Wheat Design Group

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Wheat Design Group (WDG) are landscape architects who partner with architects, engineers, and urban developers to create innovate and inviting spaces. Our goals are to provide people-friendly, flexible spaces that stimulate and delight the user.

Categories:

• Landscape, 
• Higher Education

General info

WHAT WE DO As landscape architects, we have a role to be stewards of the built and natural environment. Therefore, WDG's design ethics promote environmentally sustainable practices, multi-modal transportation, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement. Our in-house expertise allows us to offer a full range of services that can be tailored to every project's needs:

Low impact development and green infrastructure

Streetscape design

Public art coordination

Post design services

Cost estimates

Specification writing

3-D renderings and graphic illustrations

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Hardscape, planting, and irrigation construction documents

Architectural Treatments

Development/redevelopment plans

Native plant inventory and preservation plans

Water harvesting and code compliance

Erosion and pollution control plans

Visual assessment reports

Riparian habitat mitigation plans

DESIGN PROCESS A thorough design process, as documented below, helps our team clearly understand the client's program, user needs, and the opportunities of the space. From concept through construction, we place a strong focus on collaboration, and ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in the project's vision.

Site Analysis and Conceptualization
During site analysis, our team performs a site visit to explore its opportunities and constraints. Research allows us to develop a relevant story for the project. We then work closely with the client and other stakeholders with sketches and precedent boards to conceptualize the project vision.

Renderings and Graphics
Visualizations are key in communicating our team's ideas to the client and community. Plan view renderings and 3-D modeling allow clients to understand the look and feel of the design. These visualizations incorporate textures, colors, objects and shadows for a realistic depiction of the project.

Public Art Coordination
Art can help make a space memorable. WDG collaborates with local artists to bring character, creativity, and charm to the communities in which we work. Our team works closely with the project's artist to ensure that materials, colors, textures, and patterns work seamlessly with the designed landscape.

Construction Documents
Planting, hardscape, and irrigation construction documents translate design ideas into technical drawings that are used by engineers, architects, and contractors. These drawings provide detailed information for contractors to bid the project and install the design per plan.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT We value the chance to give back to our Tucson community. Our involvement includes:

Arizona Science Olympiad / ASLA Southern AZ Chair (Past), Nursery Tour Help, Emerging Professionals Committee, University Relations Liaison / Conserve to Enhance Board Member (Past) / COT Landscape Advisory Committee / COT Pedestrian Advisory Committee / Donation to Epic Rides Mural / Environmental Planning Advisory Committee (EPAC) with PAG Friends of El Rio Preserve / Habitat for Humanity / KIDSbuild / LID Working Group / Living Streets Alliance Business Sponsor & Volunteer Work / PAG Bicycle/Pedestrian Annual Count Pro Bono Work for Pima Trust & COT Parks / Rincon Community Garden / Tucson Clean & Beautiful - Tucson Blvd Clean-Up / Tucson Youth Maintenance Landscape Training (YARDS) UA Critiques, Shadow Day, Parking Day, Student Open House, Freedom By Design / WTS Board Member

HISTORY WDG's history began in 1982 when Wheat & Associates was founded in Tucson. In the early 1990's, the firm became Wheat Gallaher Associates and subsequently Wheat Scharf Associates. In May 2014, Wheat Scharf merged with LJ Design & Consulting, another local landscape architecture firm, to become Wheat Design Group. Collectively, we have participated in and contributed to the development of Tucson as well as the southwest region over the last 37 years.

LIBA WHEAT The story of WDG started with the vision of Elizabeth 'Liba' Wheat, the founder of Wheat & Associates in 1982. Liba's career was rich, dedicated, and varied. Her legacy can be seen through the lasting impacts she had on the community, academic programs, regulatory policy, the urban form, arid land issues and the many professionals she mentored in her career. A leaf tile commemorates Liba Wheat at the University of Arizona's Women's Plaza of Honor.