- November 23, 2024
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New design and planning company started in Ormond Beach.
Brett Kuzoian says there is something new brewing in urban planning and landscape design.
“A new culture is evolving,” he said. “A lot of little things are happening.”
Kuzoian, along with partner Jonathan Daniels, both landscape architects, started a new business last year, Castle Bay Design Studio, after working for a large, local engineering firm for a number of years.
Kuzoian thinks this is a new trend, because he’s noticed other young entrepreneurs in the area, including civil and environmental engineers, who are starting new businesses and offering alternatives.
“We’ve got a great network of entrepreneurs,” he said. “You have energetic young professionals looking to make a statement.”
They have kept their overhead low while getting the business started, but now are looking for office space in Ormond Beach.
“This is where I grew up and where I want our headquarters,” he said.
They offer conception and planning for downtowns, neighborhoods, commercial corridors, mixed-use areas, historic districts, redevelopment areas, parks, etc.
Looking at Ormond Beach, he said the city has a “ton of potential,” especially because of the river and the scenery.
“Not many cities have that,” he said.
Another strong point of Ormond Beach, Kuzoian said, is the beach, and Andy Romano Park is an example of how landscape architects can create a space that provides direct access.
“People love the beach,” he said. “You don’t have to improve the beach, but provide connectivity and you can make Ormond Beach more of a destination.”
He worked on the planning and design of the park in his previous position at a local firm. He was responsible for the community meetings, preparation of the construction documents and overseeing the work.
He said getting public input on a project is one of the most important stages.
“At the end of the day, the project is for the people and public reception and feedback is crucial to the success of the project,” he said.
He said Ormond Beach has a small, beach-town feel that he would not want to change.
“Once you lose that you never get it back,” he said. “I live here and I understand that.”
They have achieved success so far, with residential design projects in South Florida, Georgia and St. Augustine, and pocket parks in Daytona Beach Shores.
They have also established a relationship with Flagler County, having been selected to be part of two consulting teams with continuing civil engineering service contracts.
“We’re looking to build relationships,” he said.
He said he enjoys the landscape architecture profession because he “changes the face of the earth.”
“What I do affects other lives,” he said. “When I go to Andy Romano Park and I see a mother and her kids … that’s what does it for me.”
He also sees himself as a problem solver. Clients don’t come to him with plans, they come with a need.
“I want to build places that will last for decades,” he said.
