Commercial Boardwalk Cost and Design Information - PermaTrak Blog 

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

Our latest featured designer is Ruben Graciano from JBI Partners, Inc. Ruben is a Landscape Architect who enjoys combining functionality and aesthetics to create memorable projects.

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

Our latest featured designer is Kara Beck, PLA from Eriksson Engineering Associates, Ltd. (EEA). Kara is a Landscape Architect who enjoys using her attention to detail to create unique spaces specific for a project’s user to enjoy. 

We recently talked with Kara about her background, advice for new landscape architects, and her experience with PermaTrak on a recent project. 

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Patrick Ptomey from MESA Design Group in their Dallas, TX office. Patrick is a landscape designer who works on a full range of projects, from senior living, to campus planning, parks, commercial development, and more.

We talked with Patrick about planning inclusive playgrounds, critical steps and challenges in the design process, and the importance of taking the initiative to collaborate and gain experience in the world of landscape design.

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Jonathan Campbell from Kimley-Horn in their Frisco, TX office. Jonathan is a landscape architect who works on a full range of projects, from single-family to commercial.

We talked with Jonathan about how he approaches design, tips for being successful in the landscape architecture world, the Windsong Ranch project, and more.

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Keiji Asakura from Asakura Robinson. Keiji is the principal designer in Asakura Robinson’s Houston office, and has over 36 years of experience in urban design, landscape architecture, and community planning.

We talked with Keiji about how he got into the world of landscape architecture, the specialties of his firm, the Westbury High School project, and more.

Boardwalks and Walkovers for Florida Beaches: Permitting, Florida DEP, and Design

Many of us have traveled to Florida with friends or family to enjoy the hundreds of miles of beaches the state has to offer. The tourism industry has a $67 billion economic impact on the state of Florida, with an estimated 87.3 million visitors a year.

So it’s no surprise that enhancing public access to these beaches and providing durable structures to encourage tourist enjoyment of these beaches is a high priority for local towns and cities, as well as county and state agencies.

Specifying a Commercial Product for the Long Haul

Without a life cycle maintenance analysis, how do you know if the product you specify makes for a smart investment?

An investment takes into account the long-term implications of using the product: how it performs over time and how much ongoing maintenance it will require for the product to function as designed. This applies not just for boardwalks- but for splash pads, benches, railings, playground equipment, etc. When these products are specified for commercial park or trail projects, designers who perform the research and analyze the life cycle costs are creating a value for their clients.

When it comes to the big three commercial boardwalk materials (wood, composite decking and concrete), the competition is steep. We realize it can be difficult to find reliable information through the plethora of sales pitches, discussions at trade shows, online or print ads. Sugarcoated or incomplete information can make more work for designers or owners researching their boardwalk or pedestrian bridge options.

Whether you fish every weekend or just occasionally, you know that not all fishing piers are created equal. Sometimes visiting an observation or fishing pier can less than ideal with unstable pile supports (see picture below) or cracking boards providing sharp wood slivers. The pier may also have a slippery surface after it rains or a hot and unforgiving railing to sit or lean against.