We craft solutions that honor place, elevate purpose, and resonate broadly with those who enjoy them.
Accessibility and Excellence
Providng an exceptional level of service and personal accessibility for our clients, we are committed to developing a design of the highest quality. We constantly strive to exceed our client’s expectations.
Collaboration and Innovation
Our work is built on a platform of robust, intentional, and deep collaboration. We find that it is through this inclusive spirit that the most remarkable ideas are born from the most unlikely of places.
Science and Art
It is through the deliberate weaving of science and art that our work elevates beyond simple beauty to encompass both pragmatism and purpose while retaining the sense of wonder that fuels innovation.
WALLIS ANNENBeRG WILDLIFE CROSSING
Agoura Hills, California
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project is the culmination of decades of research and planning by a number of incredible individuals and organizations. Rock Design Associates has the distinct honor of working with a team of exceptional researchers, collaborators, innovators, and experts in their respective fields on the design, documentation, and construction of this bold and visionary piece of ecological infrastructure in Southern California.
Currently in construction over the 101 freeway north of Los Angeles in Agoura Hills, California, the project combines engineering, ecology, design, science, and research into what some have referred to as the most hopeful construction project on the planet. This monumental effort involves the collaboration of five core project partners; Caltrans, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the National Park Service, the National Wildlife Federation and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains along with a number of additional supporting agencies and organizations.
The plight of the California mountain lion, known worldwide as P22, has catalyzed this passionate support for what will be the world's largest wildlife crossing. Sadly, Griffith Park’s most notorious bachelor passed in December 2022, but his spirit continues to drive the work of the project team in the hopes that this critical piece of infrastructure will provide a connected habitat for his fellow mountain lions along with a number of other wildlife species that call the Santa Monica Mountains home.
Since 2019, during his time at Living Habitats and continuing in his capacity as the President & CEO of Rock Design Associates, Rock has been directing the design and collaborating with Caltrans District 7 on the preparation of the final engineering drawings and overseeing the construction of Stage 1. In addition, the RDA team is continuing the ongoing efforts with the project team to develop outreach and communication materials for the project as well as collaborating with scientists, researchers, and academics to infuse the design with the best available knowledge and advances in related fields of study.
Greek Theater Images via Getty Images
WALLIS ANNENBeRG WILDLIFE CROSSING LEGO® BUILD
LEGO IDEAS® Competition Entry 2023
Imagined by Rock as a playful way to share the message of wildlife connectivity and the creative potential of the field of landscape architecture, this LEGO Ideas® competition entry was inspired by the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing being built north of Los Angeles, California. Through this use of a beloved building material that inspires children and adults alike, the Wildlife Crossing comes to life complete with minifigures for select wildlife species that will eventually benefit from the construction of this hopeful and critical piece of ecological infrastructure. If you haven’t already, please consider voting for this LEGO Ideas® competition entry HERE.
This project was completed by Rock in collaboration with the Martin Egemo, aka TMX Brick Notes, while at Living Habitats.
ROBBINS STORMWATER PARK
Robbins, Illinois
Currently in construction, this first phase of the Vision for Robbins Master Plan, combines resilient infrastructure with a community-centric design approach, transforming gray infrastructure into framework for future community assets. Once completed, this ambitious project will not only accommodate the 100-year storm event, but it will also become a vibrant recreational and social amenity for the Village of Robbins.
The park features innovative engineering strategies and creative reuse of on-site materials including the repurposing of stone that was excavated during the creation of the drainage features. The stone, taken out to form the channel that connects to the Cal-Sag Channel at the northern end of the site, was reused to armor the channel edges and create a safe-water zone at the confluence for kayaks, canoes, and other personal water use devices. The first stage of park construction to the north of Claire Boulevard was completed in 2023 and the second stage of the park construction is scheduled to begin construction in 2024.
Future phases of the award-winning Vision for Robbins Master Plan include the potential for a adjacent transit-Oriented Development District as well as an Energy District that will continue to serve this historic community south of the Chicago metropolitan area. Rock led the design of this project and oversaw the construction of the first stage of this project while at Living Habitats.
