Uncategorized — DG2 Design

Apr 23 2019

Creative Playgrounds

Getting children to play outside is so important during this time of technology driven minds. Playing outside has positive effects on mind and body and there are numerous articles, reports and studies to prove it. So how do you encourage creative play? Maybe by thinking outside the box.

Playgrounds don’t have to be your traditional plastic jungle gym. Wood, rocks and other outdoor elements can spark just as much energy and play.

Take a look at some that we at DG2 have had in some of our projects. What is your favorite?

Slide on the side of an embankement

Promo photographs for Kristy DeGuire -DG2 Design Landscape Architecture

Tree climbing

Boulder climbing

Children’s tunnel house

Feb 11 2019

Pollinator Gardens

I recently became interested in pollinator gardens when I was doing some research about it for one of our ongoing projects. I got so much information from Missouri Botanical Garden and Saint Louis Zoo about how important a pollinator garden is and how to create one for yourself and for the environment.

First of all, choose a location for your pollinator garden. You can attract much more varieties of pollinators if you choose a sunny spot for your garden. The location needs to be located in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Second, pick the plants for your pollinators. Choose native plants in Missouri or wherever you live. Native plants are adapted to local weather, they need less water and maintenance and they provide the best food for pollinators. Try to be diverse, pick a large number of varieties and make sure there’s always something in bloom from April to October.

Finally, you can start creating your pollinator garden! Be sure that you don’t use any chemicals such like pesticide and herbicides, they kill pollinators. Here are some beautiful and powerful native flowers that often used in pollinator gardens: Butterfly milkweed, Blue wild indigo, Aromatic aster, Eastern blazing star, Slender mountain mint, Cliff goldenrod and Purple coneflower.

Why is creating a pollinator garden important to the environment as well as human beings? More than 150 crops in the United States depend on pollinators. Pollinators transfer pollen from one plant to another and flowers use the pollen to produce seeds. Food such as apples, berries, cucumbers and almonds wouldn’t exist without these pollinators. There is no limitation of how big or how small your pollinator garden is, a few plants can make some difference to this world. I actually got some native flower seeds in the weekend and started to have a small pollinator garden on my balcony this spring!

Information from:

https://mdc.mo.gov/xplor/2017-03/how-plant-pollinator-paradise

https://www.stlzoo.org/conservation/doityourselfconservation/pollinators

images from:

https://umdearborn.edu/casl/centers-institutes/environmental-interpretive-center/research-resources/sustainability-initiatives/pollinator-garden

https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/create-pollinator-friendly-garden-birds-bees-butterflies/

https://www.gardeners.com/buy/pollinator-cedar-raised-garden-bed/8597000.html

https://www.berkeleygardenclub.org/1718-programs/2017/10/17/growing-a-habitatpollinator-garden

https://www.flickr.com/photos/80651083@N00/1642322091

Dec 07 2018

NOW HIRING – Landscape Architect – with 4-6 years experience

DG2 Design is seeking a dynamic, motivated, detail-oriented and personable Landscape Architect – with 4-6 years experience to join our team. This position will support and strengthen our existing capabilities in master planning and design projects including parks, greenways, public spaces, ecosystem restoration, campus design and commercial site design. This is a unique opportunity for someone with 5 years experience to manage and support projects and play a significant role in project delivery in the firm.

The selected candidate will assist our small, diverse team of landscape architects on all phases of projects from initial site investigations to public engagement and construction administration services.

Job Duties will include:

Preparation of deliverables including base maps (utilizing Auto Cad and GIS), cost estimates, construction documents (plans and specifications) and reports.
Hand and computer renderings (details, plans, cross-sections, perspective renderings)
Project management, including public engagement and communication with clients and potential clients.
Master planning through detailed design activities as a project manager.
Field investigations (site analysis, soil sampling, etc.)
Construction observation services.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited University.
Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience.
Strong hand and computer graphic communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills (English).
Flexible work style, with the ability to meet challenging deadlines and client needs for multiple project scales.
Ability to work well on multi-disciplinary teams (internal and external).
Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, other various graphic rendering programs, GIS, and Office 365. Knowledge of Land F/X is preferred.
Planting design knowledge and familiarity of regional planting materials is preferred.
Licensed Landscape Architect in the state of Missouri (preferred).
A valid US driver’s license required.

Please forward your resume and portfolio in confidence to Kristy DeGuire at kdeguire@dg2design.com . Indicate “Landscape Architect– 4-6 Level” _ Last Name in the subject line. Please limit your portfolio samples to 12 mb, or provide a link.

DG2 Design provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional development, flexible schedule and competitive compensation and benefits (health, dental, vision insurance, long term disability). DG2 Design is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all.

We will confirm the receipt of your information, however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. For more information please go to www.dg2design.com

Sep 06 2018

From Llamas to Masterplans

Design trends are constantly changing, but one thing that is certain, is that outdoor venues with intimate gathering spaces and smaller architecture dwellings have become the top choice for events, weddings and photo shoots.

(image source)

Ces and Judy’s Catering company bought what was once a llama farm and has turned it into a beautiful natural event space with elements of a soaring contemporary building designed by Tao + Lee Associates, 25 acres of land and water views, as well as on site historic stone buildings. The Venue at Maison du Lac was a vision between all parties involved, including DG2 Design and their master plan concept, and with an historic past, you can now have your wedding or event at a destination that is unique to the St. Louis Area.

Conceptual Masterplan

The Venue at Masion du Lac by Tao + Lee Architects

(image source)

Aug 16 2018

Let the Kids do the Work

By: Christina Hughey

Source

Imagine kids designing their own playgrounds. What kind of things do you think they would include? A giant slide? Tunnels for days? How unique these playgrounds would be! Although not as common, it has been done before and its possible for kids to help with the design work! What a magnificent learning experience too.

There are multiple ways kids can help with designing the playground. Kids can help with the brainstorming process, they can help with figuring out the layout, help pick out colors and materials and more. Its important to ask kids questions that make them think outside of the box. If you don’t, they will give very generic feedback and maybe not show their full creativity when answering the question. A question like “What would you like to see on your playground” just won’t work. Instead ask questions like “What’s the scariest thing you have ever done?” “What’s the highest you have ever climbed” “If you could be anywhere right now where would you be?” These questions will really get the ball rolling and help more with the design process! Kids will feel proud to have helped design the playground. This will not only encourage creativity but also will encourage more exercise in the great outdoors!

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