From the Ground Up provides planning and design
of enriching outdoor environments, particularly for children, in residential, commercial and institutional settings. We focus on the whole health of the user and
the site, incorporating nature with elements for active
and passive interaction and encouraging community through shared space. At the same time, we utilize
eco-minded alternatives in our designs to save water, enhance habitat, and provide valuable learning opportunities about our natural world.
We strive to make spaces for everyone to enjoy, regardless of ability or age. It is our belief that outdoor spaces can contribute to more than just aesthetics, and play areas, in particular, should be more than metal and mulch. Our
goal is to exercise the body, mind and imagination and
our mission is . . .
to improve the health of people and the
environment through the creative and
thoughtful design of outdoor spaces.
Design approach
The approach of From the Ground Up (FTGU) is one deeply rooted both in creativity and stewardship of the land. Meghan employs skills obtained in fine arts, graphic design and landscape architecture with an inherent love and respect for nature when approaching the planning and design of any space.
The goal of FTGU is to work directly with clients and the actual users of the space in order to gain an understanding of their needs and the challenges that they face. Each project is approached individually, with an assessment of natural features and systems, user interests, and contextual relationships. User issues are addressed through thoughtful planning, and solutions are carefully woven in with natural features to benefit both people and the environment.
Over time, Meghan has learned that reality is not always what you dream it to be. Her work experience has taught her that budget, maintenance, politics and complacency can stand in the way of creating amazing outdoor spaces. Detailed renderings and big ideas on paper are great, but the true effect comes when it is in the ground. FTGU aims to provide master planning and design that lays out the desired result, with the knowledge that each project will be implemented differently. Meghan can work, and has worked, with a variety of people to get things built - from professional construction crews who complete a project in weeks to volunteers who complete projects as time and resources allow.
Collaborative design with other professionals, clients, and user groups is encouraged in order to create spaces that establish a sense of ownership that
will contribute to the sustainability of the place. Children especially, have the imagination and desire to be involved in the process. Incorporating their input into the design of places where they will spend the most time is a valuable learning experience for all.
Meet the founder
Meghan C. Mick, LEED AP
Meghan started From the Ground Up with the goal of enriching and diversifying the notion of outdoor space. She is motivated by the opportunity to get people outdoors and she is passionate about the spaces and ideals that will be left behind to her two young sons.
Meghan received her Bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and her MLA (Masters in Landscape Architecture) from the College of Design at North Carolina State University. She has spent over eight years working in the design professions - with advertising agencies, international planning firms and landscape architecture firms. She became a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional in 2007, is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and a part of the Children & Nature Network. She is involved in her local community with FSU & FAMU, and volunteers with various organizations which focus their efforts on the needs of children, education, health, design and the environment.
When she's not working, Meghan enjoys getting outside, running, catching up with friends, and spending time with her family. She and her husband also started Red Dirt Discoveries , with the goal of sharing time outdoors with other families in their area.
Services
• Planning and design of outdoor environments
• Design consultations
• Project design oversight
• Design workshops, charettes and speaking engagements
• Garden design and installation parties (for children and adults!)
• Graphic communications and branding (for fundraising and marketing)
• Rain Barrel, mural and playhouse painting
• Grant writing (for children's outdoor environments)
A few of our design specialties . . .
NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS (PLAYSCAPES)
" There's no way that we can help children to learn to love and preserve the planet if we don't give them direct experiences with the miracles and blessings of nature. "
~ Anita Rui Olds
Natural playgrounds allow children to experience the world in a hands-on way. Features such as hills, plants, tree stumps, and boulders are used to enhance the traditional playground setting. These elements provide additional opportunities for physical activity and challenge kids to solve problems creatively. When planned carefully, these elements also add to the aesthetics of the playground and blend seamlessly with the surroundings. In combination with traditional play equipment, natural elements create playscapes where children can learn, explore, discover and play.
HEALING AND THERAPEUTIC GARDENS
" I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. "
~ John Burroughs
Nature has an amazing capacity to heal. Healing and therapeutic gardens are outdoor environments that are specifically planned and designed to promote health and well-being. Whether created for direct physical and occupational therapy exercises, or as a tool for overall emotional health, these outdoor spaces add another dimension to the healing process.
