Counts Urban Landscape Design

Through all of our work we strive to bring a positive light to and create spaces that are representative of the color, vibrancy, importance of our collective experiences through the goals and aspirations of our clients. Our trademark physical model-based design process fosters productive and inclusive public input and consensus building complemented by our visual communication skills involving robust in-house digital modeling, rendering capabilities ensures that together, ensures each of our projects is a one-of-a-kind outdoor place. Learning, valuing and generating work reflective of the many voices involved in the design process of each and every project enables us to create meaningful places that enhance the lives of people in cities, while also improving the ecological health of our natural environment. At the heart of our unique process is a focus on the future centered on how the designed and built environment will be understood and are taken care of for generations to come. Counts Studio has been recognized as an emerging voice in contemporary landscape architecture and urbanism specializing in public space design. Respectful of what has come before, but taking cues from the 21st century metropolitan and contemporary life, we help to shape bold and authentic new urban typologies for cities small and large through design, management and construction.  With offices in New York and Chicago, our firm was founded in 2009 on the belief that the designed landscapes need to be more reflective of the diversity, vitality, and complexities of 21st century urban life, events, and culture. We work locally, nationally and abroad on landscapes ranging from gardens, memorials, plazas, and rooftops to large urban parks, waterfronts, and master plans. We have received numerous awards including a National Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects and have been finalists for numerous high-profile competitions such as the National World War 1 Memorial in Washington, DC. Our firm leadership includes Christopher Counts, founder and design director who brings almost 20 years of award-winning design leadership experience to all of our projects. He is a former Senior Associate with MVVA, Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, and a Cooper Hewitt National Design Award Nominee. He earned a BLA from the University of Georgia and MLA from Harvard University. Maria Counts is managing director and director of urban landscape research with a focus on urban ecologies. She is involved in the management, project administration, and business development and project analysis. Maria is an Assistant Professor, published author, and an award-winning designer. She holds a BLA from Cornell University and MLA from Rhode Island School of Design. Bryan Cantwell, our implementation director, leads design development, contract documentation, and construction implementation administration efforts. He brings an innovative approach to landscape technology, material expression, and construction and experience working with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. Bryan earned a BLA from Oklahoma State University.