Plant Talk with RCI's Horticulturist, Russell Harris

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 waterpark. 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.