OTHER GARDEN SPACES
" No two gardens are the same. No two days are the same in one garden. "
~ Hugh Johnson
Gardens have the ability to enhance or help establish the character of a place. They certainly add to the overall aesthetic, but they can also be spaces to grow food, attract critters, teach children about literature, or simply ignite the imagination. A distinctive garden is an environment that reflects you and the natural surroundings in a space that is uniquely your own.
Project Highlight - Living Water Garden , Chengdu, China - a collaborative design effort
In this box we will highlight a playscape, garden, or some other significant outdoor space created by another designer around the world.
I still remember first seeing the Living Water Garden highlighted in a past issue of Landscape Architecture magazine. It is an exemplary project on so many levels. To begin with, the incorporation of ecology, art, education, and design in a public space is inspiring and a model that I strive for in all my projects, large and small. Secondly, the collaborative effort between the Chinese Fu & Nan Rivers Revitalization Project, the environmental artist Betsy Damon, and American Landscape Architect Margie Ruddick illustrates the numerous possibilities when we all work towards the same goals. Click here for more info.
The Space at Feather Oaks (Garden/Vignette design)
Set among horse pastures and giant oaks, the Space at Feather Oaks is a unique event venue in Tallahassee, Florida. From the Ground Up worked with the owners to create a vegetable garden that reflected the updated, yet still rustic, character of the renovated barn. The garden adds to
the diversity of smaller spaces at the Space and provides a functional area for growing food, conducting workshops and relaxing. FTGU also designed updates to a potting shed and created
an illustrative site plan for the Space to assist potential clients plan their events.
Glenview Cottages
(Neighborhood Planning & Design)
From the Ground Up worked with Shane Y. Lambert Construction, Inc. to plan and design the layout of a proposed neighborhood development in Tallahassee, Florida. The main challenge was to utilize the existing site and its mature vegetation in the layout of five cottage homes. The plan includes a rain garden for stormwater management as well as a small community garden and shared park space.
Kids Inc. of the Big Bend (Playscapes)
From the Ground Up worked with the non-profit Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend to plan, design and oversee the installation of natural playground features for their five facilities in Leon, Jefferson and Madison counties. The new Parkway facility playscape was designed from scratch and completed in July 2010. All six of the sites share common features that provide the young children with opportunities to connect to nature, learn, and develop gross motor skills.
Cornerstone Learning Community (Collaborative design)
From the Ground Up worked directly with the middle school students at Cornerstone Learning Community to design a challenging and interesting climbing structure. Swing Sets by Design came in to engineer and build it up to safety standards. The result was a unique structure that was well-received by both the students and the administration.
Backyard Playscape
In collaboration with Swing Sets by Design, From the Ground Up (FTGU) designed and installed a natural playground, or playscape, in a Tallahassee backyard during the summer of 2009. The space highlights the engineering and craftsmanship of Swing Sets by Design as well as the planning and design capabilities of FTGU at a residential scale.
Stuart Residence (Landscape planning & design)
FTGU worked with a couple to plan the layout of their new home along the river in Stuart, Florida. Working directly with the architect and the homeowners, FTGU designed a multi-level landscape plan that satisfies the residents immediate needs while allowing room and flexibility for their growing family. The plan also preserves much of the existing mature vegetation and works with the natural slope of the land.
Cash's Castle (Playscape design)
Cash's Castle and the Enchanted Forest was created for a special five year-old and built in collaboration with Swing Sets by Design. The plan incorporates hidden, as well as obvious corners of the backyard for play and discovery.
The Ronald McDonald House of Tallahassee (Healing Garden)
The Healing Garden at the Ronald McDonald House is scheduled for completion in July 2011. Planned and designed by From the Ground Up, it will serve the families, visitors and staff of the House by providing an outdoor area for eating, playing, gathering and temporarily escaping the daily rigors of illness.
