The Institutes: Campus Master Plan

Situated on 45 acres, this stunning 1940s estate had been converted to corporate use in the 1960s.  A leader in insurance education and research, The Institutes was struggling to maintain its aging landscape and to offer modern amenities to employees and visitors.  Called to help re-envision the campus for the 21st century, my team and I relished the opportunity to balance the historic nature of the original buildings and legacy trees with the need for easy upkeep and inherent value of the setting.

Keeping this equilibrium in mind, we identified key architectural features and legacy trees for preservation.  Then, we simplified the planting scheme with species and patterns that reduced the need for mulching and pruning.  Finally, we set our analytical sights on the disjointed nature of the campus.  To increase continuity and walkability, we installed new sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings in the driveways.  In addition to connecting the buildings throughout the site, we also created a 1.3-mile walking trail.  This paved loop fosters engagement with the larger grounds and encourages employee health through exercise, exposure to sunlight, and accessibility to nature and fresh air.  Our efforts at modernization, emphasis on employee experience, and landscape ease of care aligned perfectly with The Institutes’ emphasis on risk management, preventative measures, and low overhead.  In a way, our campus master plan represents an instance of synergy, in which our solutions echo the core principles of The Institutes.