Learn more about Wheat Design Group.
As landscape architects, we have a role to be stewards of the built and natural environment. Wheat Design Group creates innovative and sustainable landscapes that enrich our local environment in ways that connect people, vegetation, and wildlife for public and private clients, helping improve our community in context-sensitive ways that express the spirit of the Sonoran Desert and Southern Arizona.
Guiding Principles
Rooted in community.
We know southern Arizona and our work in Tucson has defined the landscape of our city. We take pride in our staff and in the extensive knowledge that we have in designing the urban desert landscapes we are known for.
Collaboration makes us stronger.
At Wheat, we place a high value on being collaborative. Whether it is with our internal team or the firms and clients we work with, we believe that the best ideas come from listening to the voices of many. Our strong abilities to collaborate and communicate set us apart from other firms.
Fearlessly forward-thinking.
We strive to be leaders in more than just sustainable designs. Our work is leading the industry in listening to both the needs of the client and the modern landscape.
Cultivating responsibility.
We have a strong understanding of the impacts that landscape architecture has on the urban environment. We participate and advise on policymaking that ensures a better outcome for the future.
Details matter.
All components of a project matter equally, and our attention to detail sets us apart. We value both the public-facing and the unseen aspects of every effort we work on. We approach every project as a unique opportunity to design within. As an organization, we believe that we have a responsibility to the communities we design for, to tell their stories and respect the landscape.
Process
Our team’s process begins with site analysis, where we work to deeply understand the site’s history, spatial context, opportunities, and constraints. Site visits and research allow us to develop a relevant and inspiring story for the design. After working closely with the client and other stakeholders to develop a direction for the project, we expand upon desirable concepts with illustrative visualizations that incorporate textures, colors, objects and shadows to better communicate the project’s vision. Before the design is finalized and translated into technical construction documents, WDG collaborates with local artists to bring character, creativity, and charm into the space through public art coordination. Our team works closely with the project's artist to ensure that materials, colors, textures, and patterns work seamlessly with the designed landscape.
History
WDG's history began in 1982 when Wheat & Associates was founded in Tucson. In the early 1990's, the firm became Wheat Gallaher Associates and subsequently Wheat Scharf Associates. In May 2014, Wheat Scharf merged with LJ Design & Consulting, another local landscape architecture firm, to become Wheat Design Group. Collectively, we have participated in and contributed to the development of Tucson as well as the southwest region over the last 40 years. Since its founding days, WDG has maintained its status as a woman-owned business.
Liba Wheat
The story of WDG started with the vision of Elizabeth 'Liba' Wheat, the founder of Wheat & Associates in 1982. Liba's career was rich, dedicated, and varied. Her legacy can be seen through the lasting impacts she had on the community, academic programs, regulatory policy, the urban form, arid land issues and the many professionals she mentored in her career. Her legacy is still the driving force and vision behind our firm today.
