Shaping Landscapes with Purpose: Circle V’s Feature in ASLA Magazine

Rooted in Vision, Designed for Impact

Our feature in ASLA Magazine explores how landscape architecture can shape the future of planned communities through intentional design. This Austin-based project brings together homeowners and renters in a shared vision for thoughtful, sustainable living.

Throughout the design process, we focused on three key principles that informed every decision:

1. Durability and Low-Maintenance Solutions
   Sustainability is about creating landscapes that stand the test of time. For this project, Skymor at Carmel Creek, we selected materials and planting strategies that minimize maintenance while enhancing resilience. From native plant selections that thrive in Austin’s climate to hardscape solutions designed for longevity, every detail supports a more sustainable future.

2. Walkability from Multiple Perspectives
   A well-designed community considers how people move through it, using various modalities. We approached walkability for this community holistically, designing pedestian-friendly corridors, intuitive connections between shared spaces, and pathways that encourage engagement. Whether residents are commuting, gathering, or enjoying the outdoors, every movement was considered with accessibility and experience in mind.

3. Creative Partnerships for Innovative Solutions
   Collaboration played a vital role in shaping this community. By working with the full project team (architect, contractor, engineerings, and stakeholders), we developed solutions that balance beauty, function, and ecological responsibility. These partnerships allowed us to introduce innovative strategies that enhance the community’s connections and overall design while ensuring long-term sustainability.

ASLA Magazine’s feature highlights how these guiding principles helped shape the project, illustrating how intentional design fosters accessibility, resilience, and connection. We’re honored to share our vision for this Austin community and remain committed to designing landscapes that enrich both people and place.

Learn more about Circle V’s community work by clicking here; explore more of our urban residential work here.

Project Team:

• H+UO, architecture

• Murfee Engineering Company, civil engineering

• KT Engineering, civil engineering

• Compton Creative Solutions, land planning

• Pickett, Kelm & Associates, structural engineering

• Beacon Construction, general contractor

• P11, renderings

Photography credit: Joi Conti