Upland Design

- 24042 Lockport St #200, Plainfield, IL 60544

For municipalities, businesses, park districts, and other community stakeholders across Illinois, the term "general contractor" often refers to the final builder. However, a successful construction project—especially one involving public spaces or complex site planning—starts long before the first shovel breaks ground. This is where a specialized firm like Upland Design, a premier Landscape Architect and Planning company based in Plainfield, IL, steps in to act as the master planner and design expert—the true 'general contractor' of the vision. Upland Design focuses on creating the foundational, innovative, and strategic blueprints that make large-scale projects feasible and inspiring.

Established in 1998, Upland Design is not a traditional construction company but rather a highly skilled design and planning firm dedicated to crafting exceptional Outdoor Spaces that engage communities and enhance the quality of life throughout the region. Their work encompasses a diverse portfolio, from the meticulous detail of an Amazing Landscape design to the large-scale strategy of Comprehensive Master Planning for entire towns and Park Planning for recreational areas. This wide-ranging expertise positions them as the go-to consultants for Illinois leaders looking to renovate a downtown area or develop a new park system from Concept Plans to Construction Management.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the collaborative and talented nature of the team. As one client notes regarding a downtown redesign, the Upland Design staff was "great to work with and brought our vision to life. The project is now a reality thanks in a big part to Michelle and her team." Another states, "Awesome landscape architecture firm! Great people with great talent." These testimonials underscore the firm's core strength: transforming complex community visions into actionable, well-received Project Designs that improve the built environment of Illinois.

Unlike contractors who focus on installation, Upland Design’s primary role is a comprehensive planning and design partnership. They are licensed Landscape Architects who handle the necessary technical work—like Site Analysis, Stormwater Management, and Tree Preservation Plans—that ensures a project is not only beautiful but also sustainable, compliant, and ready for construction.

Upland Design operates from a strategic location in Plainfield, Illinois, which provides them with excellent accessibility to serve clients throughout the Greater Chicago area and the broader state. Located in Will County, Plainfield’s position allows the team to easily travel to various metropolitan, suburban, and rural communities for on-site consultations, Public Engagement sessions, and Construction Management.

• Firm Address: 24042 Lockport St #200, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA
• Local Commitment: Serving park districts, municipalities, educational institutions, and commercial clients across Illinois.
• Accessibility: The firm’s offices feature a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible parking lot, reflecting a commitment to inclusion that is also integral to their Site Design principles for public spaces.

The local knowledge gained from operating within the Illinois community since 1998 is invaluable. This understanding of local zoning, community needs, and regional environmental factors allows them to create designs that are specifically tailored for Illinois—whether it’s developing Rain Garden Designs to manage local storm runoff or selecting appropriate Native Plantings for the prairie landscape.

The services provided by Upland Design are extensive and focus on the technical and creative groundwork necessary for developing and enhancing public and private sites. They are experts in transforming raw land and existing infrastructure into planned, purposeful Outdoor Spaces.

• Comprehensive Planning and Visioning:
  • Comprehensive Master Planning and Strategic Planning.
  • Concept Plans and Conceptual Plans for large-scale development.
  • Building Site Planning and Site Analysis for new construction.
  • Grant Submittals and funding assistance for community projects.
• Site and Landscape Architecture Design:
  • Landscape Architecture & Planning, offering Innovative Design solutions.
  • Specialized designs including Waterfront Design and Streetscape Design (Streetscapes).
  • Functional design for spaces such as Parking Lots, Recreation Fields, and Campground Design.
  • Technical documents like Landscape And Irrigation Planning, and Tree Preservation Plans.
• Community and Recreational Space Development:
  • Dedicated Park Planning and Playground Parks (Playgrounds).
  • Design for Recreation Areas, Trail Design, and specialized features like Seat Walls and Drinking Fountains.
  • Public Engagement services to ensure designs meet community needs.
• Commercial and Urban Design:
  • Commercial & Retail Design and Corporate Campus Design.
  • Streetscape Design and Design Layout for urban corridors.
  • Integration of features like Interpretive Signage and Signage Design.
• Sustainability and Construction Support:
  • Designing for Stormwater Management and Rain Garden Designs.
  • Construction Management support and Design Built services to guide the project to completion.
  • Landscapes Construction details for elements like Stairs Construction and Artificial Turf installation.

Upland Design’s reputation in Illinois is built upon several key features that set them apart as a leader in landscape architecture and planning.

• Public Project Specialization: The firm has a deep, proven history of successful partnerships with park districts, villages, and municipalities, often handling complex, multi-stakeholder projects such as downtown revitalization and major Park Planning initiatives.
• Master Planning Authority: They excel at Comprehensive Master Planning, which involves a long-term, strategic view for entire districts or properties. This strategic approach ensures projects are built not just for today, but for the future growth and needs of the Illinois community.
• High-Quality Team and Collaboration: Upland Design’s team includes licensed Landscape Architects who are known for their great talent and collaborative spirit, viewing the client and associated contractors as essential partners in the Design Built process.
• Focus on Sustainability and Function: Their commitment to modern solutions is evident in their services for Stormwater Management and Rain Garden Designs, which are crucial for responsible development in the Illinois landscape. They design spaces that are both beautiful and environmentally sound.
• Expertise in Recreation: The firm is a recognized expert in creating engaging recreational spaces, including Playground Parks, Recreation Fields, and specialized Trail Design, directly contributing to community health and wellness.

For Illinois communities or businesses seeking strategic Landscape Architecture and Planning services, the team at Upland Design can be reached at their Plainfield, IL location.

• Address: 24042 Lockport St #200, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA
• Phone: (815) 254-0091
• Mobile Phone: +1 815-254-0091

Prospective clients are encouraged to call and discuss their Project Design needs, whether it's for a Corporate Campus Design, a new Streetscape Design, or a Comprehensive Master Plan for their town.

For any organization in Illinois requiring more than just a typical landscape layout—but rather a strategic, well-engineered, and community-approved plan—Upland Design is the indispensable choice. They serve as the true design-phase general contractor, orchestrating the entire vision from a Conceptual Plan through Construction Management. When dealing with public funds, complex permitting, and multiple stakeholders, their experience in Public Engagement and Grant Submittals is critical to a project’s success.

The firm's ability to tackle highly complex and technical areas, such as Building Site Planning, Stormwater Management, and the installation of specialized elements like Seat Walls and Stairs Construction, demonstrates a level of expertise that sets them apart from basic landscape designers. Their focus is on creating enduring public assets, from well-planned Parking Lots to inspiring Recreation Areas. By choosing Upland Design, Illinois clients secure a partnership with a talented, locally-rooted firm dedicated to transforming their outdoor spaces into highly functional, resilient, and aesthetically powerful community assets. They don't just plant trees; they plan places where communities thrive.

Upland Design

24042 Lockport St #200, Plainfield, IL 60544, USA