad in under a week! During construction of the Slaughter Hall Entrance Improvement project, we adapted our design to unknown field conditions during construction, which created a significant credit from the contractor. UVA also appreciates our innovation: we are working with the Office of the Architect and the Facilities and Maintenance Office to develop a landscape assessment tool that they can use to inspect grounds and prioritize site maintenance in a similar fashion to their building inspection program.
University of Virginia, Davenport Field The University of Virginia’s Davenport Field project was fast-paced from design through construction, following these design phases: programing, schematic design, design development, early sitework construction documents, final sitework construction documents, bid negotiations, and construction administration. HG worked closely with UVA Facilities Planning and Construction, our client; UVA Athletics, the end user; DLR and Grimm + Parker, the architects; 2RW, the MEP; and Martin Horn, the contractor, to develop designs and implement construction on a site that was occupied by the owner and sports teams throughout construction. Challenge 1: Occupied Site Similar to the Dorey Park ballfield, the Davenport Field project is part of a larger park and athletics complex which was occupied by both owners and users during construction. Our construction phasing was tailored to accommodate access for both users and contractors; to adjust work hours and access for events, camps, and competitions; and, to coordinate timing of outages and access with owner’s scheduling needs. • HG developed an early site package to relocate utilities in advance of construction and during off-season times for the adjacent Lannigan track and field stadium. The early utility relocation extended water service and power duct banks to the project site; the routes for these lines would have impeded larger construction access had they not been completed early. • Work was phased to maintain fire and delivery access through the site during construction, and schedules for access and delivery needs were coordinated during the weekly construction meetings. • Temporary paths and bridges were constructed to route athletes and coaches around the construction zones to the adjacent facilities in use. Alternative access to the fields adjacent to the Dorey competition field will be an important consideration. Additionally, staging construction to limit impacts to existing infrastructure is imperative. LOCATION Charlottesville, VA CLIENT University of Virginia ARCHITECT DLR Group Grimm + Parker DATES Start: 2014 Completion: 2018 DISCIPLINES Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture TEAM Dave Gerstenmaier, PLA Charlene Harper, PE, LEED AP
University of Virginia, Davenport Field (continued) Challenge 2: Stormwater Management As happened at Davenport Field, the conversion of the Dorey Park field into a competition park will increase the impervious cover of the site, and consequently will increase stormwater volume, peak flow and nutrient runoff. The existing stormwater best management practices (BMPs) at Davenport Field were not sufficient to account for the new impervious cover; therefore, innovative stormwater measures for the tight site were required. HG studied the larger regional watershed and determined that downstream channels were sufficient to handle large storm events. Small storm events and water quality improvements were achieved through the use of high-flow media filters “hidden� in the landscape islands, pervious pavement in the overflow parking lot, and an underground infiltration chamber. The high-flow media filters are small footprint rain gardens that drain very quickly during rain events and can be nestled into slightly oversized parking lot islands or other available green spaces.
Additional Project Highlights: Vehicular circulation, fire access, and pedestrian circulation shared a single, 15-foot wide asphalt road prior to the expansion project at Davenport Field. Through the limited use of site walls, HG addressed the site pinch-point to create a separated pedestrian and vehicular zones. A 20-foot road provides vehicular, fire truck and delivery access; pedestrian crossings are limited and demarcated by table-top cross-walks which visually and physically cue drivers to slow for pedestrians. An 8-foot sidewalk with landscaping brings pedestrians to the ticketing plaza. And for the first time, there are ADA and VIP parking spaces located at the ticketed entrance to the field.
University of Mary Washington, Amphitheater & Accessible Path HG Design Studio is currently working on a renovation of an amphitheater that was originally opened in 1923 and has been used for various functions including theater productions and convocation ceremonies. This renovation looks to make improvements to the stage area including: new stairs, repair of storage under stage, electrical upgrade, theatrical systems (lighting and sound), and the repair/replacement of the columns and balustrade. In addition, site improvements will include: ADA improvements, landscaping, stormwater improvements, repairs to sidewalks and paving. Construction will also include two new support buildings (each approximately 250 SF). In its prior condition, the amphitheater was unsafe to be used for any type of assembly function. Located in a wooded area, the amphitheater presented a public safety challenge for students to congregate and a security hazard for those pedestrians travelling near or through the area. By renovating the amphitheater, the University will restore the venue for educational functions as well as other assembly functions.
Sentara Cancer Center | Richmond, VA
Sentara Cancer Center | Richmond, VA
Mantle, Virginia Indian Tribute | Richmond, VA LOCATION Richmond, VA HG Design Studio provided civil engineering and landscape architecture for the design of a permanent monument on Capitol Square as a tribute to the Commonwealth’s Indian tribes. We created construction documents to bring to life the vision of Mohawk artist, Alan Michelson. Acting primarily as the civil engineer for this one-of-a kind project, aesthetic coordination was supremely important. HG collaborated with the artist and design team to create a memorable monument space for visitors to our distinguished Virginia State Capital. Sustainable native Virginia plantings incorporated into the site augmented bio-retention and complement the notable spiral wall design. Siting of the monument required working with existing exteriors and seamless integration into the Capital’s pedestrian walkways and green space.
