RCI News

Explore the unique landscape construction of Tom Lee Park, featured on the Landscape Architecture Magazine's June 2025 issue cover. Learn about its innovative design and landscaping techniques.

Discover how RCI embraces sustainability in landscaping practices to celebrate World Environment Day. Learn about green landscape maintenance and contribute to the planet.

We're seeking a talented Landscape Architect to join our renowned team in Houston, TX. Discover the qualifications we're looking for and the benefits you'll enjoy.

Dig into RCI's stunning creation of synthetic baseball fields at Friendship Park, leveraging professional landscape construction techniques and services.

RCI, a top-rated landscape and construction company, shares insights on landscaping maintenance and how to enhance your outdoor space. Discover these expert tips.

Last month, the grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida marked a groundbreaking moment in the world of themed entertainment. As thousands of guests step into the park’s imaginative realms, RCI is proud to have contributed to the vision—specifically through our work on Celestial Park.

At RCI, maintenance isn’t just a follow-up service — it’s a critical component of how we deliver long-term value to our clients across the Southeast. Behind the seamless upkeep of commercial landscapes, resort grounds, and institutional properties is a deeply coordinated effort led by none other than Brandt Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Maintenance.

There’s a saying in our world: creating a landscape is an art, but maintaining it is a commitment. At RCI, we live by that ethos. Our work doesn't end when the last tree is planted, or the final blade of grass is rolled into place.

When June rolls in, most of us welcome the longer days and early signs of summer. But for those along the Gulf Coast and Southeastern U.S., it also signals the beginning of hurricane season—a time when preparedness isn't just a priority, it's a necessity.

At RCI, we know that exceptional landscapes start with smart planning—and that begins with our Construction Estimating Team. Led by industry veteran Blaine Frischhertz, this powerhouse group turns design dreams into buildable, budget-conscious realities. Every project RCI undertakes benefits from their sharp insights, precision work, and commitment to excellence.

This week at RCI, we’re diving into something a little different — it’s RCI Swim Week.

Each year, on the Friday before Mother’s Day, we take a moment to celebrate National Public Gardens Day — a tribute to the incredible gardens and green spaces that enrich our communities, our environment, and our lives. These living landscapes are far more than places of beauty. They’re places of connection, education, healing, and ecological importance.

Cultivating Excellence: Meet RCI’s Horticulturist, Russell Harris Spring is a season of vibrant growth — and at RCI, we’re proud to have a seasoned horticulturist like Russell Harris guiding our approach to color, texture, and plant health across the landscapes we design and maintain. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for plant science, Russell brings a unique depth of knowledge that helps elevate our projects far beyond aesthetics. In this spotlight, we’re diving into Russell’s springtime strategies, practical tips for homeowners, and why having a horticulturist on our team makes all the difference.

At RCI, we understand the importance of sustainability, both for the environment and for our communities. As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day this April, we reflect on how we integrate eco-friendly practices into our landscaping services and the critical role trees play in enhancing both the beauty and health of our landscapes.

At RCI, our landscape designers bring more than just technical skills to the table—they bring passion, creativity, and a deep respect for the environments they shape. Two of our talented designers, Manny Lopez and Allen Worthington , took time to share their journey into landscape architecture, what inspires them, and how they approach creating impactful outdoor spaces. Here's a closer look at the minds behind the designs.

When planning a commercial or public space, the landscape plays a crucial role in setting the tone, enhancing functionality, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the environment. Whether it’s an office park, a public plaza, or a commercial retail development, the expertise of a landscape architect can make a significant difference in the outcome of the project. At RCI, we understand the immense value that a professional landscape architect brings to every design. In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of hiring a landscape architect for your commercial or public space.

Celebrating National Landscape Architecture Month At RCI, our landscape architecture team is the creative force behind some of the most dynamic outdoor environments across the Gulf Coast. In celebration of National Landscape Architecture Month, we caught up with two of our talented landscape architects, Megan Olden and Tim Michell, to hear their personal stories, perspectives, and the passion that drives their work.

