Business Details
Civil Engineering & Landscape Architecture Services in Arlington, VA
Cowen Design Group (CDG) is a civil engineering and landscape architecture design services firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for government and commercial clients. With expertise in international embassy projects and regional developments, we specialize in creating functional, sustainable environments that harmonize with local ecosystems. Our team combines technical precision with creative design to address complex challenges in site access, utility systems, and security infrastructure. We prioritize low-impact practices, integrating native plant materials and advanced water management systems to reduce operational costs and environmental footprints. As a certified women-owned small business, we bring decades of experience collaborating with federal agencies like the Department of State and Defense, ensuring compliance with rigorous standards while maintaining aesthetic integrity.Our portfolio spans 90 countries, reflecting our commitment to global excellence in secure facility design and high-performance infrastructure. By merging civil engineering with landscape architecture, we create spaces that enhance user safety, community connectivity, and ecological resilience. Our professionals hold certifications such as ASLA, PLA, AICP, and LEED, underscoring our dedication to industry leadership and sustainable practices. Whether designing stormwater systems for federal buildings or recreational spaces for local communities, we focus on delivering tailored solutions that meet evolving client needs. Our Arlington, Virginia-based team remains committed to advancing design innovation while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and client collaboration.
Services
Civil Engineering Design
Landscape Architecture
Secure Facility Design
Stormwater Management
Sustainable Infrastructure
Highlights and features
- We specialize in U.S. federal agency projects with 25+ years of experience
- Our team holds ASLA, PLA, AICP, and LEED professional certifications
- We implement low-impact development practices reducing environmental footprints
- We design secure facilities balancing safety with architectural aesthetics
- Our international portfolio spans 90 countries with embassy projects worldwide
Services
Civil Engineering Design
We design comprehensive site development solutions for land access, utility systems, and stormwater management. Our engineers create efficient parking layouts, wastewater systems, and community connections while prioritizing sustainable practices. By implementing low-impact development techniques, we minimize environmental disruption while ensuring compliance with federal regulations for government and commercial projects.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architects create functional outdoor spaces using native plant materials and sustainable features. We design pedestrian pathways, recreational areas, and security buffers that integrate with architectural elements. Through strategic planting and hardscape design, we enhance aesthetic appeal while maintaining ecological balance and reducing long-term maintenance requirements for federal and local clients.
Secure Facility Design
We develop specialized security features for government facilities that balance safety with architectural harmony. Our designs incorporate controlled access points, perimeter security elements, and discreet protective measures that complement building aesthetics. These solutions maintain operational functionality while addressing threat mitigation requirements for embassies, consulates, and federal buildings.
Stormwater Management
Our engineers implement advanced stormwater management systems that reduce runoff and promote water reuse. We design rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation, wastewater treatment solutions for non-potable applications, and permeable surfaces that enhance groundwater recharge. These systems lower operational costs while meeting environmental regulations for both domestic and international projects.
Sustainable Infrastructure
We integrate sustainable practices throughout our engineering and landscape architecture projects. Our high-performance designs include photovoltaic canopies, energy-efficient site lighting, and tree canopy planning to reduce cooling demands. By combining environmental stewardship with technical innovation, we create infrastructure solutions that minimize ecological impact while maximizing long-term value for government clients.
People
Alisa S.T. Cowen
Owner
ASLA-certified landscape architect with 25+ years of experience in federal projects. Founded CDG as a women-owned small business, specializing in international embassy design and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Richard E. Burgoyne
Director of Engineering
Licensed professional engineer overseeing engineering operations. Brings extensive expertise in federal agency collaborations and complex infrastructure projects for government facilities nationwide.
Jeff Larioni
Senior Civil Engineer
LEED Green Associate with specialized knowledge in civil engineering for secure facilities. Focuses on integrating sustainable practices into federal building projects while maintaining compliance with security standards.
Navid Roshan-Afshar
Senior Civil Engineer
Professional engineer with expertise in site development for government clients. Specializes in utility systems design and stormwater management solutions that meet federal environmental regulations.
Joshua Thayer
Senior Landscape Architect
PLA-certified landscape architect designing functional outdoor spaces for federal facilities. Focuses on native plant integration and sustainable site features that enhance security while maintaining ecological balance.
Questions
What government agencies do you work with?
We collaborate with the Department of State, Defense, National Archives, and General Services Administration on domestic projects, plus support U.S. embassies and consulates in 90+ countries.
Do you handle international projects?
Yes, we've completed embassy and consulate projects in 90+ countries, including recent work in Senegal, France, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We use rainwater harvesting systems, wastewater treatment for reuse, photovoltaic canopies, and strategic tree planting to reduce energy consumption while maintaining security requirements.
Are you a certified women-owned business?
Yes, we're officially certified as a women-owned small business through the SBA's WOSB program, founded by landscape architect Alisa Cowen in 1998.
What security design capabilities do you offer?
We create integrated security solutions that control access points while maintaining architectural harmony, including perimeter security features and controlled entry systems for federal facilities.
How do you handle complex federal projects?
Our team combines civil engineering and landscape architecture expertise with deep understanding of federal regulations, ensuring compliance while delivering innovative, functional spaces.
