Business Details
28 Years
experience
Expert Landscape Architecture & Planning in Tucson
Founded in 1998, Novak Environmental is a Tucson-based landscape architecture and land planning firm specializing in sustainable design tailored to Southern Arizona's unique desert environment. As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business Enterprise, we combine over 25 years of local expertise with interdisciplinary collaboration to create landscapes that harmonize environmental, regulatory, and functional needs. Our team of registered landscape architects and designers brings extensive experience in native plant preservation, riparian habitat mitigation, and recreational space development across Pima County jurisdictions.We maintain strong partnerships with engineers, architects, and planners to deliver code-compliant solutions that address local, state, and federal regulations while enhancing community spaces. Our commitment to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem is reflected in our innovative approaches to water conservation, green stormwater infrastructure, and habitat restoration projects.
Services
Native Plant Preservation Plans
Riparian Habitat Mitigation
Recreational Area Design
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Multi-Family Residential Landscaping
Water Harvesting Plans
Park and Trail Development
Landscape Compliance Documentation
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of Southern Arizona landscape architecture expertise
- Certified Woman-Owned Small Business with local jurisdiction knowledge
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with engineers and environmental professionals
- Specialized in Sonoran Desert native plant preservation techniques
- Award-winning team with ASLA recognition and federal fellowships
Associations and certifications
- Arizona Woman-Owned Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Services
Native Plant Preservation Plans
Our Native Plant Preservation Plans protect regional biodiversity during development. We conduct field inventories using GIS and drone technology to create jurisdiction-compliant plans that safeguard protected species while meeting regulatory requirements across Southern Arizona municipalities.
Riparian Habitat Mitigation
We develop riparian habitat restoration plans that maintain water quality and ecological diversity. Our mitigation strategies balance development needs with environmental protection through on-site planning or in-lieu fee programs where available in Pima County jurisdictions.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Our green stormwater infrastructure designs transform runoff into valuable resources. We create passive rainwater harvesting systems that reduce flooding, promote groundwater recharge, and support sustainable urban landscapes in Arizona's arid climate.
Recreational Area Planning
We design recreational spaces that enhance community quality of life. Our plans integrate parks, trails, and amenities with demographic needs while meeting regulatory requirements for new residential developments across Southern Arizona municipalities.
Multi-Family Residential Landscaping
Our multi-family residential designs balance aesthetics with water conservation. We create low-maintenance landscapes that enhance property value while complying with local codes and incorporating sustainable irrigation practices for Arizona's desert climate.
People
Karen Cesare
President
40-year landscape architecture veteran with expertise in Southwest environmental design. ASLA Fellow and multiple award recipient, including Arizona's Landscape Architect of the Year. Leads firm operations and major project oversight.
Tom Carlson
Landscape Architect
30+ years specializing in Sonoran Desert green infrastructure. Expert in native plant preservation and stormwater management systems. Notable projects include Tucson's Sweetwater Recharge Basins and Scott South Houghton recharge areas.
Riaz Adaikkalam
Landscape Designer
20-year veteran in sustainable desert landscaping. Focuses on native plant integration and water-efficient irrigation systems for residential and public spaces across Southern Arizona's diverse ecosystems.
B. Blake Houghton II
Landscape Designer, GIS Analyst
Anthropology background informs community-focused designs. Specializes in GIS mapping and ecological restoration. Experience spans local and international projects emphasizing cultural-environmental connections in landscape solutions.
Devon Kossmann
Field Crew Lead
3-year field operations specialist with FAA drone certification and EMT training. Manages field data collection and implementation of preservation and mitigation plans across diverse project sites.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We specialize in Southern Arizona projects covering Tucson, Pima County, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Marana, Sierra Vista, and Nogales jurisdictions.
What makes your firm unique?
As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business with 25+ years of local experience, we combine deep regulatory knowledge with specialized desert landscape expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Do you handle regulatory compliance?
Yes, we prepare jurisdiction-specific plans for native plant preservation, riparian mitigation, and water harvesting that meet local, state, and federal requirements across Southern Arizona.
What project types do you handle?
We work on public parks, trails, residential developments, industrial sites, and commercial properties requiring environmental compliance and sustainable desert-adapted designs.
How do you approach sustainability?
Our designs prioritize native vegetation, water conservation systems, and habitat protection. We integrate green stormwater infrastructure and passive rainwater harvesting techniques tailored to Arizona's arid climate.
