About
Roberto C. Garcia, ASLA founded Garcia Design, Inc. in Austin, Texas. Mr. Garcia has degrees in
landscape architecture from Harvard University and Texas A&M University. The firm provides landscape
architecture, land development consulting, land planning, site design, and entitlement process services to
obtain government approvals. Mr. Garcia, who has over 25 years of professional experience, is actively
involved on all projects and services. He is an advocate of collaborative team planning & environmentally
sensitive design that is creative, works with the land, and is economically viable. Our clients consist of
public agencies, real estate developers, civil engineers, architects, transit agencies, and university
systems. We work with clients to create enduring landscapes and memorable places for people to live,
work and play.
The firm’s planning and design solutions to complex problems emphasize a synthesis of the land, water,
culture, and economic resources within the framework of local laws and regulations and the client’s
specific needs.
The firm is certified and registered with the City of Austin and the South Central Texas Regional
Certification Agency as a minority owned business enterprise (MBE). The firm is also registered and
certified as a historically underutilized business (HUB) with the State of Texas.
Philosophy & Approach
We have an appreciation for nature and natural systems rooted in science, design education, and
professional experience. We have a strong commitment to design that merges aesthetics and
sustainability. Designs and plans are customized for each client's aspirations and based on our
experience, technical knowledge, research, and creativity. We work to create a sensible connection
between culture and nature.
For the public sector, we design civic spaces, parks, waterfronts, and other key public spaces that create
“green infrastructure” in cities. In the private sector we provide planning and design services that add
value to our client’s properties and projects.
Our approach to planning and design is methodical. We first strive to define the problem and then
establish a path to producing solutions. We typically work collaboratively with teams consisting architects,
engineers, scientists, and construction specialists on large projects. On smaller well-defined landscape or
planning projects, we work directly with the client or owner.
We work with large multi-purpose sites and small intimate spaces. Our approach is consistent with both
large & small projects and typically includes:
- Discuss & Define Client’s Goals
- Prepare Maps & Site Analysis
- Define Site Opportunities & Constraints
- Review of Legal Requirements
- Summarize Findings
- Establish Budgets
- Produce Preliminary Design Concepts
- Develop More Detailed Design and Budgets
- Prepare Final Plans
- Prepare and Apply for Government Permits
- Assist & Provide Administrative Services During Construction Phase
Leadership
Roberto C. Garcia, ASLA
Texas Landscape Architect #1292
Founder & Principal - Garcia Design, Inc.
Roberto Garcia has managed award-winning projects, is bilingual, and is experienced in conducting
public meetings, workshops and presentations. Mr. Garcia has more than 25 years of experience
providing professional services that have enhanced & improved communities in Texas, New Mexico,
North Carolina, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Mexico.
Education
- Master in Landscape Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas
- Texas A & M Foreign Studies Program, Florence, Italy
Honors, Awards and Memberships
- Planning & Forestry Award for Trinity River Chain of Lakes Park Plan, Dallas, TX
- Merit Award for Hayes Park Design, Boston Society of Landscape Architects
- Sir Walter Raleigh Civic Design Award, City of Raleigh, North Carolina
- Norman Newton Scholar, Harvard University, Graduate School of Design
- Letter of Commendation, Harvard University, Graduate School of Design
- Honor Award for Courtyard Design, Manchester, N.H. Airport, American Institute of Architects
- Volunteer Service Recognition Award, Treescape, Dallas, Inc.
-
National ASLA Student Honor Award, Texas A & M University
Member, American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Member, Real Estate Council of Austin
- Urban Forestry Board, City of Austin, 1998 to 2004 (Past Chairman)
- Chair Elect 2005, Austin Section ASLA
- Professional Advisory Board Member Texas A&M University College of Architecture, Landscape
- Architecture & Planning Department
- Design Jury – Mayor Gus Garcia Park Design Competition
- Austin African American Cultural Center –received awards from American Institute of Architects & Preservation Austin in 2013
Service to the Community
In addition to his professional practice, Mr. Garcia also supports a number of civic non-profit organizations
and projects with volunteer work and or financial contributions in Austin, Texas. Some of the
organizations and projects Mr. Garcia has supported include:
- The Cristo Rey Education Center for citizenship, English, and technology classes
- The Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering
- Austin Intercultural Network
- Treefolks, Inc. – a nonprofit organization that provides and plants trees in Austin area
- American Youthworks
- Foundation Communities
- The U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association
- Landscape Arch. Professional Advisory Board at Texas A&M University