Biographies

Robert C. Hoover, Principal
Rob has over 27 years of professional experience in the practice of Landscape Architecture and 7 years of public service, including 3 years serving as Planning Board Chairman for Georgetown, Massachusetts. He is primarily responsible for HBLA’s project startup and design. His work has won numerous awards. He is published, has lectured throughout the country, and has been featured in numerous publi cations including the European Reminiscence Network Conference in London, England.

After 4 years of practicing the profession of landscape architecture, in 1982 Rob went back to graduate school to answer his question, “I love what I do, but why am I doing it?” It was at Harvard, he was introduced to the environmental art movement and their exploration of landscape by the late Cherie Kluesing. Upon graduation, 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 make a connection between environmental art and well being. In 1990, he was registered as a sculptor with the Maine Arts Commission and in 1993 as a Maine Touring Artist. Rob crossed a professional threshold in 1995, when for the internationally recognized Sedgewood Commons, he developed, published and implemented the first of its kind landscape design methodology for the complete spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease. In 1999 Rob relocated to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and was a founding principal of HBLA, Inc. Today HBLA specializes in healthcare and senior living projects. In 2001, based on his professional experience and pioneering efforts, he was invited to participate in the establishment and program development of Chicago Botanic Garden’s flagship Healthcare Design Certificate Program. This program remains the only advanced, professional development design certificate in the country. He continues his involvement as faculty, lecturer and design critic. Recently, Rob taught several “Therapeutic Landscape” workshops at the Landscape Institute, Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University.

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. He is registered as a Landscape Architect throughout the Northeast.

Andy Ward, Project Manager
Andy has worked on a wide range of landscape design projects from initial client contact to the installation of custom detailing and integrated artwork. A graduate of Cornell University, his experiences range from the intensive coordination involved with the Boston Central Artery Project, the largest civil project in America, to project management of design-build residential projects. Much of his career has focused on high profile commercial urban projects which included challenging site engineering, roof deck design and custom material detailing.

Andy is a registered Landscape Architect. Utilizing his 13 years of experience and his skills in HBLA’s healthcare and senior living design methodology, he currently manages all HBLA projects. Andy enjoys incorporating sustainable landscape principles to HBLA’s projects. He is currently in the process of obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.