CLIENT Virginia Department of General Services DATES Start: 2015 Completion: 2018 DISCIPLINES Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture TEAM Charlene Harper, PE David Gerstenmaier, PLA
Mantle, Virginia Indian Tribute | Richmond, VA
Richmond Raceway Reimagined LOCATION Richmond, VA CLIENT International Speedway Corporation Barton Malow DATES Start: 2017 Completion: 2018 DISCIPLINES Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture TEAM Charlene Harper, PE Dave Gerstenmaier, PLA
HG Design Studio is providing civil engineering and landscape architecture services for Richmond Raceway Reimagined, a $30 million infield redevelopment project by International Speedway Corporation. The new project will bring a variety of enhanced amenities for fans, teams, sponsors and other stakeholders to the iconic Richmond infield. Richmond Raceway Reimagined will provide the facility a completely redesigned and modernized infield to Richmond. Race fans will be able to get closer than ever to NASCAR’s best with new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garages and a fan viewing walkway providing full immersion into the sport. Fans will also be able to watch race cars complete their runs through inspection stations in the new infield. In addition to the new garage walkways and inspection viewing areas, other new attractions include expansive Richmond infield social and engagement areas with concessions. Gatorade Victory Lane will now be staged in closer view of the grandstands for fans to have a better experience celebrating with Richmond race winners. The location will provide new fan engagement opportunities for pre-race access, driver appearances, and entertainment programming. An 80-person club experience with roof access will overlook the new Gatorade Victory Lane as part of the modernized infield. Two new garage suites with a view into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garages will provide an unprecedented experience in Richmond; similar to modern stadiums and arenas around the world. Media will be hosted in a new Media Center with broadcast booths, a conference room, and hospitality space.
Richmond Raceway Reimagined
Virginia Commonwealth University 12th Street Pedestrian Plaza For this project, HG Design Studio created a site plan for a pedestrian plaza in place of an existing street. One challenge for the project was that the plaza had to be designed to function whether or not the City of Richmond agreed to close the street and turn it over to the university. Additionally, a portion of the site is over an existing parking deck, so we have worked in close coordination with the structural engineer to develop a paving system that would satisfy the university’s design standard while working in the site constraints. When BCOM requested a pedestrian phasing plan during construction to allow for movement of pedestrians through a very complicated work zone, HG sat down with the owner and came up with a list of entry points and known pedestrian patterns and to create a phasing plan for the contractor to execute. We considered school schedules, construction phasing and delivery date and created a phasing plan to accommodate this request. Design elements of HG’s site plan included pedestrian areas, vehicular paving, vehicular control elements such as specialty paving and bollards, crosswalks, walls, ramps, stairs, site lighting, and site furniture and amenities. In addition, we created hardscape design and details, planting plans, lighting plans, grading plans, specifications and periodic cost estimates. LOCATION Richmond, VA CLIENT Virginia Commonwealth University DATES Start: 2015 Completion: 2017 DISCIPLINES Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture TEAM Charlene Harper, PE David Gerstenmaier, PLA
Virginia Commonwealth University 12th Street Pedestrian Plaza
Washington & Lee High School HG Design Studio is providing site design to create a park like context for these new high school facilities, while providing support for various functions and events. The new high school building is sited at the front of the property, maximizing its presence along Kings Highway. Primary parking is provided in front of the school, with additional spaces located to the east. School bus pickup and dropoff is located on the western side of the school with its own entry. This area will also serve as parking for events outside of school hours. The football stadium and track and field facility is located directly behind the school on the centerline of the back entrance. A series of terraces leads down to the stadium from the school, connecting the two facilities and providing a space that can serve a variety of uses. The stadium is flanked on either side by athletic fields suitable for a variety of uses. Toward the back of the property the proposed park will include baseball and softball fields. Surrounding these facilities, the site is characterized by expanses of turf punctuated by trees. Planting beds highlight different areas around the campus or are part of the rain gardens employed for stormwater management. Rain gardens provide an opportunity to direct surface runoff back into the ground before it leaves the site. Multiple raingardens can be seen around the site to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loadings. Stormwater detention ponds are planned for multiple locations. Detention ponds provide additional water quality management as well as detention of development runoff flow to match the pre-development conditions.
