Realizing the full potential of the land by designing exterior spaces, and experiences within those spaces, that flow.
OUR STORY
Dix.Hite provides leadership in design and landscape architecture, with special expertise in sustainable mixed-use, transportation and trails, parks and public space, multifamily development, and master planned communities.
With an initial focus on Florida’s private development market in the 1990s, the firm started with just two people: Jeff Dix and Christina Hite. These powerhouses joined forces to build a strong reputation for artistry, high-quality design, an intense focus on their craft, superior client services, and a deep knowledge of the Florida landscape.
Within years, the firm’s reputation of award-winning multi-family projects attracted new talent, leading to a growing practice with an added focus on mixed use and public-realm design. In 2012, our office in Birmingham, Alabama, marked the beginning of our expanded services across the Southeast United States. Our landscape architects are licensed in over 15 states and our work notably includes projects in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and beyond.
Dix.Hite embarked on a transformative journey in 2022, transitioning from private ownership to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) model, setting the stage for an exciting future ahead. What was once a two-person operation has now expanded into an empowered and diverse employee-owned firm. However, our design ethos that began with the founders still remains: we are committed to Designing for Life no matter which market we’re working in.
OUR PURPOSE
Designing for Life.
Designing for Life isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are, it’s how we think, it’s why we do what we do. When we design, we are driven by how our ability to tell the stories of the land will impact the life of a space’s end users. It means that we design for life experiences. It means that we keep native ecosystems top of mind in our design work. It means that our employees pour their all into their work, thus enhancing their own lives and the lives of those who interact with the spaces they design.
OUR MISSION
To realize the full potential of the land by designing exterior spaces, and the experiences within those spaces, that flow.
We make it our mission to harness the spirit of the land through holistic, intentional, and enduring design. With a shared interest in honoring the local environment and celebrating community character, we approach each project with unwavering passion. And we work tirelessly to provide sustainable, context-sensitive solutions. We connect people to place.
OUR CRAFT
We’re all about the craft.
We are tireless about getting it right. We believe in our craft and the value that thoughtful landscape architecture can bring to a project. Whether we’re designing a largescale park master plan or an intimate courtyard, we use our “6D” design process to get it done. We’ve been using it since we first started working in 1996 to help our clients meet their goals. Design is a lot of work, but we never skip a step.
OUR PROCESS
The name, “6D,” refers to the steps in the process: dream, discover, design, discuss, document and deliver. Each step of the way, progress is checked against the dream, helping ensure that the outcomes meet the intent and that the results fulfill the vision.
DREAM
At the outset of the project, the Dix.Hite team seeks input from the client and stakeholders to understand needs and aspirations. We uncover the “why” of the project and identify common goals and potential solutions that will inform the design responses. The dream can be elicited through a variety of tools, including kickoff meetings, stakeholder surveys, public meetings, workshops or charrettes. Each remaining step of the 6D process is validated against the dream to ensure the final outcome meets the vision.
DISCOVER
During this phase, we collect and document the physical, environmental and cultural context that influences the study area. The team will create digital base data, observe existing conditions and document elements that may inform the next design phase. A SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats often will be created to illustrate the findings. This phase ideally includes an evaluation of funding opportunities.
DESIGN
With the dream identified and existing conditions and opportunities understood, design begins. Potential solutions will communicated through diagrammatic plans, reports, graphics or other deliverables that address programmatic and spatial relationships, while taking into account critical path permit issues, schedule, existing policies and budget parameters.
DOCUMENT
The conceptual design is advanced to plans, sections, details and outline specifications. The team coordinates across disciplines to create one cohesive document submittal. This may include a statement of probable cost, updated permit schedule or phasing strategies.
DELIVER
The Dix.Hite team is committed to implementation and provides services to help clients navigate bidding, permitting, and construction. We take great professional pride in being with clients from the initial visioning session all the way through ground breaking and grand opening.
DISCUSS
Critical to the success of the process, this step validates the options. The design team, client and stakeholders come back together to review the design solutions and collaborate on modifications. This step occurs continually throughout the process.