HOPE Community (Playscape)
The HOPE Community at the Big Bend Homeless Coalition (BBHC) in Tallahassee will be the location of a new natural playground in the Fall of 2011. Working with the BBHC and the Tallahassee Garden Club, From the Ground Up created a plan that allows the children staying at the HOPE Community multiple opportunities for play, learning and developing a connection with nature. The new playscape will be a major improvement to their existing outdoor play space.
Bradfordville Baptist Church
Beginning Steps Ministry (Playscape design)
From the Ground Up helped the Beginning Steps Ministry at Bradfordville Baptist Church in Tallahassee Florida with a plan that enhanced their existing outdoor space and offered additional play and learning opportunities. Set on a natural edge of the property, the shady setting was an ideal place to blend in natural play elements. From the Ground Up produced a color plan and poster to communicate the design intent and assist in fundraising for construction.
Project Oversight
(RMH Healing Garden at left)
FTGU has worked with a variety of crews, volunteers and project managers to follow a project from design to construction. Design oversight provides an assurance that the space will end up as it was originally imagined while still allowing for on-site flexibility when issues arise.
Branding/Graphics
FTGU has a strong background in graphic design and drawing that has come in handy in projects involving signage, branding, and the incorporation of other artistic elements.
Illustrative renderings like the one at right for the Natural Learning Initiative, help people visualize the impacts and benefits of a design plan.
Workshops & Charettes
(Fall Food Garden Workshop at right)
One of the goals of From the Ground Up is to reconnect people with nature and create spaces that contribute to well-being. On-site workshops or charettes allow for collaborative dreaming, analysis and design. People tend to maintain a space best when they feel a sense of ownership. By including them in the planning and design process, you can improve the resilience of the project.
Ribbon cutting event for the Tallahassee Ronald McDonald House Healing Garden scheduled for Tuesday, November 15th at 4:30pm
October 2011
The Healing Garden at the Ronald McDonald House of Tallahassee will officially be dedicated next month. With most of the
work complete, the last details are being put into place in order to "cut the ribbon" and share the space with all of the people
who helped make it possible. Mark your calendars!
Ground breaking event for the HOPE playscape
September 2011
The official ground breaking for the HOPE Community Playscape (an outreach of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition) took place on September 21st. After months of planning and permitting, the project construction phase was officially kicked off with a small celebration. The kids of HOPE accepted checks from the Tallahassee Garden Club, a Bag for HOPE and the Tallahassee Jewish Federation's New Generation Initiative. Site work, including leveling and a timber retaining wall, is being done by Shane Y. Lambert Construction, Inc. Once the permitted construction is complete, the team will be adding playscape features such as the trike track, playhouse, swings, sand area, art fence and chalk wall. Completion of phase one is expected in late 2011.
Gateway Center planning gets underway
June 2011
From the Ground Up is honored to be working with Gateway Community Services, Inc. of Jacksonville and the Late Bloomers Garden Club to design the playground for a new Daycare center at the Gateway Rehabilitation Center on Stockton Street in Jacksonville, Florida. The project is just part of a larger Serenity Garden space designed by Mary Palmer Dargan for the residents and employees of the Center. The playground will incorporate natural elements in order to enrich the play experience and provide the young children a safe and creative environment in which to play and learn outdoors. Some natural elements and playful details will spill out into the larger garden in order to connect the two spaces and give the adults opportunities to play and grow with their children.
Stay tuned for more updates!
From the Ground Up selected as one of the 11 in 2011
February 2011
The "11 in 2011" program encouraging the growth and success of Tallahassee area small businesses has chosen From the Ground Up as one of its participants. The eleven fortunate companies selected out of 101 well-qualified applicants will receive marketing assistance from the Moore Consulting Group in six sessions throughout the 2011 calendar year. FTGU is honored to be recognized for this exciting program which is co-sponsored by the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and the Tallahassee Democrat.
For a complete list of participants and more information, please click here .
Because good design does more
than just make a place look better
A well-designed outdoor space can also function better, add character, solve site issues, tell a story, improve the environment, contribute to human well-being, and become easier to maintain. Likewise, a well-designed playground can spark creativity, facilitate learning, promote physical activity, improve social skills, alleviate symptoms of ADHD, and strengthen a connection with community and nature.
