A Little Background on BML Studio
BML Studio LLC is a full service Landscape Architecture firm providing design and planning services to Architects, Engineers, Homeowners, and Agencies. The founder, and current President of BML Studio, Brian M. Leff, is a graduate from Cook College at Rutgers University, and is currently licensed as a Landscape Architect in NJ, NY, PA, and DE. He is also licensed as a Professional Planner in NJ.
A NJ native, Mr. Leff, grew up with a love for the outdoors. Whether fishing, biking, golfing, or just strolling through the park, it was tough to keep him inside on a nice day. (sometimes even on the rainy days) After graduating from Rutgers University, the first few years of his practice were spent designing residential properties and estates for a design / build landscape company. After that he, he joined a small engineering firm that provided the opportunity to expand his professional skills to include commercial site plans, conceptual master plans, and conceptual subdivision plans. He also attained his Professional Planner license and began providing professional testimony as a Professional Planner at Planning and Zoning Boards throughout the state of NJ. Working alongside talented and knowledgeable Civil Engineers, he gained a good understanding of how all the pieces of a Site Plan fit together and the various regulations that impact development in NJ. He also gained knowledge and appreciation for the roles of the development team members: the Owner, Architect, Engineer, Professional Planner, Land Use Attorney, and other specialized team members. He then joined a much larger firm which provided Mr. Leff with even more opportunities to further develop his professional skills. Expanding on his knowledge, he became involved with public projects such as parks, playgrounds, living shorelines, wetland and riparian restoration, and streetscapes; many of which have received awards and recognition.
During his time with the larger engineering company, he was also responsible for reviewing Landscape Plans, which were prepared by other engineering firms, on behalf of various municipal Planning and Zoning Boards. While many of the plans reviewed met local zoning ordinance standards, they often lacked aesthetics and were not sustainable. In general, it was easy to see how development projects were falling short of their potential. As most Architectural and Civil Engineering firms do not employ full time Landscape Architects, the Landscape Plans were often prepared, and signed, by other design professionals.
While the larger Engineering firms provide a greater scope of in-house services, which attracts more clients, their fees are equally greater. BML Studio LLC is changing the game by offering a full range of Landscape Architectural services at a competitive cost. This allows Engineers and Architects to provide quality Landscape Architectural services without the cost and effort in hiring a full time employee. Good projects attract good clients! Our process enables us to work as an extension of your own office. It also enables Homeowner’s to attain the services of a Licensed Landscape Architect at a cost they can afford before making any expensive improvements to their property.