KTUA

KTUA's mission is to provide planning and landscape architectural services that promote the sustainable use of resources while creating inspiring and functional environments that support human activities. The firm delivers these services in a professional, ethical and profitable manner to sustain staff, support research and training, invest in technology and maintain corporate and professional stability.

Who we are

• Planning and landscape architecture firm based in San Diego, California.
• Focused on healthy placemaking and on the link between natural and built environments and the health of individuals, families and communities.

History

• Founded in 1970 in San Diego as Kawasaki Theilacker and Associates by landscape architects Frank Kawasaki and Michael Theilacker.
• Early work included residences, apartment complexes and shopping centers; Palm Canyon in Balboa Park is a long-standing example of the firm's design work.
• Don Ueno joined the firm in 1971, contributing to commissions for parks, student housing complexes and waterfront promenades.
• The firm continues into a third generation of landscape architects and planners.

Guiding principles

KTUA's practice is built on principles that include:

• Collaborating with clients to help them realize their vision.
• Respecting the natural environment and enhancing the built environment.
• Treating staff like family and supporting professional growth.

Approach

KTUA collaborates with community leaders, public agencies, private developers, allied professionals, neighbors and families to develop implementable plans that address social, physical, environmental and economic goals.

Key themes in the firm's approach include:

• Listening to communities to understand their needs and desires.
• Creating places that are attractive, convenient, safe and healthy.
• Designing to encourage social, civic and physical engagement.
• Protecting, enhancing and restoring the environment.
• Supporting regional economic growth and residents' quality of life.
• Improving daily life for people of all ages and abilities by providing options for housing, transportation, education and social interaction.
• Maximizing enjoyment and economic benefit while minimizing risk, liability and injury.

KTUA provides planning services that include:

• Land use planning.
• Transportation planning.
• Park and open space planning.
• Visual and community character assessments.

Landscape architecture services

KTUA's landscape architecture practice covers:

• Parks and recreation spaces.
• Educational campuses.
• Health care environments.
• Hospitality settings.
• Housing.
• Office and retail environments.
• Public facilities and civic spaces.

Support services

KTUA offers support services such as:

• Community engagement.
• GIS and 3D modeling.
• Grant writing.
• Water management.

Federal planning

The firm's federal planning capabilities include:

• Master planning.
• MILCON planning and design.
• Asset evaluations.
• Functional planning.

Sector-specific expertise

Parks and recreation

KTUA designs parks, open spaces and trails by working with local officials, designers and community groups to balance infrastructure, community identity, site character, human activities and nature. Projects emphasize safety, sustainability and enjoyment.

Education

For educational campuses, KTUA plans and designs outdoor environments that help institutions achieve their educational missions. Solutions consider campus context, region and culture, and address circulation systems, access, monuments and common grounds to create safe, memorable environments.

Healthcare

KTUA designs healthcare environments for community hospitals, clinics and specialty care facilities, focusing on healing outdoor spaces that support patients, staff and visitors. Designs clarify complex functions while supporting recovery and well-being.

Community engagement

For projects with environmental or social complexity, KTUA facilitates public outreach and stakeholder engagement. Public outreach methods described on the website include workshop facilitation, design charrettes, online surveys, project websites, newsletters, interpretation and translation.

• Phone: 619.294.4477
• Address: 1200 F Street, San Diego, California.

Email

• General, marketing and careers inquiries: marketing@ktua.com

Location and clients

• KTUA is based in San Diego, California.
• Project work shown on the website includes work for cities, counties, regional agencies, educational institutions and other public-sector and institutional clients, primarily in California.

Careers

• The website lists "Careers" alongside contact information. Prospective applicants are directed to marketing@ktua.com or to any additional careers instructions provided on the main website.

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