Profile

HBLA is a landscape architecture firm specializing in design of healthcare, senior living, and residential projects. Located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, HBLA is nationally recognized for its work and has been featured internationally at the European Reminiscence Network Conference in London, England. The firm has won numerous awards and has been featured in national publications.

HBLA is committed to the art and science of landscape architecture as a therapeutic, healing medium. The firm believes strongly that nature is intrinsic to our lives. HBLA advocates for and often lectures on therapeutic landscapes and healing gardens. In 1995, for the internationally recognized Sedgewood Commons, the firm’s principal, Rob Hoover, developed, published and implemented the first of its kind landscape design methodology for the complete spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease. In 2001, based on the firm’s history and pioneering efforts, Rob 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. Through a strategic alliance in 2010, Dennis Moulton, PE, of MSC Civil Engineers, will move into HBLA’s office and provide the firm with civil engineering services. As a result, HBLA now offers one-stop shopping for all site design.

HBLA’s extensive healthcare and senior living design experience includes well over 100 projects ranging in size from a 20 by 20 square foot meditation garden to a 500 acre continuous care retirement community. To each project the firm applies over 40 years of professional experience in landscape architecture and 7 years elected public office in town planning. This combination of experience and personalized approach provides each project with an unusually high level of expertise. As a result, HBLA is well positioned to assist new clients in evidence based design, navigating local and state approvals, meeting aggressive schedules and bringing projects in on budget. HBLA is professionally licensed through National CLARB certification and works throughout the Northeast.

Professional Services
Site Analysis and Site Planning
Landscape Design including Roads, Parking and Lighting
Civil Engineering and Surveying (strategic alliance with MSC Civil Engineers)
Project Permitting and Approvals
Construction Documentation and Administration
Presentation Graphics, Fund Raising Plans and 3D Imaging
Operational Landscape Maintenance Plans

Design Philosophy
Design Evidence Based, Therapeutic and Restorative Landscapes
Produce Well Crafted, Well Organized, Thoroughly Detailed Projects
Strive for Clarity of Design and Understated Elegance