SvR

SvR Design Company provides services in civil engineering, landscape architecture and environmental restoration. Markets include low- and mixed-income housing, public infrastructure, schools, parks and custom residential. Recent projects include stream restoration for Seattle City Light and complete infrastructure redevelopment of the Holly Park neighborhood for the Seattle Housing Authority, which includes more than 100 acres of urban land.

Over the last year, the staff size has remained the same at 30 people. According to firm president Peg Staeheli, it’s a size that seems to fit clients and firm culture.

Regulatory changes, such as Endangered Species Act listings and new stormwater management requirements, continue to pose challenges to designers who deal directly with land-use issues, said Staeheli. “We review impact of these regulatory issues on the project construction and long-term maintenance budgets. Our goal is to enhance the environmental habitat while minimizing impacts of development.

“Sustainability is quickly becoming more than just a buzz word,” said Staeheli. “In our designs we are regularly looking at the use of recycled materials, such as wastewater and pavement. Also we are increasing use of pavement alternatives that allow water to permeate the ground, decreasing detention volumes. Green roofs are being used more in the public and private sectors.”

As part of the design team for the Pierce County Environmental Services building, SvR is designing a water quality observation deck for educating the public and is allowing county staff to test new water quality treatment systems. “The challenge to widespread use of sustainable materials and practices continues to be limited budgets,” said Staeheli.