30 years ago, two Landscape Architects came together sharing the same passion: creating places for people. Today, we are Surface 678! Our firm is built on the idea of creating ecologically sensitive, beautified landscapes for the nurturement of humanity. Over the past three decades we have built iconic places throughout the southeastern United States, winning over 90 awards along the way! We hold a portfolio of 550 projects, built and ongoing, and continue to use our craft with people and nature in mind. Happy Birthday to us! Cheers to 30 more! 🥂🎈🎂
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#surface678 #landscapearchitecture #happybirthday #anniversary #30yearanniversary #1993 #landscapearchitects
Surface 678, @sfla_architects , and @preston_montague recently collaborated on a submission for the Wake County Community Design Challenge to present a bold vision for a greenway connection in Raleigh. Our team developed a concept dubbed "The Oakline," which proposes a connection between Dix Park and Downtown Raleigh.
Designed as an at-grade, and at-times elevated, tree-lined promenade, The Oakline will connect The Grove at Dix Park to Lichtin Plaza at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, transforming a challenging route into a safe, accessible, and inspiring experience for everyone. More than just a greenway, The Oakline represents a significant investment in Raleigh's future, designed to strengthen community connections, support local growth, and create a lasting civic landmark rooted in sustainability and innovation.
We are thrilled to announce that our team ranked first in the juried Design Challenge and has been awarded the opportunity to present our concept at the 2026 Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce Growth and Development Summit!
To learn more, click here: /
#landscapearchitecture #urbanplanning #placemaking #surface678 #publicspace
🌳This client residence in North Raleigh was designed as an immersive landscape experience where architecture, hydrology, gardens, and forest work together as one.
During to process of preserving the existing pine and hardwood forest and shaping recreational spaces throughout the property, every intervention was carefully considered to enhance both performance and place.
A network of terraces, garden paths, running trails, and water elements allow the residents to enjoy a full range of experiences within this dynamic landscape; from gathering, to recreation, or quiet retreat while maintaining the site's natural character.
The result is a landscape that supports everyday living, recreation, animal husbandry, and long-term ecological stewardship.
Video credit: @arthowardphotography
#sustainabledesign #landscapearchitecture #placemaking #Surface678
🌎 Happy Earth Day 🌎
As landscape architects and designers, our mission is to create spaces that honor both natural and human ecosystems, bringing them together in ways that allow them to thrive side by side.
We design environments that invite people to experience the beauty of the natural world, while taking meaningful steps to do so sustainably. Through responsible design and building practices, we work to minimize our environmental impact, helping preserve these landscapes for generations to come.
As much of the state is currently experiencing a drought, we invite you to join conservation efforts this Earth Day. Simple actions like reducing water use and choosing native, drought resistant plants can make a meaningful difference in supporting your local landscape!
#SustainableDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #EarthDay #EcoFriendly #Surface678
What happens before construction begins... 🌱
Many built and completed landscape architecture projects start as an idea conceived on the basis of creating fundamental change, growth and improvement in our communities, campuses, and environment.
From that moment, those ideas are shaped by conversations, in-house collaboration, and valuable input from the community. Each round of feedback refines the vision, pushing it closer to something meaningful and impactful.
It’s a process of constant evolution—testing, adjusting, and improving—until, over time, a clear and thoughtful plan begins to take shape.
The success of the completed and built landscape hinges on the collaborative process from the genesis of the project through construction completion.
#landscapearchitecture #designprocess #placemaking #communityengagement #surface678
Last month, we had the pleasure of partnering with @blwallconsulting to talk about the future of East End and Long Meadow Parks—and we were blown away by the incredible community turnout! 🌿
Community engagement is at the heart of what we do. It’s how we listen, learn, and grow—gathering meaningful feedback, hearing diverse perspectives, and creating space for open, honest conversations.
These moments help us better understand how people connect with their public spaces today—and what they hope to see tomorrow.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared ideas, and made your voices heard. Your input helps shape spaces that truly reflect the community’s identity, needs, and vision!
@dprplaymore
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#comminutyengagement #placemaking #landscapearchitecture #surface678 #publicspaces
Permeable pavers are a smart, sustainable alternative to traditional paving 🌧🌱 As cities continue to grow and more impervious surfaces are added, stormwater runoff increases—often carrying debris, sediment, and pollutants into nearby streams and watersheds.
Unlike conventional pavement, permeable pavers are designed to let rainwater pass through their joints, allowing it to slowly filter through layers of aggregate below. This process not only reduces runoff and erosion but also helps trap and remove pollutants before they can enter our natural waterways
#sustainabledesign #placemaking #landscapearchitecture #surface678
Bioretention plays a key role in protecting our waterways💧🌱 By using native plantings as living filters, they capture suspended solids such as silt, debris, and harmful pollutants that build up on surfaces like roads, roofs, and parking areas.
As stormwater moves through these planted areas, it’s slowed down and absorbed, allowing contaminants to be filtered out before reaching nearby streams and rivers. This not only improves water quality but also helps reduce erosion and manage runoff more effectively.
Thoughtful landscape design like this doesn’t just enhance a space visually—it actively supports healthier ecosystems and contributes to cleaner, more resilient watersheds!
#landscapearchitecture #sustainabledesign #climateresilience #sitedesign #surface678
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women who shape our landscapes—past, present, and future.🌎
As a woman-owned landscape architecture firm, we’re proud to design spaces that connect people, communities, and nature. From parks and streetscapes to gardens and green infrastructure, every project is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact and open doors for the next generation of women in design.
We’re grateful for the trailblazers who paved the way, the collaborators who inspire us every day, and the young women who will continue reimagining the world around us.
#womenshistorymonth #womenshapingthefuture #landscapearchitecture #placemaking #surface678
The Wake Tech Perry Family Simulation Hospital Topping Out Party was a success 🌟
Last week, Brasfield & Gorrie hosted a Topping Out Party where Wake Tech leaders, design team consultants, and construction personnel gathered to celebrate this significant milestone in the development of the Wake Tech Perry Health Sciences Campus.
It takes the expertise and commitment of many skilled individuals and contactors to make projects like this possible and we are proud to show our appreciation for everyone who turns these concepts into reality!
#surface678 #lanscapearchitecture #campusdesign #placemaking #sustainabledesign
We’re excited to have had the opportunity to attend the Career Expo at Clemson University, where we connected with talented students preparing to enter the field of landscape architecture. As professionals, we value fostering curiosity and creativity, and we look forward to sharing our work, answering questions, and engaging with those interested in designing landscapes that make public spaces welcoming, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
Surface 678 is crafting the landscape design component for a new Clemson University College of Veterinary Medicine campus - This transformative project will establish state-of-the-art facilities including a teaching complex, advanced research laboratories, and comprehensive clinical spaces designed to support the next generation of animal health professionals. The new campus reflects a commitment to innovation, education, and the future of veterinary medicine.
#surface678 #landscapearchitecture #clemson #outreach #placemaking
We loved gathering to reflect on another successful year at Surface 678! This year, we celebrated two newly licensed team members, welcomed new faces to the firm, and recognized a year full of project completions, awards, and inspiring new beginnings.
Cheers to the conclusion of another great year and welcoming an even brighter one!
#surface678 #landscapearchitecture #happyholidays
