Landscape Design

Our landscape design work is based on an understanding of the context. In our design process, we learn about the ecology of a site and its surroundings, understand its traditions and materials, and combine them in ways that enhance experience. This applies especially to the overlap of the human-made and the natural. Many of our projects involve integration of nature within the city, or naturalization and restoration of areas that have been disturbed in the past, or through new built works.

Our primary focus for public and private landscapes is to kindle a sense of place, unique to the context. Through our restoration projects, we are extremely competent at designing landscapes on very steep slopes and in difficult growing conditions, planning for an attractive appearance, low maintenance, regeneration of native habitats, and erosion control.

In all cases, we strive to be innovative as well as cost-effective in helping to generate attractive and functional living and working environments. We have been involved for many years in progressive approaches to rainwater and stormwater management. This involves “low impact development” (LID) through site design that diverts water back to the ground as quickly as possible, and best management practices for treatment of stormwater, e.g. through retention and detention facilities.

Project Types
Park Design
Landscape Restoration for Infrastructure Projects
Institutional, Industrial and Commercial Projects
Highway and Roadside Projects
Wetland and Watercourse Design
Landscape Naturalization
Residential Projects



Copyright © 2008 Catherine Berris Associates Inc.
Vancouver, BC

604-736-6336  |   office@cbainc.bc.ca