How do future designers, planners, and community leaders find their inspiration? Often, it begins with curiosity. From exploring nature and playing outdoors to discovering new ideas through books and mentorship, meaningful environments help shape how people learn, connect, and grow. In this article, OCBA explores the relationship between design, empathy, outdoor spaces, and lifelong learning—and how thoughtfully designed places can inspire the next generation of community stewards and creative thinkers.

“Grunt work” or growth opportunity? Internships are a foundational step in connecting education to real-world experience. At OCBA, we believe landscape architecture interns should do more than sit behind a screen all summer. Through meetings, job sites, design solutions, and community connections, we immerse interns in the full experience of landscape architecture and help prepare them for the next chapter of their professional journey.

What does it really mean to be a licensed landscape architect? In our newest blog, we break down why licensure matters, how it protects communities, and the role it plays in shaping landscapes that are both beautiful and responsibly designed. Read more and learn why credentials make a difference.

Playground design - where challenge plays a crucial role in making a playground “fun”.

2026 Brings the opportunity to revisit our values as they adjust with our purpose.

We look forward to another year of developing relationships with our communities and delivering quality landscape architecture.

OCBA celebrates another successful year, including receiving Michigan ASLA’s Firm of the Year.

The charrette returns to pen and paper and collaborative design to imagine together. This article discusses the process, tools, and creativity involved in a charrette.

"You’re invited to share your feedback!" Public input is a vital step in the design process for community project—it guides the vision by understanding how the community wants to use their natural spaces. Whether it’s gathering, playing, relaxing, exercising, or planting, we don’t tell a community what they need. Instead, we listen and then thoughtfully weave the feedback into a design that truly serves the community.

Hearing directly from those who live, work, and play in an area provides valuable insight in developing and realizing a vision that will be specific to a community.

The bidding process is a critical step in every construction process that ensures the right contractor is selected for the job. But not all bidding processes are the same. The way a project is bid often depends on who owns and funds it. Understanding the difference between public and private bidding helps clients, contractors, and consultants navigate their roles more effectively.

This article explores key differences—and takes a closer look at how landscape architects fit into the process.

An approved site plan is a critical milestone for most projects. How do you get there? Through the municipal site plan review process.

Get to know how our team discovered their passion for Landscape Architecture as we celebrate World Landscape Architecture Month 2025.

We reflect on highlights from our 60th year!

Where our memories collide with those that once called the Kindleberger their home.