SAINT MARY'S HALL
San Antonio, Texas
Saint Mary's Hall
2001-present

Landscape Architecture, Master Planning and Landscape Management for this 66-acre private school campus that was founded in 1879

Involvement spans initial landscape design overhaul for interior courtyards, through comprehensive studies for the planning, design and management of this tree-studded site, to ongoing collaboration with administration, board of directors, and associated professionals.

To weave the original characteristics of the O'Neil Ford-designed campus architecture, with recent and strategic new additions, to a long-range vision, was the goal of the development of a Master Plan. From initial collaborations with Hillier Architecture, to site-specific building programs, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, open space and landscape relationships were carefully incorporated in the preparation of this unique plan revision.

Campus planning, development and landscape enhancements followed a three-pronged strategy. First, was to restore revitalize and reinvigorate spaces which had been neglected. Second, was to integrate the old with the new while anticipating the parts of the Master Plan yet to come on-line. And, third, was to develop site-wide solutions to change and standardize disparate design elements. Special emphasis was placed on gathering places, outdoor education, axiality, and indigenous themes.

A unified Landscape Maintenance Manual was designed and produced. It includes a review of the treatment of memorials and donor components, encourages a sense of respect for both hardscape and plant material, contains specific reference pages for plant care and includes a campus key map, and a comprehensive and dynamic compendium of all landscape and lighting plan drawings.

Over 30 unique spaces were identified in this program. Ongoing efforts continue to integrate the various courtyards, pockets and special places of this campus as a unified strategy.