Soils-first grading
Perc tests and infiltration models precede planting plans.
Landscape architecture · Pacific Northwest
Outdoor rooms that handle real weather.
Field & Fern plans quads, rain gardens, and trail networks with soils, maintenance crews, and storm codes in the same drawing set—so campuses stay usable in February, not only on opening day photos.
Practice metrics
- Campus acres in construction
- 42
- Municipal clients
- 18
- Stormwater captured annually
- 3.2M gal
- Native species by area
- 94%
Landscape that operations can maintain
We design with arborists, irrigation techs, and facilities teams at the table.
Stormwater storytelling
Bioswales and cisterns are drawn with cleanout access and plant palettes.
Wayfinding in the landscape
Trail widths, lighting, and seating clearances meet accessibility from day one.
Ecological planting
We specify establishment watering and replacement ratios for the first five years.
Maintenance manuals
Crews receive seasonal task lists tied to zones on the plan.
Permit-ready sets
Tree protection, erosion control, and lighting sheets are coordinated with civil.
Campus and civic work
Campus quad phasing
How we keep classes in session while landscapes transform.
- 2026
Phase 3 planting
Native understory and irrigation tuning while paths stay open via temporary decking.
- 2025
Storm infrastructure
Bioswales and permeable paving installed between terms with nightly reopening.
- 2024
Master plan adoption
Board approved zoning for gathering lawns, tree preservation, and service routes.
Facilities director notes
“Our crews finally have a irrigation map that matches valve boxes in the field.”
“Storm inspectors signed off because details showed cleanouts and overflow paths.”
“Students use the quad in rain now—the paths drain and the seats stay dry.”
Engagement packages
Monthly retainers for master planning through construction observation.
Save 2 months
Discover
Site analysis, precedent study, and illustrative master plan for one campus zone.
$5,200/mo
- Site walk with facilities
- Opportunities map
- Board-ready boards
Deliver
DD through permit sets with planting, grading, and lighting sheets.
$9,800/mo
- Everything in Discover
- Permit coordination
- Irrigation design
Observe
Construction administration with weekly site walks and punch support.
$14,200/mo
- Dedicated PM
- Weekly site reports
- Warranty walkthrough
Landscape FAQ
Do you work outside the Pacific Northwest?
Yes—we partner with local soil scientists and nurseries in each climate zone.
Can you reuse our civil engineer?
We prefer integrated teams and can join their sheet index.
How do you handle existing trees?
Arborist reports inform protection fencing and root zone limits on every sheet.
What about snow loads on plazas?
We specify heated zones, snow storage, and equipment access where needed.
Do you design irrigation?
Yes—with smart controllers, flow monitoring, and drought contingency plans.
Can you help with grants?
We document green infrastructure benefits for stormwater credit applications.
Portland studio
Field & Fern, 2200 NW Quimby Street, Portland, OR 97210
- Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30
- Site walks by appointment
+1 (503) 555-0182
Planning a quad or trail project?
Send aerial photos and maintenance budgets—we respond with a scope letter in a week.