Awards & Recognition

Over our 60 year history, OCBA has consistently been recognized for outstanding design and collaboration with our partners to create timeless outdoor spaces.

 
 

Outstanding Firm of the Year Award

  • For Outstanding Design and Contributions to the Profession, 2025, American Society of Landscape Architects/Michigan Chapter

Board of Trustees Fountain Renovation, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 2023, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market, Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Public Works Project of the Year — Quality of Life > $1 Million, 2022, Southwest Michigan Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers

Pleasant Avenue Reconstruction, Sturgis, Michigan

  • Project of the Year — Historic Restoration/Preservation $1 Million to $5 Million, 2021, Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association

  • Project of the Year — Historic Restoration/Preservation >$1 Million, 2021, Southwest Michigan Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers

Monument Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 2018, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

Goldsworth Valley Enhancement Project, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Quality of Life Project Award, 2017, Southwest Michigan Branch of American Society of Civil Engineers

Arcadia Creek Redevelopment
Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Honor Award, 2011, The Waterfront Center

Millennium Park Recreation Core
Kent County, Michigan

  • Honor Award, 2010, Keep Michigan Beautiful

  • Honor Award, 2005, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

  • Design Award, 2005, Michigan Recreation and Parks Association

  • Honor Award, Excellence on the Waterfront, 2004, The Waterfront Center

Western Michigan University
Business Technology and Research Park
Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Construction Award, 2004, Associated Builders & Contractors

  • Honor Award, 2003, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

  • Public Works Project of the Year, 2001, American Public Works Association, Southwest Michigan Branch

Kalamazoo Riverfront Redevelopment Plan
Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 2004, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

Michigan State University New Track & Field Facility at Ralph Young Field
East Lansing, Michigan

  • Track of the Year, 2003, U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association, Inc.

Bronson Methodist Hospital
Kalamazoo, Michigan

  • Project Team Vista Award, 2003, American Society for Healthcare Engineers of the American Hospitals Association

  • Merit Award, 2001, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Barry County, Michigan

  • Honor Award, 2001, American Institute of Architects/Michigan Chapter

Plaster Creek Non-Motorized Trail – Phase I
Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • Design Award, 2000, Michigan Recreation & Park Association

Lansing’s Riverfront Park
Lansing, Michigan

  • Medallion Award, 1999, American Society of Landscape Architects

  • Daniel L. Flaherty Award for Outstanding, Accomplishment in the Field of Parks & Recreation, 1984, The Chicago District and Great Lakes Training Institute

  • Merit Award, 1982, ASLA/Michigan Chapter

  • Merit Award, 1980, ASLA/National Professional Awards Program

  • AE Concepts in Wood Design, Jan-Feb Issue, 1982, Article Featuring Lansing’s Riverfront Park as an example of waterfront rehabilitation

  • The 50 Most Significant Structures in Michigan, 1980, Michigan Society of Architects

Battle Creek Linear Park & Downtown Riverfront Development
Battle Creek, Michigan

  • Medallion Award, 1999, American Society of Landscape Architects

  • Merit Award, 1989, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

  • Honor Award, Excellence on the Waterfront, 1988, The Waterfront Center

  • First Place – 25,001 to 75,000 Population, 1986, Michigan Municipal League

Harvey Randall Wickes Children’s Playground
Saginaw, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 1998, Michigan Recreation & Park Association Youth and Civic Award Program

  • Merit Award, 1998, American Institute of Architects/Southwest Michigan Chapter

Borgess Medical Center at Woodbridge Hills
Portage, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 1996, Building Design Awards, American Institute of Architects/Southwest Michigan Chapter

Lucille E. Andersen Memorial Garden
Saginaw, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 1995, American Society of Landscape Architects/Michigan Chapter

Binder Park Zoo Miller Children’s Zoo
Battle Creek, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 1991, American Society of Landscape Architects/Michigan Chapter, “A Downtown Happening” Streetscape & Beautification, South Haven, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 1990, Downtown Research & Development Center, Downtown Development Awards Competition

  • Special Award, 1986, ASLA/Michigan Chapter

  • Special Achievement Award, 1985, Michigan Department of Commerce, Michigan, Communities of Economic Excellence Program

O’Boyle, Cowell, Blalock & Assoc., Inc.

  • Outstanding Firm of the Year Award for Outstanding Design and Contributions to the Profession, 2006, American Society of Landscape Architects/Michigan Chapter

Plainwell Streetscape Improvements
Plainwell, Michigan

  • Honorable Mention, 1995, Great American Main Street Awards, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Fremont Main Street Renovation & Beautification, Fremont, Michigan

  • First Place – 100 – 5,000 Population, 1991, Michigan Municipal League

Pleasant Avenue Reconstruction

  • Project of the Year Historic Restoration/Preservation $1 Million To $5 Million, 2021, Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association

  • Project of the Year Historical Restoration/ Preservation > $ 1M, 2020, Southwest Branch of the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association 

Portage Creek Bicentennial Park
Portage, Michigan

  • Medallion Award, 1999, American Society of Landscape Architects

  • Facility Design Award, 1994, Michigan Recreation & Park Association

  • Special Recognition Award, 1993, American Society of Landscape Architects /Michigan Chapter

  • Innovative Park Resources Award, 1993, Recreation & Park Association

Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center
Ross Township, Michigan

  • Honor Award, 2000, American Society of Landscape Architects

  • Honor Award, 1996, Building Design Awards, American Institute of Architects/Southwest Michigan Chapter
     

St. Gregory’s Abbey Comprehensive Land Use Plan
Three Rivers, Michigan

  • Merit Award, 1989, American Society of Landscape Architects/Michigan Chapter