As we celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month this April, RCI is proud to highlight our talented team of landscape architects and designers who work tirelessly to create exceptional outdoor spaces. In this post, we sit down with Gene Peters, our Director of Landscape Architecture, to learn about his journey, the evolving field of landscape architecture, and RCI’s unique approach to design. A Journey Rooted in Passion and Creativity Gene Peters’ landscape architecture career began in his hometown in Mississippi, where he grew up working at a young age mowing lawns. “My first real job was for Live Oak Landscape in Natchez, MS when I was 16,” Gene recalls. It wasn’t until college that he discovered landscape architecture as a profession. After initially considering civil engineering, a conversation with a friend introduced him to landscape architecture, and by the end of the day, he switched majors and never looked back. His passion for creativity and sketching would become the foundation of his future in the field. The Role of Director of Landscape Architecture at RCI As Director of Landscape Architecture at RCI, Gene leads a dynamic team of landscape architects and designers, focusing on achieving departmental goals and delivering high-quality, on-time, and on-budget projects. “I work closely with ownership to set and meet annual budget goals for the department, manage our talented team, and ensure that we consistently provide exceptional results for our clients,” Gene explains. RCI’s design division specializes in providing creative solutions for public and private estate, resort, commercial, and institutional clients across the southeast. The Evolution of Landscape Architecture Over the years, landscape architecture has evolved dramatically, especially with the introduction of computers and software programs that have streamlined the design process. Early in landscape architecture, drawing was done by hand, and computers have certainly improved productivity and project management,” Gene notes. However, he also believes that there’s something irreplaceable about the hands-on approach: “Drawing by hand is a skill that’s still valuable, especially for problem-solving and impressing clients. I encourage my team to be avid note-takers and sketch alternate solutions during client meetings.” Embracing the Future: Trends in Landscape Architecture One trend that Gene finds particularly exciting is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in landscape architecture. “AI is already making its mark and will only become more integrated into our work,” he shares. He cautions that those who don’t stay ahead of technological advancements risk being left behind. Sustainability: A Core Principle Sustainability has always been a cornerstone of landscape architecture, long before it became a popular buzzword. “Great designers use sustainable practices to lower long-term costs, conserve resources, and educate clients and the public,” says Gene. While sustainable design principles can sometimes raise initial construction costs, they ultimately pay off in the long run, making them a vital component of modern landscape projects. What Sets RCI Apart? RCI’s approach to landscape architecture is unique due to our specialization in design-build services. This single-source project delivery method allows our team to work seamlessly from design through construction, ensuring clear communication and faster project completion. “Design-build enhances efficiency, saves clients time and money, and allows projects to move quickly through the design and construction phases,” explains Gene. RCI’s services, including commercial hardscaping, irrigation systems for businesses, and HOA landscaping services, benefit from this streamlined approach. A Project to Be Proud Of: Splash RV Resort One of the standout projects that Gene is particularly proud of is the Splash RV Resort. “RCI started working on this project when it was an undisturbed pasture with mature live oak and other character trees. We modified their land plan to save more trees and designed a wildly successful watermark. The resort is a major destination today and the success started with a client that understood the value of the trees and was willing to partner with RCI’s thoughtful design, attention to detail, and professional construction services,” he says.

Our role in this large-scale project was to install key landscaping and hardscaping elements that seamlessly integrate with LSU’s existing campus while ensuring functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal.

At the Four Seasons New Orleans, the thoughtfully curated outdoor spaces invite guests to immerse themselves in the city’s charm while enjoying a tranquil, luxurious atmosphere.

Hardscapes, which include elements such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, and seating areas, define the structure of your landscape, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.

Investing in a smart irrigation system is a win-win for commercial properties looking to reduce water usage, cut costs, and promote sustainability.

Smart Irrigation Month is a public awareness campaign to promote efficient water use. Focused on July, traditionally the month of peak demand for outdoor water use, the campaign highlights simple practices and innovative technologies.

RCI is thrilled to announce the return of our summer internship program. This paid internship spans 10–12 weeks during the summer and is tailored for actively enrolled college students.

The transformation of the World Trade Center into a luxury property was a huge undertaking, to say the least -- the project cost more than $500 million and took more than three years to complete.

RCI had the exciting opportunity to partner with Ochsner to spread ALS awareness and support through the planting of a special garden at their main campus in New Orleans.

Our teams love maintaining services for our long-time clients, and are also looking forward to the new projects and the challenges that enable us to grow.

Beachside Towers 1 turned to RCI to modernize, reconfigure and rebuild resort-style pool area.

RCI completes work on Gretna's Memorial Square. Complete with green infrastructure, this space is both beautiful and functional.

Rotolo Consultants, Inc. (RCI) is pleased to announce several promotions within our executive and management teams to accommodate the continued growth and expansion of the company.

