Robert C. Hoover - Primarily responsible for design and project startup, Rob brings over 25 years of professional experience in the practice of Landscape Architecture to HBLA. In 1987, Rob founded Studio L.A., a full service landscape architecture firm located in Portland, Maine. It was during that time he began to explore the connection between environmental art and well being. In 1990, Rob was registered as a sculptor with the Maine Arts Commission and in 1993 as a Maine Touring Artist. For the internationally recognized Sedgewood Commons, in 1995, he developed, published and implemented the first of its kind landscape design methodology for the complete spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease.

After relocating to Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1999, Rob was a founding principal of HBLA, Inc., which today specializes in healthcare, senior living and residential projects. In 2001, based on his professional experience and pioneering efforts, he was invited to participate in the establishment and program development of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s flagship, Healthcare Design Certificate Program. This program remains the only advanced design program of its kind in the country. Rob continues his involvement as a yearly, visiting lecturer and critic. Rob’s work has won numerous awards; he is widely published, has lectured throughout the country, and has been featured in numerous publications including the European Reminiscence Network Conference in London, England. Rob earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from the University of Massachusetts and holds a Master of Landscape Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

Andy Ward - Andy has worked on a wide range of landscape design projects from initial client contact to thorough construction observation that ensures custom details are installed to realize their full potential. Many projects have involved art pieces created specifically for the site with the landscape design integrating the art from the beginning of the design process to the end. His experiences range from the intense coordination involved with the Boston Central Artery Tunnel project, the largest civil project in America, to management of design build residential projects. Much of his career has focused on urban, high profile commercial projects which included challenging site engineering, roof deck design and custom detailing.

Andy currently manages all projects applying HBLA’s healthcare design methodology and drawing on his past professional experience. He looks forward to incorporating the sustainable landscape principles he studied while working for the Office of Sustainability Programs at the University of New Hampshire to future HBLA projects. Andy earned his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, is a licensed Landscape Architect and is currently in the process of obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - LEED certification.

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