Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Landscape Architecture & Engineering Solutions
Since 1974, The LA Group has shaped experiences through landscape architecture, engineering, and planning that create spaces for life, community, and sustainability. Our team of landscape architects, civil engineers, planners, and environmental scientists combines ingenuity, reliability, and a collaborative approach to deliver projects that exceed client expectations. With expertise in government, education, sports, private development, and cemetery projects, we prioritize environmental sensitivity, community integration, and innovative design. Our 50-year legacy includes award-winning work at iconic sites like Niagara Falls State Park and Olana State Historic Site.We emphasize holistic solutions, from feasibility studies to construction, ensuring seamless integration of natural and built environments. Our commitment to community involvement is reflected in partnerships with nonprofits and participation in programs like The 1% Program. Licensed in 17 states, we bring multidisciplinary expertise to every project, blending technical precision with creative vision to create spaces that endure.
Services
Landscape Architecture
Site/Civil Engineering
Environmental Planning
Community Planning
Cemetery Design
Stormwater Management
Wayfinding Systems
Master Planning
Permitting Services
GIS Mapping
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of experience in landscape architecture and engineering.
- Our multidisciplinary team integrates environmental, design, and technical expertise.
- We prioritize community engagement and sustainable, client-focused solutions.
- Our work includes nationally recognized projects like Niagara Falls State Park.
- We maintain a collaborative approach with architects, engineers, and contractors.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- SITES
What people say
Award-winning design
Collaborative approach
Environmental expertise
Community-focused solutions
Successful project execution
Services
Landscape Architecture
The LA Group specializes in landscape architecture that blends environmental sensitivity with functional design. Our services include site analysis, master planning, planting design, and wayfinding systems. We create spaces for government, educational, and recreational projects that enhance community engagement and sustainability. Our team integrates universal accessibility, historic context, and regulatory compliance to deliver award-winning solutions.
Site/Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering services focus on land development, stormwater management, and sustainable infrastructure. We provide grading, drainage design, utility planning, and permitting expertise. Projects range from national cemeteries to urban campuses, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations while prioritizing cost-effective, resilient solutions for public and private clients.
Environmental Planning
The LA Group offers environmental planning and permitting services to secure timely approvals for land development. We conduct ecological assessments, GIS analysis, and SEQRA compliance studies. Our team specializes in wetland delineation, stormwater pollution prevention, and LEED-certified strategies to minimize environmental impact while aligning with client goals.
Community Planning
We provide community and regional planning services for municipal, county, and state agencies. Our work includes comprehensive plans, zoning code revisions, economic development strategies, and grant writing. By engaging stakeholders and leveraging GIS technology, we help communities create sustainable, resilient frameworks for growth and preservation.
Cemetery Design
The LA Group designs national and state cemeteries that honor veterans with dignity and respect. Our services include master planning, site layout, and regulatory compliance for projects like the Western New York National Cemetery. We balance solemnity with functionality, ensuring spaces for reflection and remembrance meet modern standards.
People
C. Michael Ingersoll
Co-Founder, Strategic Advisor
With decades of experience, C. Michael Ingersoll provides strategic leadership in landscape architecture and planning. His expertise spans large-scale projects, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement.
Joseph G. Sporko
Co-Founder, Strategic Advisor
Joseph G. Sporko contributes extensive knowledge in landscape design and environmental planning. His career focuses on creating spaces that harmonize natural and built environments for public benefit.
David R. Carr, Jr.
Principal, Landscape Architect
David Carr leads landscape architecture projects with a focus on innovation and technical excellence. He specializes in complex sites requiring regulatory compliance and sustainable solutions.
Lisa L. Tonneson-McCorkell
Associate Principal, Landscape Architect
Lisa Tonneson-McCorkell integrates sustainability and design in projects ranging from campuses to public spaces. Her work emphasizes environmental stewardship and community-driven outcomes.
Douglas B. Heller
Principal, Civil Engineer
Douglas Heller oversees civil engineering services, specializing in infrastructure and stormwater management. His expertise ensures projects meet technical and environmental standards across diverse landscapes.
Questions
What services does The LA Group offer?
We provide landscape architecture, civil engineering, environmental planning, community/regional planning, and cemetery design services for public and private clients.
How long has The LA Group been in business?
The LA Group has been a leader in landscape architecture and engineering since 1974, with 50 years of experience.
Do you work on national or state-level projects?
Yes, we design national cemeteries, state parks, and large-scale infrastructure projects across the U.S., including New York and New Mexico.
How does The LA Group involve communities in projects?
We engage stakeholders through workshops, surveys, and partnerships to ensure designs reflect community needs and values.
What sustainability practices do you use?
We integrate LEED-certified strategies, low-impact development, and GIS analysis to create environmentally responsible, resilient designs.
Can you assist with permitting and regulatory compliance?
Yes, our team specializes in SEQRA, NEPA, and wetland permitting to secure approvals while minimizing environmental impact.