Who We Are
Baumwelt is a landscape architecture and environmental planning firm powered by inspired individuals seeking a better world for all.
Founder's Message
I work tirelessly to ensure our clients are heard and feel supported throughout every stage of their projects. I am available, responsive, and committed to addressing your concerns and fulfilling your goals and vision — both during our work together and long after the project is complete.
I value the perspectives, questions, concerns, and ideas of those in the places we work and the communities we help shape. Meaningful public spaces are created through listening, collaboration, and genuine community engagement.
I believe we have a responsibility to design thoughtfully, carefully, and holistically. I am committed to minimizing environmental impacts, restoring local ecology, and creating landscapes that contribute positively to the health and resilience of our shared environment.
— Derrick Eberle
Why We Build
Inspired by our founder's Swiss-German heritage, Baumwelt is a portmanteau combining the critical components of our practice:
-
Baum = Tree
A symbol of earth, health and life, trees are a critical component of functional and beautiful landscapes. Trees bring ecological gains by supporting all oxygen-dependent life on earth, but they also serve as visual icons of the environment and partners to humanity through their visual, structural, and renewable characteristics.
-
Welt = World
The world, our environment and our home, is one we share with each other and all things, living or inert. The world nurtures our existence, providing the resources we need to survive and thrive. We practice respect for the world and consider its needs in everything we do. In the challenge of coexistence lies the possibility of a livable future.
-
Bau = Build
We are builders and doers who take the initiative to ensure our designs are constructed. We partner with those most capable of realizing the comprehensive vision embodied in every plan we create. We also build strong foundations and lasting relationships with our clients, partners, and communities in order to deliver innovative, inclusive and thoughtful work.
-
Umwelt = Perception
While the literal translation of umwelt is environment, its true meaning is more complex, representing the philosophical concept of how the world is perceived by a particular organism. For us, this means opening our eyes and setting aside any preconceptions we hold in an effort to holistically understand our projects, who they affect, and how they can better all life on Earth.
What We Create
Our projects are guided by high ideals and grounded in collaboration. We work with clients & communities to realize positive change. Our services include:
-
Site Planning
Working with the client to identify key project needs and concerns through a design process to develop the optimum plan for the site.
-
Public Engagement
Often a part of any thorough site planning process, we utilize various strategies to gather meaningful public feedback and guide the project to be reflective of the needs of the stakeholders.
-
Concept Design
Providing simple design guidance and preliminary planning. This effort serves to advance the project’s development and serve as an early guide for the client. Often it leads into more thorough design documentation.
-
Sportsfield Design & Technical Consultation
Knowledge of the nuanced components of both natural and synthetic sports fields and playing surfaces, including underdrainage components and shock attenuation systems.
-
Design Visualization & Project Graphics
2D & 3D orthographics and illustrations which visually convey ideas to public audiences and may be used in fundraising efforts.
-
Cost Estimating
Utilization of our industry knowledge and real-world bid results of recent projects to aid in estimating projected costs for a new project.
-
Construction Documentation & Administration
Production of bid-ready project plans, specifications, and cost estimates. Knowledge and ability to lead regular construction meetings with contractors and stakeholders to ensure projects are constructed according the requirements of the contract documents.
How We Work
Through our commitment to the following principles, we deliver projects that are community-driven, code-compliant, and cost-conscious.
-
Excellent Communication
The most critical component of any project, we strive not only to clearly communicate to you but to also carefully listen (to you and to all members impacted by the work).
-
Sensitivity To Environmental Impact
Ecological footprint is analyzed on every effort we do, and clients are made aware of opportunities to incorporate environmentally positive strategies in their project.
-
Emphasis On Design Justice
We strive to achieve equity in the design of a project, to be enjoyed by all users. We don't impart our agenda; we seek to understand who the community is and how they can be served fairly by the new project.
-
Dynamic Office Model
We collaborate with a talented network of independent designers and subject matter experts committed to meeting project deadlines and serving our clients with care and accountability.
-
Diligent Adherence To Schedule and Budget
These items are set at the beginning of the project, and we check back regularly to ensure no factors affect this.
Where To Find Us
From our home office in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, we seek partnerships with those who share our drive to build just, lasting, unforgettable outdoor spaces, places and experiences.
- Skip Embedded Streetview
-
Our Location
We are located on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, between South 9th and South 10th, across the street from People's Park.
Our hours vary, so please reach out in advance if you would like to visit.