At Think Architecture, we believe that the best homes are those where architecture and landscape design are conceived together, not as separate disciplines but literally as complementary in nature. This integrated design approach ensures that every project, from the first sketch to the final planting, is both harmoniously grounded in its setting and a reflection of the people who call it home.
Designing in Harmony with the Land
“Integration begins with understanding the site,” says Jason Scott, Project Manager at Think Architecture.
“Every slope, view, and material choice inform how a home should sit within its surroundings.”
For Landscape Architect Stephen Peaden, PLA, that same sensitivity guides how the outdoors becomes a natural extension of the architecture. “When you have early collaboration,” he adds, “you can create a seamless experience from inside to out and design and build a unified vision.”
While collaboration between building design and landscape architecture can happen at various stages of a project, Think’s designers have found that early alignment leads to exceptional results. Site-sensitive design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about resilience, environmental sensitivity, and long-term livability.
Case Study: Emigration Canyon Residence
Located in the rugged terrain of Emigration Canyon east of Salt Lake City, a residential home and property is newly under construction and illustrates the power of design that embraces its environment. The mountainous site presented formidable challenges, including steep slopes, solid rock, and a community septic system that restricted the buildable area.
“The County’s foothills and canyon overlay zone limited where we could place the home,” recalls Scott. “By rotating the plan and integrating the garage into the hillside, we met the regulations and actually enhanced the views.”
For Peaden, the landscape design was about harmonizing with the wildland surroundings. He introduced native plantings and natural stone retaining walls that blend with the surrounding mountains, all while meeting county Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire safety standards.
“We wanted the property to feel connected to the hillside, to the views, and to the wildlife that share the space,” he explains. The result is a residence where flat roofs, terraced decks, and natural materials create a stunning, yet compatible home within the canyon landscape.
Case Study: Old Town Park City Residence
In Old Town Park City, another residence demonstrates another facet of integrated design: sensitivity to historic and urban context. Built on a steep, narrow lot, the project required close collaboration with the local planning department and the historical codes.
“We used native stone and wood to echo Park City’s mining heritage,” says Scott. “The site’s constraints worked to inspire creative solutions. For example, we incorporated stone pathways and integrated retaining walls that make the architecture feel anchored to the hillside.”
The design achieves a careful balance between respecting history and embracing contemporary, urban living. Peaden’s landscape complements the architecture with subtle transitions between public and private outdoor spaces, making the small site feel spacious and layered.
Principles of Integration
Across these and many other Think Architecture projects, a few key principles consistently guide the integration of architecture and landscape design:
- Early Collaboration: The best outcomes occur when landscape architects are involved from the outset, ensuring the design vision is unified.
- Client Vision and Communication: A clear understanding of the client’s goals helps align the team’s creative direction.
- Natural Materials: Using local stone, wood, and plant species strengthens the connection between built and natural environments.
- Environmental Sensitivity: Understanding climate, drainage patterns, and ecological surroundings makes for smarter, more sustainable designs.
Shared trust developed over long-term collaboration between building and landscape designers also plays a role. Working together as a team, over time, creates a lot of synergy. As Peaden notes, “It’s about building trust over time. When you know how the other thinks and designs, integration becomes intuitive.”
From Blueprint to Backyard
The collaborative process between Think’s architects and landscape architects isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating places that feel like they’ve always belonged. “When our teams are aligned,” Scott reflects, “the result is not only beautiful—it’s livable, enduring, and exciting for our clients.”
By uniting architecture and landscape design from the start, Think Architecture transforms homes into orchestrated environments where every view, every wall, and every feature works in harmony with the land.
