About GLA

Gates, Leighton & Associates, Inc. (GLA) was established in 1985 by Wil Gates and Don Leighton. With four fully licensed landscape architects and key supporting staff members, GLA creatively solves land development challenges with landscape architectural excellence.

CREATIVITY

Creativity begins with ideas that solve functional challenges in a way that is beautiful, interesting, and evocative. But at GLA, creativity doesn’t end there. GLA’s talent rich staff discovers the unique essence in each project. We consider the history of a place, its cultural and natural setting, and the dreams of our clients, combined with the needs of future project users, to begin shaping a design direction. From these elements, a vision is crafted that can be transformed into reality in the landscape. GLA’s ability to create a unique vision for each of our projects translates into a record of built projects all over the world that are not only functionally successful, but also delightful to experience.

COMMUNICATION

The GLA team knows that any successful project is built upon good communication---most importantly with you, the client, but also with stakeholders, contractors, municipal personnel, and future users of the landscape. Whether it is a quick hand sketch, a formal presentation of plans to the board of directors, or a well-written report describing a project’s program and goals, GLA has the ability to communicate on all the levels essential to a successful outcome for your project. We believe that our growth comes from our ability to listen, to understand the needs of our clients, and to communicate ideas both visually and verbally.

EXPERIENCE

GLA has real world experience in building projects. Our team understands how to apply design visions to landscape realities in a way that embraces beauty and utilizes the best assets of the land. With a LEED Accredited Professional in a senior staff position and as members of the United States Green Building Council, we are dedicated to green design and have the know-how to limit environmental impacts. GLA’s 25-plus years in business also helps us understand the true realities of budgets and schedule and how these components can impact any project. Whether the project is an eco-friendly village or a world class resort, GLA has the experience to create timeless landscapes for communities across the globe.

GLA maintains offices in East Providence, RI and Boothbay, Maine. The firm maintains its international office in Cairo, Egypt. The firm is a proud member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (www.asla.org).

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