Bartsch & Radner Design, Inc. conducts thorough site analyses of the existing conditions of a site before beginning design. As Landscape Architects we are able to manipulate any aspect of a property and implement large or small structural changes to create a unique environment specific to a client's needs and wishes.

The following considerations are fully explored during the Site Analysis and Design phases of a project:


Site Orientation
Sun angles, shading and temperature
Winter sun and summer shade are assets of any space we inhabit, either inside or outside, to such a degree that we often take their value for granted. Those spaces that can afford summer sun in the morning, shade in the afternoon and full sun all winter will inevitably succeed better than most.


Slopes and Landforms - Hazards and Opportunities
Use of walls, terraces, slopes, depressions and other landforms will provide visual interest, lasting durability, and a greater range of functions. Awareness of hazards will afford protection through proper planning.



Vegetation
Existing and proposed vegetation are combined to give color, shade, texture, rhythm, scents, screening, bird and wildlife habitat, wind block, sculptural amenities, and form spaces by their placement.




Water Features and Depth to Water Table
The effects of water can be a great detriment or a wonderful asset to a site’s character. Pools, access to ponds and the ocean, fountains and irrigation enhance any project.




Existing Structures
Buildings, walls, decks, pergolas, arbors and gazebos can be integrated or adjusted to create a harmonious composition of new structures with existing ones, to ensure a project that stands the test of time.

Soil Bearing Capacity
Soil classification and depth to bedrock are basic structural considerations for any construction.

Prevailing Winds
If taken into account through master planning by a landscape architect, structures and landscape elements can be oriented before they are built to take full advantage of cooling breezes, or can be buffeted and protected from harsh winds.

Adjacent Sources of Noise
Noise abatement can be achieved through vegetative filters, consideration of winds, fencing, walls, buildings, earthen berms, and 'white' noise.

Wildlife Habitat, Migration Patterns
Legal, environmental and cultural issues influence the location of site improvements. In today’s regulatory environment, having the right team of experts on your side can make or break a project.

Views
We focus on views to be enhanced and those to be obscured. To frame vistas, to block unsavory sights, to provide hints and mystery, to make objects appear further away or closer to the viewer… these are some of the devices we use to improve any project. Organized views provide structure and meaning to the landscape.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
We create spaces defined by your needs. Are they for children to play? For entertaining? For adult recreation such as tennis or bocce?

Should your garden be simply for viewing pleasure? Or should it include a kitchen or cutting garden? Or combinations of these?

Do you prefer spaces that are large or small? Intimate or public? Broad and varied or specific in use and aesthetic? Distinction between uses will provide greater interest and will make a property feel larger.

Coordination between interiors and outdoors is critical to a strong site composition.

Indoor and Outdoor spaces are integrated at this medieval cloister. We specialize in translating classic spaces and materials into site-specific proportions and uses.


Sequence and Transitions
Private, semiprivate and public spaces should each have their own character.

The point where they meet and how they interact should be very clear and well detailed.

Both intimate and expansive spaces can contribute to a diverse and captivating property.

Borders, gateways, views, and paths provide limited access or an open welcome. Fences, walls, berms, hedges, fabric screens, gutters, steps, and bollards all help to control vehicles and pedestrians, direct views, and stimulate interest and discovery.

A well-defined allée or pathway can frame a sculptural element, it can guide transition through to another space, and it can have character of its own.
A narrow staircase in Edinburgh, Scotland, directs people between streets and dramatically changes elevation, a perfect example of a transition zone with its own distinctive character as strong as those spaces it connects.