groundworks studio

I worked with my colleague, Laurel Holtzapple several years ago in Philadelphia at Olin. Laurel has a strong grounding in sustainable design. This is evident in her work at the masterplan, site and detailed design level. Her work as a landscape architect has a creative flair. She has a strong understanding of native plant communities and often thinks outside the box with her design solutions.

Rain gardens work! I was at St. Martin’s last night during and after 2 days of rain and the rain gardens weren’t even ponding up yet! The plants are very happy and maturing beautifully. It is so wonderful to be able to handle water on-site, instead of channeling runoff water into the city’s storm water system. And have beautifully landscaped areas, too! Most people have no idea that we have 5 rain gardens around the property. The drainage channel along the face of the building was also functioning perfectly with just a small amount of water running through the channel, nothing washing down the bank. The stabilized bank has finally solved our erosion and flooding problems and looks so much better with the mix of autumn ferns, Asian jasmine, sedge and other plants. All are thriving! Thanks, Laurel Holtzapple of Groundworks Studio for your beautiful design and technical knowledge! Rebecca R. Fant, AIA Architecture Matters, PLLC

There were three issues in this project: (1) there was a recurring problem with flooding into the lower level of the Parish House because the land sloped from Seventh Street to the Parish House; (2) the area outside the main entrance to the Church was hard packed earth upon which nothing would grow because members would gather in the area; and (3) the desire to complete a “legacy project” in celebration of 100 years at the present location that served Parish needs but also could a community space. Laurel worked with the planning committee to develop plans that met these needs (no mean task when working with a “client” with many voices). Additionally, we wanted to initiative as much use of rain gardens, indigenous plants, and space welcoming to all generations. The Fellowship Courtyard has already had a great and positive impact on our ability to have space to be together, for those who live in the neighborhoods to come and sit, and a space for the children from our Preschool to play. All the technical needs were met but it is the artistic, creative, and communal needs that stand out. Laurel listened to what we saying, what we wanted to accomplish, and she helped us make it happen. It was an extraordinary experience and the result is so much more than expected.

Laurel has tremendous levels of insight, innovation and creativity. She is a wonderful designer and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a landscape designer of exception professional ability.

Groundworks designed and installed a beautiful rain garden at my home to manage drainage and erosion. The concept is elegant, plant materials and hardscape have all thrived, and complement my existing garden while solving the drainage issues.

As a photographer I am consistently impressed with the visual dynamic that groudworks studio creates. There is always an interesting juxtaposition between the different plantings used in the designs. Not only are interesting colors and textures placed with one another but there is also a focus on how the design will appear with the arrival of each season. Photographing each project, brings a new visual interpretation, customized to the client. Additionally, I appreciate groudworks' emphasis on using as many native plants as possible. Not only do they make the time to create a visually pleasing design, but also one with an inherent sustainability. Kris Daniels Midwood Hill Photography

Laurel Holtzapple of Groundworks Studio designed and acted as the liaison for the construction of the Fellowship Courtyard at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC. Laurel is a highly skilled landscape architect and is very attentive to every detail. She has a very creative skill set and was able to use that to incorporate all of the elements requested by the church. During construction Laurel was on-site or readily available to ensure her design was installed as she and the client envisioned it. I would highly recommend Laurel and Groundworks Studio for any project large or small. John Hoskins TG&R Landscape Group

Groundworks studio has provided landscape architecture design for my home over the last 4 years with the most recent consultation in 12/12. In addition to design, groundworks studio worked with me to select contractors and to supervise installation. It has been a perfect relationship with beautiful design work, collaboration, professionalism and great attention to detail. goundworks was very willing to work with me on an overall plan which was implemented in phases. I have been particularly delighted with the use of native plants. The use of a rain garden in my back yard has completely solved all of my drainage problems while adding a beautiful element to my landscape. The project began with a new driveway and courtyard including hardscape and plantings that provided the "bones" of my new garden. We then came back to landscape my front yard and a side yard. This was a large project over a long time frame, and the quality and professionalism has never wavered. It has been an absolute joy to work with groundworks and I recommend them without reservation.