Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture & Civil Engineering Services
At RGS Associates, we believe design matters in every aspect of our work. Founded in 1993, our firm has built a reputation for delivering innovative, client-focused solutions through the seamless integration of landscape architecture and civil engineering. Our collaborative approach ensures that every project benefits from multidisciplinary expertise, combining creative vision with technical precision. With over 30 years of experience, our team prioritizes trust, communication, and sustainable practices to create spaces that connect communities and elevate the human spirit. We specialize in land planning, site development, and stormwater management, serving clients across Pennsylvania and beyond. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing relationships with clients like Mennonite Home Communities, spanning more than two decades.We approach each project with a dedication to solving complex challenges while adhering to budgets, schedules, and regulatory requirements. Our culture of mentorship ensures that emerging professionals grow alongside seasoned experts, maintaining the highest standards of service. From initial feasibility studies to post-construction support, we strive to exceed expectations by delivering designs that endure beyond trends. Our merger with Glackin Thomas Panzak in 2021 expanded our capabilities, allowing us to serve clients more comprehensively in markets like Philadelphia.
Services
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
Site Development
Stormwater Management
Master Planning
Erosion Control
Permitting Services
Construction Observation
Green Infrastructure
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We integrate landscape architecture and civil engineering for holistic solutions.
- Our team has over 30 years of combined experience in site development.
- We prioritize client goals through transparent communication and collaboration.
- Our merger with GTP expanded expertise in land planning and design.
- We maintain long-term client relationships built on trust and results.
What people say
Valuable partner
Beautiful testament
Great working relationship
Creative solutions
Trusted advisors
Services
Land Planning
Our land planning services create sustainable frameworks for development projects. We analyze feasibility, design master plans, and navigate permitting processes to ensure economic viability and regulatory compliance. Our approach balances client goals with environmental stewardship, delivering solutions that enhance community value and long-term functionality.
Landscape Architecture
We design vibrant, inclusive spaces that harmonize natural and built environments. Our landscape architecture focuses on aesthetic appeal, ecological health, and human interaction. From garden layouts to urban streetscapes, we create environments that foster community engagement and withstand the test of time through thoughtful material and planting selections.
Civil Engineering
Our civil engineering expertise addresses complex technical challenges in land development. We specialize in stormwater management, utility systems, and roadway infrastructure, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. Our solutions optimize site functionality while meeting regulatory standards and enhancing public safety through innovative, sustainable practices.
Stormwater Management
We develop comprehensive stormwater solutions that mitigate flooding risks and improve water quality. Our designs integrate green infrastructure with traditional systems, reducing runoff while creating aesthetically pleasing features. Services include NPDES permitting, erosion control, and sustainable drainage strategies tailored to site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements.
Permitting Services
Our team navigates local, state, and federal permitting processes with expertise. We prepare documentation, coordinate agency meetings, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. By building strong relationships with regulators, we expedite approvals while maintaining design integrity and client objectives throughout the development lifecycle.
People
Joel Snyder
Managing Principal
With over 30 years of experience, Joel leads site planning initiatives and oversees firm operations. He specializes in zoning approvals and stormwater design, mentoring emerging professionals while ensuring projects meet client goals and community needs through strategic, sustainable solutions.
Mark Hackenburg
Principal
A 30-year industry veteran, Mark provides strategic direction for projects and client relations. He focuses on maintaining budgets and schedules while balancing natural systems with development needs, ensuring regulatory compliance and long-term project success through collaborative leadership.
K. Craig Smith
Principal
Craig guides clients through complex land development processes, managing teams to achieve regulatory approvals. With expertise in LEED coordination and cost control, he ensures projects align with municipal requirements while delivering functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that exceed client expectations.
Bernard Panzak Jr.
Principal
Bernard specializes in large-scale residential and institutional planning, with award-winning expertise in estate gardens and planting design. He combines architectural elements with natural landscapes to create distinctive outdoor spaces, providing expert testimony during municipal hearings to advance client projects.
Joyce Gerhart
Senior Associate
With 30+ years of experience, Joyce leads teams in site feasibility studies and stormwater management. She mentors junior staff while managing client communications and regulatory approvals, ensuring projects meet technical standards and community needs through collaborative, sustainable design solutions.
Questions
What services does RGS Associates offer?
We provide integrated landscape architecture, civil engineering, land planning, stormwater management, permitting services, and construction observation for residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
How does RGS approach project collaboration?
Our multidisciplinary teams work together from concept to completion, blending landscape architecture and engineering expertise to create holistic solutions that meet client goals and regulatory requirements.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Pennsylvania with offices in Lancaster and Philadelphia, offering services across the Mid-Atlantic region including site planning and development projects.
How experienced is your team?
Our principals have 20-30+ years of experience, with staff expertise in municipal regulations, sustainable design, and complex land development projects across diverse market sectors.
What sets RGS apart from competitors?
Our unique integration of landscape architecture and civil engineering disciplines enables comprehensive solutions, combining creative vision with technical precision for lasting, impactful designs.
