ima is proud to be the master landscape architect for Rancho Mission Viejo’s newest community, Esencia, opening this weekend. “This unique community is designed to reflect the feeling and character of the hills surrounding this community, creating a sense of oneness with the ranch open space. This includes trails linking directly to the San Juan Creek valley creating a healthy lifestyle for the residents” says Leo O’Brian, ima Design Principal on the project. Large heritage Oak trees were preserved and relocated to provide an impressive and immediate landscape experience. “We encouraged the development team to preserve a beautiful Oak filled canyon that now is a part of the main community entry experience” says O’Brian. Design directives like this reflect the truly impressive commitment to the heritage of the land by the Rancho Mission Viejo Company.
The community is uniquely crafted to create a distinctive, authentic environment. Everywhere you look, there are unique views of the surrounding hills and vistas, including spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
ima also is the landscape architect for the Canyon House, serving as the sales center as well as the central community gathering area. ima Principal, Ann Cutner, led this design effort resulting in a unique naturalistic setting with one of a kind characteristics, including a butterfly garden, a food forest farm with a greenhouse and chicken coup, and drought tolerant California native plants throughout. Ann Cutner stated “It’s a dream project, working for an inspiring client and collaborating with a talented design team to create a project addressing sustainability issues and promoting community health for residents.”
ima is also a proud sponsor of the Rancho Mission Viejo Company and BIA OC’s opening event on Thursday, September 24th. Join the RMV team, members of the BIA OC, and ima’s design staff in exploring the newly opened Esencia and the Canyon House.
