Founded in 2001 in Nashville, CSDG has become a leader in land planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture. The fully integrated design firm can be seen building a number of projects across Nashville such as The Motley, River North and The Finery; as well as regions across the state of Tennessee. In this Q&A, Hal Clark, Executive VP for Landscape Architecture, shares quick insights on Nashville market trends as it relates to civil, land planning, and landscape.
Absolutely. More than ever, we see clients prioritizing outdoor spaces that evolve with time. Whether for private development, institutions, or cities, there’s a shared desire for adaptable, multi-functional environments. As landscape architects, we design with what I would call “layered flexibility” — integrating infrastructure for future programming and utilizing modular elements, such as movable seating or precast furnishings, that can be reconfigured as needs change.
“We also plan grading, planting, and stormwater systems to support future phasing without major redesign. For cities, this means long-term adaptability; for developers, it extends a space’s value; and for designers, it helps the public realm evolve with surrounding buildings. A great example is oneC1TY’s C1TY Blox, where temporary retail and amenities created with shipping containers give local entrepreneurs room to grow before transitioning to permanent spaces. Ultimately, flexibility is a core part of placemaking. It’s not just good design; it’s smart, resilient planning.”
Yes, it’s becoming a higher priority — not just for aesthetics, but as a practical strategy for community engagement and long-term project success. Developers increasingly recognize that outdoor spaces like plazas, courtyards, and streetscapes are key differentiators, especially in competitive residential and mixed-use markets. These spaces help attract people, create a sense of place, and support the lifestyle today’s tenants and users expect.
“We approach public space and placemaking intentionally — framing views, creating natural gathering areas, and integrating local art into paving, walls, or furnishings so it feels built into the space, not added after the fact. We often work with local artists to design these elements, and when possible, reuse existing or historic features to help shape the environment. A good example is The Landings at River North, where we repurposed industrial relics from the former Cherokee Marine site as public art. It told the story of the site and created a unique, meaningful environment.”
“Absolutely. Early collaboration with developers, contractors, and client teams is essential to align goals, reduce friction, and deliver buildable, high-quality spaces. When landscape architects are involved early, especially during site planning and conceptual design, we can identify potential issues, streamline decision-making, and more effectively connect the landscape to project branding, user experience, and long-term value.
For contractors, early coordination helps with constructability, phasing, and site utilities, reducing surprises later. It also helps avoid last-minute value engineering, which often forces design compromises. When we engage early, we can propose flexible, cost-efficient solutions from the start—things like modular materials, multi-functional site elements, or phased approaches.”
Southall Farm & Inn is a great example. By working closely alongside the owner and contractor from the start, we became an integral part of the core team. It took time, but it ultimately contributed to the project’s success. I’ve heard this approach called “ROI-driven placemaking,” and it sums it up nicely—early, integrated collaboration leads to better outcomes for timelines, budgets, and the final product.
For Nashville, the opportunity lies in learning from cities like Charlotte and Chattanooga and applying these lessons locally by investing in places that prioritize people, connect communities, and reflect Nashville’s character.
“There are several Southeast cities Nashville can learn from—not just in how they’re growing, but how design is guiding that growth with intention. Charlotte stands out for its use of form-based codes and transit-oriented development to create walkable, transit-friendly districts with strong streetscape standards. I recently visited Charlotte with the Nashville Chamber to tour these projects and hear directly from their leaders. Their long-term investment in infrastructure is paying off.
Chattanooga is another excellent example. They’ve demonstrated how mid-sized cities can lead with sustainability and tech-driven public spaces, setting a strong example through their focus on outdoor recreation, preservation, and parks. Chattanooga’s designation as a National Park City reflects that commitment, which is why CSDG opened an office there this year to support that vision through landscape architecture.”