"When we were trying to re-design our playground, Meghan spent countless hours on landscape drawings and meetings with the Playground Committee. Her design inspired everyone to raise money for the new playground. Meghan is delightful to work with and goes way beyond expectations in order to create a stellar design that pleases everyone. I highly recommend her."
~ Debo Powers
Principal
School of Arts and Sciences
"I had the pleasure of working with Meghan while she completed a student internship with EDSA. Her kind demeanor, thoughtful approach to design, and attention to detail made our short collaboration experience quite memorable. Meghan cherishes the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships. Several years have passed since we first met but we have continued to support one another in our mutual growth as small business owners."
~ Rebecca Bradley
Co-Founder of Cadence
"One of our goals for adding a new structure on our playground was to get students involved in the design process. We asked Meghan and From the Ground Up to listen to their ideas and to incorporate as many as possible in a safe, engaging structure. Meghan'’s design reflected many of the students’' wishes and it also met the administration’s goals for safety. Thanks to Meghan’'s creative design and effective collaboration with the construction team, our students are enjoying a one-of-a-kind climbing wall and fort. We were very satisfied with the job Meghan did for our school and we enthusiastically recommend From the Ground Up!"
~ Tony Brown
Upper School Director, Cornerstone Learning Community
"We wanted a nature inspired outdoor play space for our daughter that provided opportunities for gross motor and fine motor play. Meghan created a beautiful design that will encourage play as well as nature exploration. It was a pleasure working with her!"
~ Tricia Montgomery
Homeowner
Because we truly believe
in what we do
We've not only experienced it, we're familiar with the research, and share the opinion of many experts that people need to be outside. Nature feeds our bodies, minds and souls. We strive to create places where people love to be and where interaction with nature is neither awkward nor unsustainable.
Because we're not afraid
to get our hands dirty
One of the most rewarding parts of planning and design is participating in the process that brings it to life. Whether we're planting vegetables with volunteers in the rain, or giving direction to a group of skilled professionals, From the Ground Up won't shy away from helping you through the entire process. We set high expectations for our work, as can you.
Because we've been around the block
And down the street, around the country, and across the oceans. We've studied and seen what others are doing well and learned lessons the easy and the hard way. We try to keep up with the newest ideas and most ingenious solutions to expand your notions of what can happen in an outdoor setting.
Links of interest
ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects)
The professional association of the practice of Landscape Architecture
Evergreen
A non-profit out of Canada doing some amazing things
National Forum on Children and Nature
An outreach of the Conservation Fund to get kids outdoors in nature
Natural Learning Initiative
An extension of NCSU promoting nature in children's lives through research, design, education and dissemination of information
Nature Rocks
A national program promoting families spending time in nature
The Children & Nature Network
A network supporting and encouraging the people and organizations working to get children outdoors and closer to nature
The National Institute for Play
A non-profit communicating the importance of play in public life
USBGC (United States Green Building Council)
A non-profit working to make green buildings available to everyone
Area Resources
Get Outdoors Florida!
A non-profit coalition in Florida of the public sector, private sector, and governmental agencies promoting time spent in nature for health, well-being and the sustainability of Florida's natural resources
Mary Brogan Museum of Arts & Sciences
A community resource in Tallahassee, Florida featuring exhibits and programs in the arts, sciences and humanities for lifelong learning
Red Dirt Discoveries
A family nature club and network promoting time together and exploration of nearby nature in the Tallahassee and Leon county areas
Soundplay
Accessible musical playground equipment for all ages designed for self-expression and building community, made in Parrott, Georgia
Sustainable Tallahassee
Non-profit community resource for education and innovation towards environmental responsibility and sustainability
Swing Sets by Design
A resource in North Florida and South Georgia providing high quality, custom-built swing sets, standardized play equipment, recycled rubber mulch and other building services
Tallahassee Museum
A non-profit natural history museum featuring native landscapes and wildlife, historical buildings and exhibits, educational programs and community outreach
The Space at Feather Oaks
A unique venue in Tallahassee for wellness, the arts and special events
