https://loftsixfour.com/the-edit/ Loft Six Four are landscape architects designing standout rooftops, outdoor amenities, and luxury homes across the US. en-us Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT https://loftsixfour.com/blog/blend-public-private-outdoor-spaces/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/blend-public-private-outdoor-spaces/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:30:00 GMT Brandon Reed Public and Private Space Blend public and private outdoor spaces with a clear access gradient, legible thresholds, separate circulation, privacy from both sides, and an operating plan. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/when-to-hire-landscape-architect-custom-home/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/when-to-hire-landscape-architect-custom-home/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMT Brandon Reed, RLA Custom Home Planning Hire a landscape architect during schematic design, before the site plan, grades, pool, access, and major outdoor relationships are fixed. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/what-does-luxury-residential-landscape-architect-do/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/what-does-luxury-residential-landscape-architect-do/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMT Brandon Reed, RLA Residential Landscape Architecture A luxury residential landscape architect leads the complete outdoor environment from site strategy and concept through technical documents and construction coordination. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/custom-home-design-team-landscape-architect-coordination/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/custom-home-design-team-landscape-architect-coordination/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMT Brandon Reed, RLA Design Team Coordination The architect, builder, landscape architect, interior designer, and specialty consultants should coordinate one site plan, one decision sequence, and shared design milestones. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/phase-luxury-residential-landscape-project/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/phase-luxury-residential-landscape-project/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:30:00 GMT Brandon Reed, RLA Residential Project Phasing Yes. Start with one complete master plan, protect enabling work and future connections, then build coherent phases instead of disconnected features. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/outdoor-amenities-for-diverse-demographics/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/outdoor-amenities-for-diverse-demographics/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Resident Research Research, flexibility, safety, accessibility, and ongoing programming help multifamily outdoor amenities serve a wider range of residents. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/developers-know-the-4-design-phases-of-a-successful-landscape-project-in-utah/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/developers-know-the-4-design-phases-of-a-successful-landscape-project-in-utah/ Wed, 29 May 2024 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Design Process Four landscape architecture phases help development teams define the work, test the idea, coordinate details, and document the project for construction. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/solutions-for-architect-pains-frustrations/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/solutions-for-architect-pains-frustrations/ Thu, 14 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Architect Collaboration How budgeting, creative alignment, consultant coordination, specialist knowledge, and communication can make an architect's outdoor-amenity work easier. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/complex-rooftop-amenity-tips-and-tricks/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/complex-rooftop-amenity-tips-and-tricks/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT Kyle Funk Rooftop Amenities Rooftop amenity spaces are valuable, but they add complexity to a project. These design tips help teams protect the value of the effort. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenity-spaces-opportunities-challenges/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenity-spaces-opportunities-challenges/ Thu, 16 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Architect Interview A 2023 architect interview about hospitality influence, right-sizing, programming, design narrative, cost, and the value of intentional rooftop amenities. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-requirements-considerations/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-requirements-considerations/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Technical Coordination Rooftop requirements work as one system across structure, envelope, drainage, life safety, accessibility, MEP, microclimate, amenities, and operations. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-feasibility-study/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-feasibility-study/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Feasibility A rooftop feasibility study connects project outcomes, users, physical constraints, program scenarios, potential value, current cost, and a clear decision. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-pool-design-amenities-ideas-2023/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-pool-design-amenities-ideas-2023/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Rooftop Pools A rooftop pool is worth building when the project can support its technical and operating demands and the water creates an experience the market values. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/multifamily-development-brand-storytelling-through-amenities/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/multifamily-development-brand-storytelling-through-amenities/ Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Brand Experience Outdoor amenities express a property brand by translating its audience and emotional promise into behavior, atmosphere, and memorable physical moments. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/why-you-should-renovate-your-rooftop-amenities-and-how-to-save-money-while-doing-it/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/why-you-should-renovate-your-rooftop-amenities-and-how-to-save-money-while-doing-it/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:00:00 GMT Brandon Reed Amenity Renovation A rooftop renovation is worth considering when evidence shows a performance, safety, maintenance, or positioning gap that targeted design can solve. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/multifamily-development-project-amenities-protect-investment/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/multifamily-development-project-amenities-protect-investment/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 16:00:00 GMT Kyle Funk Development Risk How market research, durable design, safety, cost-benefit decisions, and specialist coordination can protect a multifamily rooftop amenity investment. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/marketing-rooftop-amenities-development-website/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/marketing-rooftop-amenities-development-website/ Mon, 14 Mar 2022 16:00:44 GMT Brandon Reed Property Marketing A rooftop becomes a marketing asset when its design creates a distinct promise, media proves the experience, and leasing connects it to daily life. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-archetypes-innovations/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-archetypes-innovations/ Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:00:10 GMT Brandon Reed Design Strategy Strong rooftop amenities combine recognizable outdoor-living patterns with an original idea that fits the project, market, and future residents. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-benefits-utah-property-managers/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-amenities-benefits-utah-property-managers/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:38:57 GMT Kyle Funk Property Operations A 2021 interview with two Utah property-management professionals on how rooftop amenities affect leasing, retention, operations, maintenance, and marketability. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/calculate-rooftop-amenities-roi/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/calculate-rooftop-amenities-roi/ Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:00:20 GMT Brandon Reed Amenity ROI With early planning, developers can model the value rooftop amenities may add before breaking ground and carry both costs and revenue into the pro forma. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/apartment-rooftop-amenities-outdoor-spaces-budget/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/apartment-rooftop-amenities-outdoor-spaces-budget/ Tue, 07 Sep 2021 16:00:45 GMT Brandon Reed Rooftop Budgeting Budget-conscious rooftop design works best when teams establish priorities, coordinate early, and protect the few elements that carry the experience. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-outdoor-amenities-meeting-renter-expectations/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/rooftop-outdoor-amenities-meeting-renter-expectations/ Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:00:41 GMT Brandon Reed Resident Experience Why developers should treat rooftop and outdoor amenities as essential resident-experience infrastructure rather than optional extras. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/greedy-developer-stereotype-community-support/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/greedy-developer-stereotype-community-support/ Tue, 25 May 2021 16:00:33 GMT Brandon Reed Community Design Community support grows when developers listen early, make public value visible, explain tradeoffs, and carry design promises into durable commitments. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/increase-rental-income-outdoor-amenities/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/increase-rental-income-outdoor-amenities/ Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:00:18 GMT Brandon Reed Amenity Value Outdoor amenities can influence occupancy, rent, and property value. This guide explains practical ways to estimate their financial impact. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/narrowing-expertise-and-the-future-of-landscape-architecture-firms/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/narrowing-expertise-and-the-future-of-landscape-architecture-firms/ Tue, 05 May 2020 16:00:12 GMT Brandon Reed Specialist Selection Specialists create value when repeatable complexity rewards deeper pattern recognition, earlier risk detection, and stronger creative range inside one problem. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/defining-a-luxury-property-development/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/defining-a-luxury-property-development/ Tue, 25 Feb 2020 16:00:41 GMT Brandon Reed Luxury Development The definition of luxury keeps changing. This guide examines the outdoor amenities and experience decisions that distinguish a luxury development. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/developer-strategy-planning-community-amenities/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/developer-strategy-planning-community-amenities/ Wed, 20 Nov 2019 16:00:04 GMT Brandon Reed Amenity Strategy Five questions help development teams define the purpose, audience, program, budget, and long-term operation of community amenities before design begins. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/how-to-create-immersive-rooftop-experiences/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/how-to-create-immersive-rooftop-experiences/ Tue, 06 Aug 2019 23:15:35 GMT Brandon Reed Experience Design Three design principles for making an outdoor space over structure feel immersive, connected, and as compelling as a ground-level landscape. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/fundamentals-of-high-level-landscape-architecture-for-developers-ebook/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/fundamentals-of-high-level-landscape-architecture-for-developers-ebook/ Mon, 02 Oct 2017 18:42:58 GMT Brandon Reed Development Strategy High-level landscape architecture connects site intelligence, user experience, outdoor program, budget, coordination, and delivery into one buildable strategy. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/red-flags-to-watch-for-in-rooftop-amenity-design-construction/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/red-flags-to-watch-for-in-rooftop-amenity-design-construction/ Thu, 14 Sep 2017 19:16:45 GMT Brandon Reed Rooftop Risk Six early warning signs in rooftop amenity planning, from coordination and timing to physical constraints, pro forma assumptions, and specialist involvement. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/water-based-rooftop-amenities-possible-beautiful-and-make-a-property-hot/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/water-based-rooftop-amenities-possible-beautiful-and-make-a-property-hot/ Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:27:49 GMT Brandon Reed Water Amenities Water belongs on a rooftop when it serves a clear experience and the building can support its load, envelope, systems, safety, maintenance, and operations. https://loftsixfour.com/blog/6-things-architects-must-know-about-rooftop-amenities-part-1/ https://loftsixfour.com/blog/6-things-architects-must-know-about-rooftop-amenities-part-1/ Mon, 30 Jan 2017 20:14:48 GMT Brandon Reed Architect Coordination Architects should coordinate the experience, structure, roof envelope, life safety, building systems, and operations before a rooftop plan hardens.