RCI completes work on the impressive OLOL Pavilion and Playhouse in Baton Rouge, LA.

Plucienski joined the team at RCI just over five years ago and in that time has become an indispensable part of the RCI family. "I appreciate being a part of a company which always finds a solution.” Women entering the construction industry in 2019 do so while standing on the shoulders of women like Rhonda Plucienski. RCI is a proud employer of the best in the business and seeks to continue to develop the talent of all those who, just as Rhonda recommends, demand excellence.

Bay Landscape represents the second acquisition successfully completed by RCI in 2018 and the fourth acquisition in the last two years. With the addition of Bay Landscape, RCI is now one of the leading landscape companies in the NW Florida market.

As Rotolo Consultants Inc. continues to flourish, promotions within the executive group structure have been made. These changes pave the way for the professional development of all employees, throughout each division of RCI.

2018 stands as a benchmark year for RCI as the business celebrates its 40th birthday. Rotolo Consultants Inc.'s original founders Joe and Kerry Rotolo and current RCI President & CEO, Keith Rotolo, sat down to reflect on how they established one the country's largest and most successful commercial landscape companies.

‘Tis the season for holiday decorations, bright lights, and fresh trees indoors, but choosing the right natural tree can be intimidating! A little research before you buy can help ensure your Christmas tree is more Rockefeller Center and less Charlie Brown Christmas. “The first thing to consider when buying a tree is selecting one that can stabilize your ornaments. Nobody likes a tree that can’t hold decorations! That is why I prefer a strong, Blue Spruce tree,” shared RCI Regional Support Manager, Courtney Hammontree. “You’ll also want a tree that is fragrant and a Blue Spruce is sure to be!” However, when buying a pre-cut tree, it is wise to consider just how fresh the tree is before bringing it home. Nothing is worse than a browning tree halfway through December! A good test of freshness includes removing a firmly attached needle. A needle from a fresh tree should snap right in half, while a needle from an older tree will likely bend. You will also want to make sure your tree is semi-moist to the touch before purchasing. A dry, crunchy tree will likely brown sooner than you’d like! Once you have selected your perfect tree, make sure to place it in water as soon as possible otherwise, the truck can form a scab and will not be able to absorb the water needed to maintain freshness. You'll also want to make sure to freshly cut the trunk at end to avoid scabbing. Trees should always be kept away from direct sunlight and warm drafts from vents. Exposure to sunlight and warm air will discolor your tree as well as shorten its lifespan. Just a few simple tips and tricks will help ensure your tree is strong and healthy all season long! Happy Hunting!

Slidell, LA – Rotolo Consultants Incorporated (RCI) acquired GPL Landscaping LLC, a commercial landscape and maintenance company based in Miramar Beach, Florida. This represents RCI’s third acquisition in the past year. This acquisition establishes RCI’s presence in Florida. RCI also has branch offices in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. RCI is now employing about 700 people. Read more on Lawn & Landscape

Editor’s note: CityBusiness tracks the Fastest Growing Companies in the New Orleans area based on information we obtain from our regular surveys of private companies. The five standouts that were featured in our May 11 print edition reported the largest percentage increase in revenue over the past three years among companies that posted between $20,000 and $100,000 in gross income. The ceiling and basement were established to focus on companies still on the rise, while eliminating the dramatic jumps seen during the early seven-figure stages.

RCI is proud to be a part of an exciting project currently underway at LSU. The Nicholson Gateway will transform the Nicholson Drive Corridor by creating student housing, athletic housing, retail, a Tiger Athletic Nutrition Center, game day parking and more, along what has traditionally been the back end of campus.

RCI is proud to be a part of another exciting project at LSU, the renovation and additions to the Student Recreation Center. RCI installed the 8,314 sf. lazy river that includes three tanning shelves with a tanning shelf water feature, a multi-lane lap pool, the pool deck, the indoor pool, pavers, and perimeter sidewalks.

Learn how to stay updated on your pool construction and design to ensure the best summer fun possible. Contact us to learn more.

Learn the preventive steps to take for your commercial landscape before the hurricane season begins. Discover how commercial landscape maintenance services can help.

Discover expert tips for maintaining your landscape this summer in the Gulf South. Keep your lawn lush all season long with our comprehensive guide.

Discover effective techniques for summer landscape maintenance in the Gulf South with expert tips on watering, pruning, fertilization, and lawn care.

Discover how commercial landscaping can transform your business into the ultimate summer destination. Learn about pool design and more here.