Author name: teammdg

Project Spotlight: Beaver Toyota Written by: Rachel Washington Matthews | DCCM is providing civil engineering and landscape architecture services for the new Beaver Toyota dealership project. Situated within the St. Johns Marketplace on SR 207 in St. Augustine, Florida, this project plays a crucial role in the overall master plan for the marketplace. The Beaver Toyota dealership occupies a substantial 28-acre site and boasts an impressive 137,000 square foot facility that serves as both a dealership and a service center. With its extensive size and modern design, this facility is poised to offer an exceptional experience to customers and meet the growing demands of the automotive market. One of the key aspects of the project is the careful planning and design of the 17.5-acre paved area. This will serve as the vehicle display area, vehicle storage area, customer parking, and on-site drive aisles, allowing for an organized and efficient flow of traffic within the dealership premises. Our civil engineering expertise comes into play as we ensure that the design optimizes space utilization, traffic circulation, and parking requirements while adhering to local regulations and industry standards. Key Facts About the Project Chris Buttermore, PE, is the project manager. Learn more about him here. Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA, is the landscape architect. Learn more about him here. Project is currently under construction. Design included site layout, grading and drainage design, utility design, and landscape and irrigation design. The Beaver Toyota project stands out for its multifunctional nature, going beyond the traditional concept of a dealership. In addition to the dealership itself, the site incorporates various amenities and facilities that enrich the overall experience. Among the notable features on-site are a daycare, salon, warehouse building, dog park, putt-putt golf course, and a patio area. Furthermore, an open-air pavilion and pier have been strategically designed to take advantage of the picturesque view provided by the large pond located in the back of the site. Our Landscape Architecture team played a crucial role in designing a central amenity area that serves as a focal point for the site. This area offers a range of amenities to enhance visitors’ enjoyment. It includes a bark park for furry companions, a beautifully landscaped tropical patio with shaded eating areas, and a three-hole putt-putt course for entertainment. To ensure comfort, the area is adorned with red shade sails, gracefully arched elm trees, large medjool date palms, and clusters of native sabal palms, providing ample shade and a visually pleasing environment. At the center of the amenity area, a serene fountain creates a relaxing ambiance, further accentuated by its nighttime illumination. Additionally, the amenity area will benefit from the presence of local food truck vendors, offering a diverse culinary experience to visitors. This project showcases a unique approach, integrating various amenities and facilities within the auto dealership site. By blending functionality, aesthetics, and entertainment, the project aims to create a welcoming environment that caters to the diverse needs and interests of customers. The landscape design team’s careful planning and attention to detail have contributed to the creation of a vibrant and enjoyable space that adds value to the overall dealership experience. https://youtu.be/BJDe61aFDqQ Our Experience From conception to completion, we can provide a total solution to meet your needs. Matthews | DCCM combines strategic planning, experience, creativity, and an integrated approach to each project to ensure project success. Our experts guide clients in overcoming regulatory hurdles and avoiding costly pitfalls from initial planning and engineering through implementation and post-project performance monitoring. Our firm is FDOT pre-qualified in the following work groups: 3.1 – Minor Highway Design 3.2 – Major Highway Design 7.1 – Signing, Pavement Marking and Channelization 10.1 – Roadway Construction Engineering Inspection 13.6 – Land Planning/Engineering In need of our civil engineering or landscape architecture services for your project? We would be happy to partner with you! CONTACT US

Everything You Need To Know About Land Development In Civil Engineering Written by: Rachel Washington and Alex Acree, PE Land development is a branch of civil engineering that involves the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects on undeveloped land. It is often referred to as site development or site engineering. The land development field includes a wide range of activities, from the construction of small residential projects to the development of large commercial and industrial facilities. Land development projects can be divided into three broad categories: Land development for residential purposes Land development for commercial/industrial purposes Land development for public purposes Each type of land development project requires a different approach and a different set of skills. This article will give you an overview of what you need to know about land development in civil engineering. What is Land Development? Land development is converting undeveloped land into developed land for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It involves land surveying, landscape design, grading, paving and drainage, and infrastructure construction such as roads, utilities, and other facilities. Land development is a multi-step process that includes the following components: Feasibility analysis: This involves analysis of zoning laws, regulations, and land use policies to determine the best use of the land and identify possible constraints to development. As part of the feasibility analysis, things to consider include geotechnical borings to verify underground soil conditions, environmental surveys to verify the presence of wetlands or endangered species, and tree surveys to ensure no significant or specimen tree on the property. All of these items can have an impact on land development. Site planning: This involves designing the layout of the project to maximize efficiency and take into consideration the existing topography, existing infrastructure, natural features, and local regulations. Project design: This involves the detailed design of the various components of the project, such as roads/access, parking areas, utility lines, stormwater management, and other related infrastructure. Construction: This involves arranging construction activities and ensuring quality control and safety during the construction process. Certifications to the issuing agencies are required after construction, which include specific