Walter Cudnohufsky Associates, Inc. Firm Statement
Landscape Architects and Planners
Walter Cudnohufsky Associates is committed to landscape design that meets real
needs. We are a full-service landscape architectural and land-planning firm, staffed with
experienced, multi-disciplined professionals who bring their broad expertise to every
project, no matter how large or small. Our watermark is not a reproducible “style,” but
designs that respond to the unique requirements of each client and site—innovative
solutions that function smoothly and harmoniously, please the eye, and fit the budget.
We believe that quality design is based in the natural systems and human uses of a
particular site. Each site has treasures and serendipities waiting to be discovered and
each client program has unarticulated desires and priorities. By carefully studying the site
and probing the client’s needs, design solutions emerge that are uniquely appropriate to
the place and the people who will use it. Preconceived, decorative solutions can be
limiting, costly, and difficult to maintain. Our experience permits us to read the land, ask
telling questions, and create designs that take advantage of the revealed opportunities.
The result is stunning, truly distinctive, thoroughly practical and economical design.
We are quick and flexible. Our small size and wide-ranging experience let us respond
swiftly to changing plans and readily incorporate new information in a timely fashion.
Clients work directly with dedicated WCA, Inc. staff who have a detailed knowledge of
their project. Principal Walter Cudnohufsky is fully involved in all phases of the work.
We provide a range of services, from siting buildings, developing a master plan concept
for a home/new community/institution, running a public meeting, to sizing a drain pipe,
illustrating a zoning code, or selecting a particular plant species.
WCA, Inc.’s design, planning, and consulting services include:
• Landscape Design
Residential and public, including large estate, housing, commercial, industrial,
institutional, campus, public park, town common, motel, industrial park, and school
projects. We begin with analysis, program development, and design development and
move to full construction documents, specifications, and construction inspection.
• Site Inspection and Construction Management
From initial bid management, incremental work and material approval, to change
orders and final project close out.
• Master Planning and Land Planning
New communities, institutions, village and town centers, condominium housing,
parks and recreation lands, estates, agricultural preservation, limited development,
and private land-protection initiatives.
• Environmental Design/Land Preservation
Natural resource planning, Notice of Intent conservation permitting, erosion control,
wetland replication, minimum impact design alternatives. Trails, boardwalks,
handicapped accessibility.
• Land Use Feasibility and Project Analysis
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Analysis of multiple site components, such as topography, soils, slopes, drainage,
sun, wetlands, infrastructure, context, views, vegetation, buildings, codes etc. Cost
estimating, code review, and similar tasks essential to the project success.
Plan Compliance, Zoning, and Impact Evaluation for Communities
Review of open space plans, subdivision, industrial and site plans for projects
submitted to communities under impact fee review procedures. We also review
proposed bylaws, recommend revisions, evaluate their impact and applicability to
specific land parcels, and aid in preparing proposed zoning.
Community Visioning, Workshops and Meeting Facilitation
Meetings, forums, events, and workshops for communities, organizations and
businesses; design workshops and clinics. Services include planning, organizing,
moderating, and summarizing.
Publications, Information Graphics and Illustration
Documents that are easy to use. Effective integration of words and graphics using
diagrams, renderings, perspectives, elevations and other visuals. Applications include:
information design and graphics for zoning regulations, reports, planning documents,
design guidelines, public presentations, and books.
Walter Cudnohufsky
Early in his career, Walter Cudnohufsky became dissatisfied with the shallowness and
omissions of most American landscape design—“decorating with dollars” instead of
addressing the human and natural needs of a particular site and its intended use. He was
interested in responsive solutions derived from the land and the clients rather than
generic, cookie-cutter designs imposed upon the land and people. Before the term was
fashionable, Walt began to craft an ecological approach to landscape design based on a
profound vision of a project’s total context and a detailed understanding of the multiple
factors.
In 1972 Walt founded the Conway School of Landscape Design as a working laboratory
where students could learn while doing. Analytical tools, basic design principles, and a
responsive, logical design process were forged in the field while working on actual
residential and public projects. Today, CSLD is nationally recognized as an important
accredited alternative program and grants a Master of Arts in Landscape Design degree.
Through his work at CSLD, in private practice, on organization boards and public task
forces, Walt has sharpened his ability to conceptualize and execute responsive design.
The range and depth of WCA, Inc.’s services is the direct result of this deep involvement
in every aspect of landscape design and land planning.
Quality Design Depends on a Quality Process
WCA, Inc. follows a design process that is inclusive, incisive, and efficient. Our methods
of analysis and design enable us to quickly identify key issues, find possibilities hidden
within constraints, and move smoothly from complexity to design solutions. These basic
principles shape our process and practice:
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The best designs begin with an intimate understanding of a project in all its
complexity and multiple dimensions.
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Too often “analysis” is mere inventory. We listen carefully. We walk the land.
We ask difficult questions. We dig deep to expose hidden attributes, constraints,
opportunities, and future implications—and to carefully articulate the real needs
before we commit to solutions.
Over thirty-five years of project work has repeatedly demonstrated that time spent in
analysis and design is repaid in lower construction and maintenance costs, improved
functionality, and design longevity. Every client’s needs will alter over time. The
flexibility inherent in an enduring design allows new requirements to be
accommodated, even if they cannot be foreseen.
Design is an orderly process of creative problem solving.
We purposely explore diverse alternatives, propose designs and reject them, and
evaluate tradeoffs against requirements. In this winnowing process, priorities come
into focus, design ideas converge with serendipitous insights, and the “right”
solutions emerge. It is a process that combines exhilarating discovery with rational
decision-making and leads to distinctive, responsive design.
We practice form-finding rather than form-giving.
Our designs grow out of the defined problem and context. We have no “WCA, Inc.
style.” Our style is design that fits the site and those who will use it.
Simpler solutions are better, less expensive, and more elegant.
A lavish budget is not the most essential ingredient for a quality design. Limits can be
the springboard to innovative, wise solutions because they demand a closer fit
between form and function, and create an aesthetic harmony of smoothly working
components.
We can usually save a client more than our fees by offering timely insights,
questioning expectations, avoiding unwise choices, and exploring new technologies.
Good design is a team process that includes clients and users.
We are comfortable thinking on our feet—brainstorming design concepts in
large meetings or solving problems spontaneously during one-on-one, on-site
consultations. Tough questions from both client and designer draw out valuable
information.
We are hands-on from start to finish.
Over time, we have developed strong, trusting relationships with a pool of talented
contractors and artisans. We work closely with them during installation to take
advantage of their wisdom and expertise.
Continual communication with our clients, documentation of issues and decisions,
personal attention, responsiveness, and hands-on involvement underscore our
commitment to quality service.
Walter Cudnohufsky Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 489
Ashfield, MA 01330
Phone............ 413/628-4600
Fax................ 413/628-0117
E-mail ........... wcala@wcala.com
Web .............. www.wcala.com