Firma Design Group provides a full range of Planning, Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture design services to public and private clients. We have in-depth experience with a wide range of project focuses from streetscapes, downtown redevelopment, urban and rural parks, mixed-use commercial/residential, high density and single family residential developments, custom homes and much more. We are fluent in the development of design plans, working drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates and construction observation for all types of projects.

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We design YOUR ideal project.”

With that said, we approach each specific project with both a broad vision and an intense eye to detail. From the initial client meeting to the last day of construction, we take each element of the project seriously and each client inquiry or question as it is the most important. We take innovative site design and sensitively integrate the clients’ program into each unique natural site. We understand that our designs reflect who we are and that the textures, colors, lines, layout, drainage patterns and general layout of the site affect our daily lives. From the initial meeting, the client is an essential part of the design, with as much, or as little, input as desired from the client.

Planning

Firma Design Group provides planning services to its private clients in order to simplify and integrate the project team’s required consultants. With engineering and landscape architecture, the planning aspect of our firm pulls together all of the other services that we provide by offering the initial planning assistance that most clients need. We possess the background, knowledge and expertise to assist you with pre-design work. Whether it is doing due-diligence on your project to make sure it is feasible, walking you through each step of approvals, working with the municipality to determine the requirements for your project, presentations, or many other tasks, our planning services will assist you with faster project approvals.

For our municipal clients, Firma Design Group provides planning services in order to help the agency with public forums, community participation, project presentations, zoning issues and much more. Our qualified principals and staff assist our municipal clients through many aspects of each project and the planning services we provide simplify the scope and team and encourage participation, one-on-one service and a job well done.

Civil Engineering

Our reach in civil engineering spans across several specialties including Subdivision design, Custom Homes, Commercial and institutional design, Public Works projects, and Land Entitlement assistance.

Subdivision design: From two-lot land divisions, large developments over many acres, and Townhomes and condos that might reach skyward six or more stories, we have extensive experience with subdivision work. From the very preliminary plan layouts, onward to tentative mapping, and then finally construction plans and build-out, we’ll be with you every step of the way providing our expertise and knowledge.

Custom Homes: From Carmel to Sonoma County, we work with home owners, contractors, and architects and help them build distinctive dream homes. And, whether it’s a long winding driveway, sensitive drainage and hydrology issues, or topographic mapping that’s needed, we make sure there are no surprises and that everything fits just right for our clients.

Commercial and Institutional design: Office buildings, banks, schools, dormitories, extended care facilities, shopping centers, fire departments, hospitals, and medical office buildings are just some of the projects we’ve worked on.

Land Entitlement assistance: Before buying that raw piece of land, our clients call us to help sort out planning implications, research sewer and water availability, and to provide due diligence reports for cost-benefit analysis. Whatever size your project, we’re an excellent source to contact before purchasing land or closing escrow.

Landscape Architecture

Along with planning and civil engineering, Firma Design Group provides landscape architecture and urban design services to our clients throughout California. We provide initial conceptual development plans, preliminary planting and irrigation plans, site plans and preliminary drainage plans, and construction documentation, detailing and specifications. 

Landscape architecture is an art-form that sculpts the earth and nature. We provide expertise in grading, drainage, plants, irrigation and hardscape/structures that fit well into your environment and will last a lifetime. Our goal is to design a project that the client loves and is beneficial to its surrounding environs. Our landscape architects work very closely with the client to propose site features and plants that we know the client will love!

A principal is assigned to all aspects of the project and will be intimately involved in the project. This one-on-one relationship is integral to our design process as we learn from the client to adapt our existing knowledge regarding what is most appropriate for the site and what design will be the most feasible for this project. We approach each project with new eyes.

As we begin to work with our clients, we do ask that they do some “homework” as well. It is important that at the beginning of the project, the client understands what specific features they are interested in having and what features are not so important. We work with the client to inform them of specific features that might not work with the design direction. We educate our clients and our clients educate US. Anytime that we work with you, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions or voice any concerns. Your input is very important to us!

Services

• Site Analysis, Feasibility Studies
• Conceptual Master Planning
• Schematic Design & Development
• Tentative mapping
• Improvement plans
• Subdivision maps
• Grading & Drainage plans
• Hydrology and Hydraulics studies and reports
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
• Topographic mapping
• Revegetation & Restoration Planning
• Client Representation
• Public Agency Review
• Construction Documentation

• Technical Specifications
• Cost Analysis, Estimation & Bidding/Value Engineering
• Construction Administration
• Water Use Efficiency & Conservation
• Conceptual Landscape Master plans
• Master Plans
• Precise development plans
• Planting plans
• Irrigation plans
• Lighting plans
• Landscape construction detailing
• Specifications
• SUSMP
• Bio-swale and bioretention planting design