documents such as testing reports and as-built surveys. Landscaping: This involves designing the final visual appearance of the project to create an aesthetically pleasing environment. The Process of Land Development Land development projects require careful planning and execution and involve a series of steps to be completed for the project to succeed. Site Analysis: This is the first step in land development. It involves analysis of the area to determine the site’s potential and inform the design process. This involves studying the soil type, topography, land uses, and zoning regulations of the site. Land Use Planning: This step involves determining the best use of the land in line with the area’s regulations and maximizing the land’s potential. Engineering Design: This step involves designing the infrastructure and other systems needed to support the project. This includes roads, utilities, stormwater management, and other related infrastructure. Environmental Assessments and Permitting: This step involves assessing the project’s potential impact on the environment and obtaining the necessary permits to proceed with the project. Construction: This step involves the actual construction of the project, including any excavation, grading, and construction work needed. Landscaping: This step involves designing the final visual appearance of the project, including any landscaping and planting that may be needed. Once these steps have been completed, the land development project is ready for occupancy. The Importance of Land Development Land development plays an important role in urban areas, providing land for housing, commercial and industrial activities, and public facilities such as roads, parks, and schools. In addition, land development projects can revitalize neighborhoods, improve the quality of life in the area, and stimulate economic growth. The expertise of civil engineers is essential when it comes to land development projects. Civil engineers have the knowledge and experience to assess a site and create an effective design for the project. They can also suggest solutions for any problems arising during the process. Civil engineers are responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective completion of land development projects. Land development is an important part of civil engineering and plays a major role in the growth and development of cities. Civil engineers are key to the success of these projects, as their expertise and experience can help ensure the project’s successful completion and the efficient use of land. The Benefits of Land Development Land development has many benefits, including economic, environmental, and social. Environmental and economic resources can be conscientiously conserved by adequately managing and developing land. Economic Benefits: Land development projects provide a range of economic benefits, including creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and boosting local businesses. Social Benefits: Land development projects improve the quality of life in surrounding communities by providing better housing, public facilities, and access to services. Environmental Benefits: Land development can provide many environmental benefits, including reducing air and water pollution, conserving natural resources, and restoring wildlife habitats. The benefits of land development projects are wide-ranging and can help to create a better quality of life for those living in and around the development, as well as provide economic and environmental benefits to the wider community. Civil engineers are key to ensuring the projects are managed to the highest standards and achieve the desired outcome. The Challenges of Land Development Land development projects can be complex and challenging. Civil engineers play an important role in managing the challenges of land development. Some challenges include: Environmental challenges: Civil engineers must consider the potential environmental impacts of a project and use best practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of the development. This includes incorporating water, habitat, and energy conservation into the plans. Financial challenges: Budgeting is important to land development. Civil engineers must ensure that the project is within the set budget while meeting the standards and requirements of the local authorities. Social challenges: Land development projects can have a wide range of impacts on the local community, from public health and safety to changes

Creating A Landscape That Is Environmentally Friendly Written by: Kristy Buttermore & Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA As the population grows and the demand for resources increases, it is more important than ever to be conscious of our impact on the environment. One way to do this is to create an environmentally friendly landscape for your yard, vegetable garden, or your community park. There are many benefits to having an eco-friendly landscape. It can help reduce water usage, conserve energy, and promote biodiversity.  An eco-friendly landscape can also add value to your property and make it more attractive to potential buyers and your neighbors. Creating an environmentally friendly landscape does not have to be difficult or expensive.  There are a number of simple steps you can take to make your landscape more sustainable. With a little planning and effort, you can have an eco-friendly landscape that is both beautiful and good for the environment. What are the benefits of an environmentally friendly landscape? The benefits of an environmentally friendly landscape are numerous. For one, planting native vegetation will reduce the need for watering.  Even if you use a well, this will reduce wear and tear on the pump. Native plants, or plants friendly to the local environment, typically need less fertilizers and pesticides. This can ultimately help preserve the natural environment and enhance the quality of life in landscape. In addition to being more cost efficient, an eco-friendly landscape can add value to your property. Potential buyers are increasingly looking for homes that are sustainable and environmentally conscious. Having a well-maintained and sustainable landscape can make your property stand out and attract more buyers. Finally, an eco-friendly landscape helps promote biodiversity. By planting native plants, you can encourage a wider variety of pollinators and other wildlife to visit your property. This can help enhance the beauty of your landscape while protecting and preserving biodiversity. What should you consider when planning your landscape? When planning your landscape, there are a few important considerations that you should take into account. Climate – Before selecting plants and other materials for your landscape, you should research the native plants and trees of your area. Choosing native plants ensures that they will be better equipped to handle the weather fluctuations in your region. Soil Quality – Before planting, you should also test and assess the soil quality to determine if your soil requires more nutrients. Having soil that is nutrient rich will help you to create a stronger and healthier landscape. Water Conservation – Consider selecting plants and materials that conserve water. Installing rain gardens and irrigation systems can help to reduce water usage, while selecting plants that require less water can help reduce the cost of maintaining the landscape. Do your research –  Most municipalities and states have online resources to determine what plants are actually native and or eco-friendly in your local.  