Since Lucido & Associates was founded in 1988, we have offered comprehensive land planning and landscape architectural services to both private and public sectors throughout our communities – here in Stuart, Florida, throughout South Florida, nationally and internationally. Since our inception, we have committed ourselves to being stewards of the land, and our innovative, community-based designs have established us as leaders in our field.

At its core, great design isn’t just about form, function and aesthetics—it’s about connection. This idea is at the heart of creative placemaking, a process that brings together public, private, and community partners to shape spaces that reflect the unique identity of a neighborhood, town, or region¹. By weaving arts, culture, and design into the fabric of a community, creative placemaking transforms physical spaces into vibrant places that foster engagement, pride, and a deeper sense of belonging.

For decades, we’ve been dedicated to transforming spaces into places where people connect, thrive, and create lasting memories. From iconic restaurant expansions with living shorelines, to ten thousand+ acre Master Planned Communities, and beyond, our approach to design is rooted in a philosophy we call PLACE, which stands for People, Landscape, Architecture, Community, and Environment.

PLACE is both a guiding principle for the work we do and the lens through which our associates view every opportunity to create something meaningful. Whether you’ve worked with us, admired one of our designs, or are following along as we grow, PLACE is the foundation of what we do. Here’s what PLACE means to us and an inside look at how it’s shaping the work we do.

What Is PLACE?

PLACE is more than a design philosophy; it’s the foundation of how we approach every project at Lucido & Associates. It’s a way of thinking that ensures the spaces we create are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply meaningful to the communities they serve. PLACE stands for People, Landscape, Architecture, Community, and Environment—the five pillars that guide us in crafting spaces that inspire, connect, and endure.

At its heart, PLACE is about balance. It’s about designing spaces that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of people while honoring the natural and built environments they inhabit. It’s about using architecture to connect people to their surroundings, creating landscapes that complement rather than compete with nature, and fostering a sense of community that brings people together. PLACE also reflects our commitment to being stewards of the land, ensuring that the environments we touch are protected and enhanced for future generations.

Every project, whether it’s a downtown apartment building, a park that honors veterans, or a pristine golf course green, begins with PLACE. It’s a lens through which we see the potential of each site and the impact of every design decision.

Here’s a breakdown of what PLACE means to our team:

P: People

Our designs are always centered around the people who will use them. By understanding the needs and aspirations of our communities, we ensure that each space serves as a welcoming, functional, and inspiring environment for everyone who uses it. We also focus on the people of the process, our professional colleagues and the municipal staff and elected officials who we partner with not only to meet program specific goals but to pierce the mundane and find the marvelous. 

L: Landscape

In PLACE, Landscape is about more than plants—it’s about integrating human and natural environments. Guided by the principles of Ian McHarg’s Design with Nature, we approach every project by first understanding the land: its soil, climate, hydrology, and ecological systems. Landscape Architecture encompasses both planning and design, marrying functionality with aesthetics to create spaces that respect and enhance the natural environment. By preserving the integrity of each site and tailoring designs to its unique character, we ensure our projects connect people to the land while offering lasting ecological and social benefits.

A: Architecture

In PLACE, Architecture is more than just buildings—it’s about creating structure within the built environment. Through thoughtful land planning, we consider not only the buildings themselves but also the spaces between them: roads, corridors, multi-purpose zones, and pathways. These elements form the connective tissue that defines how people move, interact, and experience a space.

Great architecture seamlessly integrates into its surroundings while standing as a meaningful expression of its purpose. By designing structure into every project, we elevate relationships between spaces, enhance functionality, and create environments that better serve communities and their needs.

C: Community

In PLACE, Community is about creating spaces that strengthen connections and celebrate local identity. Inspired by the concept of creative placemaking, we collaborate with public, private, and community partners to design spaces that reflect the social and cultural fabric of the neighborhoods they serve. By involving diverse voices, including artists, from the start of a project, we ensure each design resonates deeply with those who use it. Our goal is to shape not just physical spaces but also the shared experiences and pride that make a community thrive, fostering connection and enhancing the quality of life for all.

E: Environment

Environment means more than just working with the land—it’s about becoming true stewards of it. Inspired by Aldo Leopold’s idea of a land ethic, we see ourselves as part of the natural community, not above it. Every project is an opportunity to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the ecosystems we touch, from the soil underfoot to the trees overhead.

Our goal is to design spaces that honor the land’s natural rhythms while minimizing environmental impact. By thoughtfully integrating ecological, cultural, and social considerations, we ensure our work not only complements the environment but contributes to its long-term health and sustainability. Stewardship isn’t just something we talk about—it’s a responsibility we embrace in every design we create.

PLACE in Action: The Conchy Joe’s Expansion

Did you have the ‘Drunken Monkey’ and ‘feed the fish’?  We started with a memory, a moment tied to a sense of place so powerful it leaves you wanting to return again and again. The Conchy Joe’s expansion project is a great example of the PLACE philosophy at work. This iconic, historic restaurant nestled amongst the shoreline of the Indian River on the Treasure Coast has long been a cornerstone of the Martin County community. Lucido & Associates was honored to collaborate on its expansion, ensuring the project celebrated the restaurant’s storied legacy while incorporating thoughtful design elements that enhance its function, aesthetic, and environmental impact.

From integrating a living shoreline to preserving the restaurant’s status as a beloved gathering place, the Conchy Joe’s expansion showcases how PLACE can transform a site into something even more meaningful for the community it serves.

Here’s more on how the Conchy Joe’s project lives up to our PLACE philosophy:

• People: A common goal – how to plan, permit and implement an expansion plan while maintaining the magic of the place? Owner, design team, government leaders and patrons – working together so that future generations can create their own memories. 
• Landscape: Connection with the river – a cornerstone of the experience. Creation of a living shoreline and providing for a healthier river.The design honors and integrates with the coastal environment.
• Architecture: The expanded structure maintains the restaurant’s iconic character while introducing fresh, functional elements.
• Community: Locals, snowbirds and tourists – all have gathered and will continue to gather, celebrate and create memories while enjoying that favorite drink, feeding the fish tableside and listening to a classic song
• Environment: Incorporating a living shoreline showcases our commitment to ecological preservation.

Projects like this are where PLACE can be seen on full display — combining design, sustainability, and community impact into a single, cohesive vision.

What’s Next: Stay Connected with Lucido & Associates

As we grow, PLACE will remain at the core of everything we do. Through our blog, social media, and quarterly newsletter, we’ll share the stories behind our projects, celebrate the communities we work with, and highlight the innovative ways we’re embracing sustainability and design.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Project Spotlights: A behind-the-scenes look at how PLACE comes to life in our work.
• Sustainability in Action: Insights into how we integrate environmental stewardship into every project.
• Team Features: Meet the people driving our vision forward.
• Community Impact Stories: See how our designs bring people together and make a difference.

Want to stay in the loop? Join our mailing list to receive our quarterly newsletter. It’s the best way to stay up-to-date on the latest projects, events, and updates from Lucido & Associates.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future with PLACE

PLACE is more than a design philosophy – it’s our Lucido & Associates promise. We are committed to creative placemaking that respects the environment, honors the land, and brings communities together.

As you follow along with Lucido & Associates, you’ll see how PLACE shapes everything we do, from designing vibrant public spaces to crafting sustainable landscapes. Our goal is to create environments that have a lasting impact, not just for today but for generations to come.

Join us on this journey. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected as we continue to build communities, celebrate the natural world, and design spaces that truly resonate.