LOCATION Montross, VA CLIENT Grimm + Parker Architects DATES Start: 2017 Completion: Under construction DISCIPLINES Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture TEAM Charlene Harper, PE David Gerstenmaier, PLA
St. Joseph’s Villa | Richmond, VA HG Design Studio has had the honor to work on a number of projects at St. Joseph’s Villa over the years as the institution continues to renovate and improve. The most recent is a parking lot expansion and the Dooley School, which was a site specific design that addressed the main entry to the school at the drop off area. HG designed the ADA and main pedestrian entry circulation, along with new storm drain system at the school’s front door, and foundation plantings were refreshed. In addition, our engineers designed a new fire utility connection. Another recent project at the Villa began with a study to assist the client with phasing in future projects planned over time as fundraising efforts continue. The existing landscaping along the Villa’s Brook Road and Parham Road frontages had aged and was in need of an update. The Villa desired a landscape treatment along these major perimeter roads that would create a unified and aesthetically pleasing image for the institution. Elements which help identify the institution, whether through signage or other means, were also planned. HG also worked with stakeholders to identify a general direction for the project as well as ballpark costing and assistance developing a phasing plan.
Ridge Elementary School HG Design Studio provided landscape architecture and civil engineering services for Henrico County Public Schools at their Ridge Elementary and Tuckahoe Middle Schools. The first phase of the project consisted of master planning improvements to these adjacent, historic schools which solve bus, parent and teacher parking and circulation challenges. The second phase of the project was the design of improvements to the Ridge Elementary School parking lot. The funding for construction of the parking lot expansion at Ridge Elementary School came from meals tax money and is limited to $495,000; the project had to be phased to exactly meet the budget, be completed in 2016, and could only be used at Ridge Elementary School. HG led design charrettes with each school’s stakeholder committee of administration, safety, and parent representatives to determine the critical issues and objectives. A challenge of the master plan was finding appropriate solutions for these tight sites that respect the schools’ desires to operate without shared facilities. HG helped facilitate an appropriate solution by hosting a third, joint committee charrette with discussions centered around balancing separation, solutions to critical problems, and saving large trees on both sites.
Civil Engineering/Stormwater Projects Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond Caritas Center Centennial Tower College of William & Mary Alumni House Expansion & Renovation College of William & Mary Green & Gold Village Replacement College of William & Mary Kaplan Arena Renovation College of William & Mary Memorial to the Enslaved College of William & Mary Muscarelle Museum College of William & Mary Swem Library Terrace Dinwiddie Schools Assessment Diversity Parking Expansion Dover Lake Sediment Study, Forebay Design & Dam Inspection Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia Kinloch Dam Improvements Lake Innsbrook Trail Improvements Lake Monticello Owners Association Golf Maintenance Building Longwood University Convocation & Events Center Longwood University Environmental Health & Safety and Facilities Building Longwood University Tennis Complex Midlothian Library Midlothian Police Precinct Feasibility Study Montgomery Irrigation Montross Middle School Moss Hollow Wellness Retreat Mountain Run Dam Inspection Norfolk ICC Overbrook Lofts at The Cooperage Richmond Raceway Renovations Ridge Elementary School Parking River Road Shopping Center Parking Study River’s Rest Marina Development Roseneath Offices Scott’s View Apartments Sekiv - Stormwater Consulting Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital MOB Addition & Parking Lot Soccer Organization Charlottesville Area: Belvedere Facility St. Joseph’s Villa Dooley School Swift Creek Station The Carmel School The Spur at Summit Ave Thomas Dale High School Softball Access Path Trevett Elementary School Circulation Study University of Mary Washington Amphitheater & Accessible Path University of Virginia Term Contract • Alderman Library Renovation • Aquatic & Fitness Center Courtyard • Brody Jewish Center
• Central Garage Storm Drain • Competition Softball Stadium • Contemplative Science Building • Crispell Drive Motorcycle Parking • Darden Inn & Conference Center • Darden Library Egress • Davenport Field Expansion, Parking Lot, and Pump Station • Dawson Row House • Flagler Court Patio at Darden Library • Ivy Mountain Duct Bank • Ivy Stacks Expansion Phase I & II • JAG Egress Stair • John Paul Jones Pedestrian Safety • JPA South Lawn Path • Lambeth Apartments • Landscape Assessment • Lee Street Bus & Bike Shelter • Maury Hall Drainage • Memorial Gym Basketball Courts • Michie Hall • Monroe Hall Room 134 Egress • Monroe Hill House Path • Nau Hall Stair • Pavilion Garden Ramp • Physics Building • Primary Care Entrance • Rotunda North Stairs and Plaza • School of Law Improvements • Scott Stadium Security • Slaughter Hall Improvements • Softball Field Expansion & Security • Sprigg Lane Drainage • Temporary Training Buildings • The Mews Historic Structure Report • UHall-Cage Lot: Temporary Athletic Village • University Hall Bus Stop • West Garden Walk Improvement • Women’s Softball-Lambeth US Park Police Stables Veil Brewing Virginia Commonwealth University 12th Street Pedestrian Plaza Virginia Institute of Marine Science Davis Hall Washington & Lee High School Westhampton on Grove Westminster Canterbury Richmond Expansion Wood Ridge Farm Brewery