Rhodeside & Harwell

Rhodeside & Harwell RHI is a creative collaborative of urban dwellers, bikers, walkers, foodies, and gardeners.

We build timeless spaces and livable communities that connect people to each other and their environment.

RHI’s story has always been about people.As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re introducing you to the individual...
09/11/2026

RHI’s story has always been about people.

As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re introducing you to the individuals who shape the work every day — the thinkers, designers, planners, project managers, and collaborators who carry the practice forward.

Meet Derrick, whose path to landscape architecture began with a love of art, a bike, and a lot of exploring.

Growing up in Bismarck, North Dakota, Derrick spent childhood days riding a bike all over town and exploring the trails along the Missouri River. That early curiosity about place and the landscape stayed with him.

After studying art and environmental design in college, Derrick found a way to combine creativity with a career in landscape architecture. An unexpected detour, including a short-stint in Seattle and a return home, eventually led to a job at a small design build firm in Northern Virginia, where he’s built his career ever since.

Derrick joined RHI in 2005, looking for opportunities to work on larger-scale, public-facing projects with lasting impact. Today, he brings an intuitive design perspective to projects across the firm, drawing heavily from a creative practice that extends well beyond the office. Painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking, gardening… making is simply part of who he is!

One project that stands out is the National Native American Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Working on a project with such profound meaning, symbolism, and national significance was both a privilege and a source of deep pride.

And when he needs to recharge? The answer is simple: Gardening!

Though we’re still curious about the story behind that velvet jewelry box discovered behind an Enterprise Rent-A-Car…

Because while projects matter, culture and people are what make a firm endure.

This week recognizes the 110th birthday of the National Park Service. Over a century of protecting, preserving, and conn...
08/28/2026

This week recognizes the 110th birthday of the National Park Service. Over a century of protecting, preserving, and connecting people to some of our nation’s most treasured landscapes.

Since 1916, the NPS has served as steward of places that tell the story of our country, our communities, and our shared natural and cultural heritage. For more than four decades, RHI has had the privilege of contributing to that mission, collaborating with the National Park Service on landscape projects across the country.

From historic landscapes to visitor experiences and the places where people gather, we’re proud of the work we’ve shared and of the enduring partnership that has made it possible.
Here’s to 110 years of the National Park Service, and to the landscapes, stories, and partnerships that will carry its mission forward for generations to come.

(From Left to Right: Great Falls Overlook; Gettysburg National Military Park- Devil's Den; Antietam National Battlefield Visitor Center)

At RHI, we know that great places are shaped through thoughtful planning and meaningful community engagement.We're excit...
07/13/2026

At RHI, we know that great places are shaped through thoughtful planning and meaningful community engagement.

We're excited to partner with the City of Sandy Springs on The Next Chapter, a comprehensive planning process that will help guide the city's future while reflecting the priorities and aspirations of the people who call it home.

Every community has a unique story, and the best plans are built by listening first. Through conversations with residents, stakeholders, and city leaders, this process will help establish a shared vision for housing, mobility, parks, economic vitality, sustainability, and the public realm—creating a framework for thoughtful growth and long-term resilience.

We're honored to support Sandy Springs as it charts its next chapter and look forward to helping translate community input into a vision that serves residents for years to come.



TSW, Perez Planning + Design, LLC, Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates

As the United States marks 250 years, we reflect on the landscapes and public spaces that help tell our shared story—not...
07/01/2026

As the United States marks 250 years, we reflect on the landscapes and public spaces that help tell our shared story—not as static monuments, but as places where history, civic life, and community continue to evolve.

Along Washington, DC's monumental core, we have had the privilege of helping shape spaces that invite reflection, connection, and expression. These landscapes honor the many narratives that define our nation while creating room for new voices and experiences to become part of the story.

The most enduring public places are those that welcome people from every background, encourage dialogue, and inspire us to imagine what we can build together. As landscape architects, urban designers, and planners, we believe thoughtful design can strengthen our sense of belonging and create spaces where our collective future is shaped alongside our shared history.

Here's to the next chapter—one built together.

New article out today in Architectural Record about the transformation of the McMillian era sand filtration plant into a...
06/22/2026

New article out today in Architectural Record about the transformation of the McMillian era sand filtration plant into a vibrant and engaging community space. Read more below!

Awards are meaningful, but the real significance of a project is the lasting impact it has on people and place.Over the ...
06/19/2026

Awards are meaningful, but the real significance of a project is the lasting impact it has on people and place.
Over the years, RHI’s work has been recognized for design excellence, innovation, and stewardship. Those honors matter to us not just as achievements, but as signs that thoughtful, human-centered work has lasting value.
We’re proud of the projects that have earned recognition — and even prouder of what they continue to mean on the ground.

2012 Preserve America Steward by the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for Branch Brook Park

2017 Georgia Planning Association Award for Sandy Springs Comprehensive Plan

2020 American Society of Landscape Architects, Virginia Chapter, Commendation in General Design for University of Virginia Remembrance Garden

Over the past 40 years, RHI has had the privilege of working on projects that have shaped communities, institutions, pub...
06/04/2026

Over the past 40 years, RHI has had the privilege of working on projects that have shaped communities, institutions, public spaces, and cultural landscapes.

This year, we’ll be highlighting a selection of signature projects that reflect the range, purpose, and impact of our work.

Each one tells part of the story. Together, they reflect what 40 years of practice can build.

Slide 1: National Aquarium in Baltimore
Slide 2: National Arboretum Japanese Pavilion
Slide 3: University of Virginia West Lawn

The evening was a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and design excellence can...
05/15/2026

The evening was a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and design excellence can have on our profession and our communities. Elliot’s candid conversation and heartfelt remarks resonated deeply with everyone in the room, reflecting not only on a distinguished body of work, but also on the values, relationships, and sense of purpose that shape a meaningful career.

We left the evening feeling inspired, proud to be part of this profession, and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate such an influential voice in landscape architecture.

Congratulations again to Elliot on this well-deserved recognition.

Thank you to the Potomac ASLAcasla for hosting such a wonderful evening.

Every firm has a beginning. Ours started with a business plan, a lot of determination, and a willingness to do whatever ...
04/24/2026

Every firm has a beginning. Ours started with a business plan, a lot of determination, and a willingness to do whatever it took to get the work done.
The early years meant working by hand, making cold calls, building relationships, and proving ourselves project by project. It was demanding, uncertain, and full of belief.
Forty years later, we’re proud of what grew from those first steps.

This World Landscape Architecture Month, we’re spotlighting Sustainable Brentwood in Prince George's County, Maryland—a ...
04/24/2026

This World Landscape Architecture Month, we’re spotlighting Sustainable Brentwood in Prince George's County, Maryland—a climate action plan centered on resilience, sustainability, and environmental justice.

Working with Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Town of Brentwood, and Nitsch Engineering, RHI is helping shape strategies to address flooding, stormwater challenges, and climate impacts while engaging residents through bilingual outreach and community events.

Designing stronger communities starts with listening, planning, and building for the future.

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Alexandria, VA
Alexandria, VA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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703-683-7447

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