EDSA (company)

EDSA, Inc., (formerly known as Edward Durell Stone, Jr., and Associates), is an American firm specializing in planning, landscape architecture, and urban design. EDSA employs over 150 individuals from more than 25 countries, and it reports having completed over 500 projects in over 100 countries.

The firm has received recognition in the field of landscape architecture. EDSA states that it prioritizes sustainability in its planning and design processes.

Offices

Established in 1960, the firm is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with additional offices in Orlando, Florida; Raleigh, North Carolina; New York, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; as well as Shanghai, China.

History

EDSA was founded in 1960 by American landscape architect Edward Durell Stone, Jr. After Stone, Jr.'s death in 2009, Douglas C. Smith, who had been with the firm since 1987, became president. The firm gained recognition when Stone, Jr. was appointed to the Commission of Fine Arts in 1971, serving for 12 years.

In the 1960s, EDSA worked on resort and recreation projects in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Southeastern United States, adopting an environmentally-based design philosophy that drew on local heritage and aimed to conserve resources while promoting social diversity.

In 1971, Stone, Jr. was appointed to the Commission of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C. by President Richard Nixon and served for 12 years. During this period, EDSA expanded its international presence with projects in the Middle East, Europe, and South America, emphasizing local cultural sensitivity and collaboration with local professionals.

EDSA's urban design work includes the Fort Lauderdale Beach Revitalization in 1986 and the Riverwalk Linear Park completed in 1994, both aimed at revitalizing urban waterfronts in Fort Lauderdale.

The firm's work in the 1990s included planning for academic institutions such as the College of Staten Island and Nova Southeastern University, as well as cultural venues like the Florida Nature Cultural Center. The Orlando branch office handled projects for the Disney Corporation and the Orlando International Airport. In 1994, Joseph Lalli became President of EDSA and later established EDSA Orient, a joint venture in Beijing. He served as Chairman from 2012 until his death in 2014. J. Robert Behling is the current Chairman of the firm.

Corporate structure

EDSA is a privately held company. As of 2019, B. Scott LaMont serves as the CEO.

Projects

EDSA has been involved in various projects across different sectors, including attractions and entertainment, campus and healthcare, commercial and mixed-use, communities and residential, hospitality and tourism, parks and public, and legacy projects.

Areas of focus

* Visioning and Planning: Data Collection, Site Analysis, Opportunity and Feasibility Assessment, Blue Sky Visioning, Storyline Development, Master Plans, Land Use Plans, Regional Planning, Entitlements, Development Guidelines and Strategies.
* Landscape Architecture: Concept Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Planting Design, Construction / Tender Documents, Permitting, Zoning, Bidding Assistance, Cost Estimating and Construction Observation / Administration.
* Urban Design: Consensus Building Efforts, Downtown Planning, Open Space Design, Pedestrian and Green Zone Development, Streetscape Improvements, Waterfront Revitalization and Historic / Community Preservation.

Awards and recognitions

The firm has received over 300 industry awards for its projects in landscape architecture and urban design, some of which include:
*American Society of Landscape Architects, Florida Chapter
** Escuintla Development Conceptual Master Plan for Progressive Growth , Award of Excellence (2021)
** Hassel Island, a Sustainable Retreat , Award of Excellence (2021)
** Going Beyond Land Use: The Turks and Caicos Islands National Physical Development Plan , Award of Honor (2021)
** Re-Imagining Shanwei Waterfront: An Urban Transformation for Sustainable Growth , Award of Merit (2021)
** Colon Urban Waterfront , Award of Merit (2020)
** Delray Beach Revitalization , Award of Merit (2020)
** Hyatt Andaz at Mayakoba , Award of Honor (2019)
** Green Wise Headquarters , Frederic B. Stresau Award, Environmental Sustainability Honor and Award of Excellence (2018)
** Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center , Award of Honor (2018)
** Every Hero Has a Story Student Awareness Campaign , Award of Honor (2018)
* Aquatics International
** Tidal Cover Waterpark , Dream Designs (2021)
** Hytides Waterpark, Hyatt Regency Aruba (2021)
* Glocal Design Magazine
** Zadun Reserve , Noldi Schreck Awards: 1st Place, Hotel Gran Tourismo (2021)
* Land8
** Best of Social Media Accounts in Landscape Architecture (2021), (2020)

References

{{reflist, 30em

Landscape architecture
Architecture firms of the United States
Urban planning in the United States
Companies based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Design companies established in 1960
1960 establishments in Florida