Glossy-cypress - About Us

Our Foundation

Glossy-cypress emerged from a shared conviction among its founding members that urban parks deserve the same design rigor applied to any critical infrastructure. Too often, green spaces are treated as afterthoughts in urban development, receiving minimal planning attention and inadequate resources for long-term maintenance.

We established this practice to change that pattern. Our approach treats each park as a complex system requiring careful analysis of ecological conditions, community needs, and municipal constraints. This methodology has proven effective across diverse project types, from pocket parks serving single neighbourhoods to regional green corridors spanning multiple jurisdictions.

Based in Vancouver with project experience across Canada, our team combines landscape architecture expertise with practical knowledge of Canadian construction realities. We understand how frost heave affects paving materials, which native species establish reliably in urban soils, and how to design drainage systems that function through spring thaw cycles.

Our Methodology

We follow a structured process that has evolved through years of project experience. While each engagement is unique, this framework ensures consistent quality and thorough consideration of all relevant factors.

Discovery and Analysis

Every project begins with comprehensive site investigation. We examine topography, soil conditions, existing vegetation, hydrology, and microclimate patterns. Simultaneously, we engage with stakeholders to understand community needs, usage patterns, and aspirations for the space. This dual investigation, of physical conditions and human requirements, forms the foundation for all subsequent design decisions.

Conceptual Development

Armed with site knowledge and stakeholder input, we develop multiple conceptual directions. These are not superficial variations but genuinely different approaches to organizing the space and allocating resources. Presenting alternatives helps clients understand trade-offs and make informed choices about priorities.

Detailed Design

Once a direction is selected, we develop complete construction documentation. This includes grading plans, planting specifications, hardscape details, irrigation layouts, and lighting designs. Our documents are known for clarity and constructability, reducing field questions and change orders during implementation.

Implementation Support

We remain involved through construction, conducting site visits to verify that work matches design intent. Many landscape elements require interpretation during installation, and our presence ensures that adjustments maintain design quality rather than undermining it.

Interested in Our Process?

We would be happy to walk you through how we would approach your specific project.

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Native plant garden with diverse species supporting local pollinators

Ecological Integration

Urban parks exist within larger ecological networks. Our designs consider how each site connects to surrounding green spaces, waterways, and wildlife corridors. By selecting appropriate plant species and creating varied habitat structures, parks can support biodiversity while serving human recreational needs.

This is not about creating pristine natural areas within cities, which is neither realistic nor necessarily desirable. Rather, we aim to maximize ecological function within the context of active public use. The resulting spaces are more resilient, require less intensive maintenance, and provide educational opportunities for visitors to observe natural processes.

About Our Practice