How LandDesign Is Leveraging Storytelling & Technology | Ep. 15 with Rhett Crocker

In this episode, we sit down with Rhett Crocker, President and CEO of LandDesign, to explore his philosophy of placemaking.

Rhett shares how his balanced approach—focusing equally on landscape architecture and civil engineering—brings projects to life. As a leader who remains passionate about staying hands-on in the work, he highlights the importance of collaboration, relationships, and client-centered design.

We dive into the significance of weaving a community's culture into a place, as Rhett reflects on his evolving philosophies around how people interact with spaces and the ways technology is shaping the creative side of the industry.

Rhett also offers a unique answer to our "Smith Lane" question, sharing how his college professors inspired his career and shaped his ability to remain authentic as his journey evolved.

About Rhett

Rhett Crocker is the current President of LandDesign, a nationally recognized firm specializing in master planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering. As President, he guides the firm’s strategic vision and champions a culture of innovation and collaboration. Rhett has positioned LandDesign at the forefront of the industry, consistently looking to future trends in mobility, technology, infrastructure, and sustainability to evolve the firm’s practice. Under his leadership, LandDesign received the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2024 Firm Award—the highest honor bestowed by the organization. The Award is a testament to the firm’s commitment to producing distinguished work that positively impacts the profession.

As a recognized leader in master planned communities, Rhett has built an award-winning career with a reputation for transforming complex sites into resilient communities. He has played an instrumental role in growing LandDesign’s national portfolio of master planned communities, working with national developers on top performing communities in high growth markets across the country. Notable legacy projects Rhett has led include Ballantyne Reimagined in Charlotte, NC, Castle Hills in Lewisville, TX, and The River District in Charlotte, NC.

Rhett's design leadership differentiates each client’s project in a competitive market, positioning them for the greatest economic return. His commitment to design excellence and collaboration has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor in the master planned community’s space. He is passionate about designing communities that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future growth and challenges.

Rhett earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Clemson University and is a registered landscape architect in North Carolina and Texas. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and the American Society of Landscape Architects and sits on the Executive Board for the Department of Landscape Architecture at Clemson University.

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