For instance, The University of Florida has The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). They produce easy to understand documents for just about everything you need to know to select the best native plants for your landscape. Keep in mind, the Big Box companies such as Home Depot and Lowes do not always sell native plants. Native plant selections may only be available at local growers or private nurseries. By considering these factors and selecting materials that conserve energy, water, and promote biodiversity, you can create a beautiful and environmentally friendly landscape for your property. Landscaping for water conservation Water conservation is an important goal for landscaping projects, and there are several steps you can take to ensure that your landscape is designed with this goal in mind. Here are a few tips for creating a landscape that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly: Rainwater Harvesting – Installing rain barrels or reservoirs can help to collect and re-use rainwater for watering grass and landscaping. Place Plants Strategically – Selecting plants that are native to your area and healthy for the local climate will help to reduce water usage. Placing these plants in areas where they can thrive with the least amount of water will help to conserve resources. Mulch – Using mulch around plants can help to reduce evaporation and water runoff. This will help to conserve soil and water while also encouraging microbial activity and preventing weeds. Water conservation is an important goal for landscaping projects, and using these tips can help you to create a garden that is both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Native plants and habitats Native plants and habitats are always a great choice for any landscaping project. These are plants that have better chances of survival, since they have adapted to the region’s climate, soil, and other environmental conditions. Here are some tips to consider when creating a landscape with native plants and habitats: Choose native plants and trees that are appropriate for the region you live in. These plants and trees will be more likely to thrive, and will require less maintenance. Incorporate wildlife habitats like nests, food sources, and hiding places. This will encourage birds and other wildlife to visit your landscape. Create pathways made of pervious pavers or loosely placed stones. This will help to reduce the number of weeds sprouting up, while also making the landscape easier to maintain. By utilizing native plants and habitats, you can create a beautiful, sustainable landscape that has a positive impact on the environment. Fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides Using fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides can be bad for the environment if used improperly, so it’s important to be mindful of what you are using in your landscape. If possible use organic fertilizers, such as compost, to nourish the soil. Avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Choose eco-friendly organic products to control pests and weeds. Beneficial insect predators such as ladybugs, praying mantises, and lacewings are a great option for small and or enclosed areas like greenhouses.  These insects are predators to the bugs eating your hard work.  These can help to keep

The Benefits of Landscape Architecture on Health & Wellbeing Written by: Rachel Washington There are many ways that landscape architecture can contribute to improving our health and well-being. For example, designing green spaces that not only look beautiful but also provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction can help us stay active and connected to others. In urban areas, landscape architecture can help mitigate the effects of air and noise pollution by introducing more vegetation and greenery. This can have a positive impact on our respiratory health and reduce stress levels. Landscape architecture can also help support mental health by creating spaces that promote relaxation, meditation, and mindfulness. Features such as water features, natural textures and scents, and quiet seating areas can all contribute to a calming and peaceful environment. Designing with nature also means taking into account the natural systems and processes that exist in a given environment. This can include incorporating sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, composting, and using native plant species to support local ecosystems. Overall, landscape architecture has a critical role to play in improving our health and well-being. By designing with nature, we can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and supportive of our physical, mental, and emotional health. Meet Our Director of Landscape Architecture Eric Lanehart, PLA, ISA Eric has over 20 years of experience in the landscape architecture and land planning industry. He has worked mainly in North Florida, but has completed projects in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. He has managed multiple site planning, landscape, hardscape, and irrigation design projects for a diverse client base. Eric’s project types include amenity centers, parks and recreation facilities, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, multi-family, and single-family developments. He has always worked closely with engineers, planners, consultants, and client staff to gain approval prior to producing detailed cost analysis, quality renderings, and construction documents. As an Arborist, he has performed numerous site analysis to determine tree species, tree health and structural stability along with helping clients reduce tree mitigation costs. Eric is passionate about enhancing the beauty of projects through creative and sustainable landscape design. Envelope In need of landscape architecture services for your project? We would be happy to partner with you! CONTACT US