Our zoological experts design spaces that roar with life—where animals thrive, visitors engage, and curiosity runs wild.
beyond enclosures, we create ecosystems
Creating spaces for animals and people is a unique challenge, and the very nature of zoo design is that no two projects are identical. The biological, husbandry, and enrichment needs of each species and the interpretive story that connects with visitors changes with each initiative.
We build upon and implement our learnings from prior projects, while adapting to the focus species or landscape. Our depth of experience means we understand how to apply our knowledge from past work to your specific program.
what we do (and how we do it)
Our approach is rooted in a collaborative, multidisciplinary process that draws on our robust experience in zoo planning and design. Here’s a glimpse into our creative yet strategic process:
understand the animals
Identify the unique well-being, husbandry, and enrichment needs of each species
Design for functionality and operational longevity
Reflect wild habitats and geography, but with local solutions
create the experience
Define sense of place to design iconic destinations and visitor amenities
Prioritize accessibility and optimize site circulation
Ensure a cohesive and immersive environment for people of all ages and abilities
communicate the story
Build long-term love and empathy for wildlife
Weave art and science to evoke emotional connections
Inspire conservation action to create a more hopeful future
our collaborators
Creativity stems from collaboration. The best projects begin with ideas that snowball into passionate visions and inspire buy-in from all team members to turn concept into reality. We work with subject-matter experts to ensure our habitats meet the needs of the focal species and align strategic storytelling with the organization’s mission.
Our team has strong partnerships with leading industry professionals specializing in zoo environments, which we can leverage for the best possible design and gain feedback toward realistic cost analyses.
Senior zoological advisors
LSS designers
Transportation and civil engineers
Creative design agencies
the g3 advantage
our passion
We believe in creating high-quality public spaces and zoological facilities that foster connection, recreation, community-building, tourism, and engagement.
our philosopohy
Our projects start with the story. A strategic and comprehensive interpretive plan provides the foundation. It drives each decision we make so that every facet of our design aligns with the vision and theme of a project.
We understand how a powerful narrative connects people more deeply to place, building lasting impressions that become memories, and memories that transform into lifelong values. Our unique integration of landscape architectural services with interpretive planning ensures that all plans are strategic, creative, and feasible.
our approach
We promote the consideration of spaces over time, how space is used today, and how it might be used tomorrow. We understand the practical considerations of a zoological facility, which include achieving high animal well-being standards while operating efficiently and optimizing guest experiences.
We know how zoos evolve and adapt to changing environmental, political, and social considerations. Operating in two countries, we understand the local context, climate and cultural influences, and logistical requirements and constraints on zoological projects.
our experience
With decades of combined zoo project experience, our team is well positioned to leverage our learnings from past projects to inform new opportunities. We have delivered a wide array of zoo projects including habitat designs, master plans, interpretive signage and exhibits, art features, playgrounds, gathering spaces, and donor recognition spaces.
our tools
Our design team specializes in 3D presentation materials, ranging from hand sketches to interactive 3D-rendered walkthroughs and 3D-printed models. At various stages of the process, we provide key interested parties with clear depictions of the proposed design, enabling them to react in real time to design decisions made along the way.
our work
Habitat Design
Containment
Animal Viewing
Water Features
Ponds and Plantings
Animal Management
Public Amenities
Back of House Areas
Animal Transfers
Animal Husbandry Systems
Circulation
Play Areas
Donor Recognition
Gathering Spaces
Interpretive Planning
Public Art
Interpretive Signage
Theming
Master Planning
Project Management
explore our diverse project portfolio
Beyond zoos, we do it all — from large-scale master plans to finely detailed landscape designs. Our project portfolio showcases the breadth and depth of our talented team. Inspiration starts here.