December 2025

KEEPING IT FLOWING

"Green" Two Ways: How Sustainable Design Cuts Costs and Waste

No longer a niche add-on for high-profile projects, sustainability is a value proposition that reduces lifecycle costs, lowers waste streams, and strengthens design resilience. For landscape architects designing the public realm, commercial campuses, or themed environments, the smartest “green” moves deliver two returns: environmental performance and hard-dollar savings.

Read on for practical design strategies, backed by recent research and real-world examples, for creating sustainable projects that are both beautiful and economical.

Guidelines for Designing Sustainably

RIPPLE EFFECT

Lessons We're Carrying Into 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, our CEO J. Wickham Zimmerman has been reflecting on the projects and partnerships that shaped our year. At OTL, our work has always been about more than designing and building water features. We create experiences using water, light, and technology — experiences that bring people together and elevate the places they care about. This year made that mission clearer than ever. Wick shares a few lessons that stood out as we look ahead.

Read Wick's Year-End Insights

METRICS THAT MATTER

Measuring AI's Impact on Multifamily

According to a whitepaper from Multifamily Executive, AI is no longer a pilot project in multifamily real estate – it's essential infrastructure. The study analyzed data from over 250 executives to show exactly how that shift occurred.

Of the 250+ leaders the publication surveyed about their experience with AI:

77% report measurable reductions in operating expenses

78% of respondents admitted they have already lost new business opportunities to AI-enabled competitors

85% have seen improved lead-to-lease conversions and resident satisfaction

71% are increasing AI investment year-over-year

Read The State of AI in Multifamily Free Report to learn more about the real ROI AI is delivering, how it's reshaping the workforce, and why waiting is now the most expensive choice stakeholders can make.

P.S.

Pigeon Forge was recently featured in a World Atlas article “The Most Picturesque Towns in Tennessee.” Click here to read the article and see our spectacular show fountain at The Island in Pigeon Forge.

Stay Connected!

Missed our Last Newsletter?

We’ve got you covered. Click here to view last month’s newsletter and to stay on top of today’s design and construction trends.