Practice Areas
community planning
Community planning is the art and science of problem solving in preparation for the future.
Whether in a small town, neighborhood, city, county, or region, our approach recognizes the power of people working together toward a common goal.
Behan Planning and Design has worked with communities throughout New York State and New England to help them prepare for growth and protect the things they care about. We thrive on establishing long-term relationships with the client communities we serve, and take pride in developing creative and implementable solutions. By linking our planning initiatives with our design practice, we help create a physical reality which makes our communities better places to live.
The planning practice of Behan Planning and Design is rooted in principles of smart growth and sustainability. Dedicated to the wise stewardship of historic, cultural and environmental resources, it is our belief that public investments in infrastructure and public spaces must be guided by a community's vision. Public outreach is critical to success. We also recognize that private investment and entrepreneurship are vital to achieving results. As a small firm of dedicated professionals, we enjoy getting to know the people with whom we work and finding the right balance of partnerships to move forward.
landscape architecture
Three essential components frame our landscape architectural practice:
Thoughtful analysis of site and setting;
Listening to the vision of our client
Creating transformational design concepts that integrate sustainable materials and natural systems into improved landscapes.
We enjoy collaborating with our clients and other stakeholders into the process, so that the places we design are loved and adopted by the people who call them home.
We see things differently. Where others may see only problems, we see potential and possibilities. Where others may only see stagnation, we see ways to provide mobility and growth. We see beauty in nature and in people and we recognize and celebrate those interactions in our designs.
community enhancement
Community enhancement projects are those big moves that boost the quality of life for residents.
How does your community reach its potential? By revitalizing your downtown, your waterfront, your main street; by protecting vital natural resources and important cultural landscapes across your region, and; by transforming public spaces into more vibrant and engaging community assets and by creating more complete streets to connect people, communities and nature together.
Community enhancement is at the heart of Behan Planning and Design’s work. This work is conducted at many scales—from regional natural resources protection programs and growth management plans; to highway corridor enhancement designs and city green streets to the design of naturalized stormwater management systems.
Our firm understands the interconnection of people, the economy and ecosystems and the important balance between natural and man-made features that provide for both people and the planet.