WHAT WE DO
ESP Associates, Inc. (ESP) is a multi-disciplinary firm serving various phases of project development and public safety. Through our planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, testing and inspections, geo-environmental, surveying, and water resource management services, we are a partner in our clients’ success.
ESP has been recognized as an ENR Top 500 Design Firm since 2013, including our most recent ranking of #32 in the Southeast for 2023.
Our approach to service is focused on three objectives: Listen. Deliver. Improve.
CORE SERVICE DISCIPLINES
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Master Planning
Feasibility & Due Diligence
Capital Planning Strategy
Public Engagement
Infrastructure Design Water Resources
GIS Services
Conventional and GPS
ALTA/NSPS Surveys
Mobile and Static Scanning SUE
Hydrographic Surveys
Aerial Mapping/UAS
Pavement Assessment
Geotechnical Engineering Dam Consulting Geophysics
Environmental Consulting
Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI)
Materials Testing Special Inspections
WHO WE ARE
A TEAM OF CREATIVES
Urban planners, designers, visual artists, community advocates, and dreamers—our team of creatives understands how improving public spaces with local involvement and public engagement helps develop successful, programmable placemaking for your community.
HOLISTIC PLANNERS FOR CAPITAL GROWTH
We understand how projects of any size can be catalysts for regional economic development. Planning for short, mid, and long-term goals ensures that design and implementation stays focused on the client’s vision for growth and development.
CONNECTED & AWARE
With 35 years of experience, we understand your perspective. Our project managers have worked for multiple city, county, and state governments. We bring expertise in designing for client goals and owner-side experience with CIP strategic planning, budgeting, and multi-fiscal-year phasing.
THIRD-PARTY OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE
For successful project implementation, we understand the importance of establishing roles, responsibilities, and lines of communication from the beginning of the process to the end in order to keep your project moving forward.
Real-time Community Engagement
Geotechnical Services, Special Inspections, & Materials Testing
3D (Lumion)
Digital Marketing Renderings
Data/App Development & Website Design
ESP’S VALUEADDED SERVICES FOR PARKS & RECREATION PROJECTS
Mobile Lidar and Drone UAS Services
Branding, Graphic Design, & Wayfinding/ Signage Design
Grant Coordination & Capital Planning
Prioritization
PARKS & RECREATION EXPERTS
Survey and SUE
ESP is honored to maintain 35+ year working relationships with public sector clients across the Carolinas.
Each park or recreation project has their own design and engineering demands. We build upon each site’s unique opportunities and follow a master planning, design, and engineering approach and native plant material selection that fits the zone and character of each area.
ONE Project. ALL Disciplines. Collaborating. Under. ONE. Roof.
Stakeholder & Public Engagement
Facilitated stakeholder engagement with exhibits and graphics to illustrate the city’s vision and align goals and master plans across multiple CIP projects.
Master Planning & Landscape Architecture
Unique 1.2-mile stretch of greenway incorporates a pre-fabricated substructure/ bridge, 10-foot-wide paved bicycle and pedestrian path, 300 linear feet of boardwalk, multiple trailheads, and unique placemaking opportunities and pocket parks.
Land Surveying & Subsurface Utility Engineering
Hydrology and Hydraulic Surveys performed using FEMA Guidelines and Standards: seven cross sections and one detailed structure along stream along the Creek; conventional: survey topographic features within 1.9 acre area; locate culverts, pavement cross sections, rim elevations on sanitary sewer manholes; boundary survey; and greenway alignment.
Geotechnical Investigations & Contractor Coordination
ESP performed preliminary subsurface exploration services to evaluate the general subsurface conditions and provided recommendations, for the approximate 4,700 linear feet long proposed greenway, along Abbey Creek in Belmont, NC.
Civil Engineering & Hydraulic Stormwater Modeling
Greenway alignment was adjusted to create a low curb-rail boardwalk and avoid an expensive permitting process. Stone and a xeri-scape planting palette were used for dry creek beds and swales. ESP also submitted a CLOMR package, coordinating with FEMA, affected communities, and property owners.
Grant Coordination
Coordination with local/state agencies (Catawba Lands Conservancy, NCDOT, GCLMPO, NCDEQ) to create a multi-year budget/schedule that aligns across departments and prepares for additional grants. (+B-6051 & U-6143).
Example Project Abbey Creek Greenway
SPOTLIGHT PROJECTS
TOWN OF FORT MILL BANKS ATHLETIC PARK
FORT MILL, SC
PROJECT SERVICES
Stakeholder Outreach
Surveying
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Exploration
Special Inspections
Construction Materials
Testing
Water Resources
Engineering
FIRST STEPS
KERSHAW, SC
PROJECT SERVICES
Stakeholder Outreach & Public Workshops
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
PROJECT SERVICES
Surveying
Subsurface Utility Engineering
Lidar and Orthophotography
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Exploration
Special Inspections
Construction Materials Testing
CYPRESS GARDENS
BERKELEY COUNTY, SC
PROJECT SERVICES
Master Planning
Landscape Architecture
Geotechnical Services
Surveying
FORT MILL AQUATIC
CENTER
FORT MILL, SC
PROJECT SERVICES
Civil Engineering
Environmental Consulting
Geotechnical
Engineering
Construction
Observation
Surveying
WINDY HILL PARK MASTER PLAN BRENTWOOD, TN
PROJECT SERVICES
Stakeholder Outreach & Public Workshops
Land Planning
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
Opinions of Probable Cost
Water Quality BMP Stream Improvements
Designs aren’t meant to live on a shelf. Our team takes designs from conception THROUGH implementation.
PEOPLE TOGETHER DESIGN BRINGS
ESP’s expert team of planners, landscape architects, and engineers collaborate with you and your stakeholders to form creative design solutions rooted in unique placemaking, effective capital planning, and practical implementation for the long-range economic growth of your community.