Mixed use developments face strict and complex permitting at local, state, and federal levels. GEI works with our clients to develop plans that will comply with permitting where the water meets the land and keep their project moving forward. Developers of residential communities, hotels, and restaurants all face unique challenges to get their projects built such as allowing for public access where required and navigating FEMA mapping challenges.

GEI prides ourselves on our abilities to work with landscape architects and owners to fulfill the vision for a waterfront park. As part of the master planning process, GEI evaluates and solves for the impacts of sea level rise and flood elevations. While waterfront parks range in size and use, GEI understands the vital role they all play in communities and the importance of community involvement in the planning stages.

GEI works with historic commissions and historic expert consultants to design repair solutions for historic structures that will preserve and not destroy the structure. When historic structures are identified during survey, repairs may be designed for the least amount of impact. We work with our clients to navigate the permitting process from federal and local authorities.

Recreational piers provide public access to the waterfront and are a vital component to a community’s economic development. Recreational fishing piers may be a stand-alone project or a piece of a larger community development. Understanding the layout of the pier and how people will gain access to the waterfront while also complying with ADA requirements can be a design challenge. GEI has worked with numerous communities to successfully design, construct, inspect, and repair fishing piers.

Access to the waterfront is made available to the public through a variety of structures including recreational piers, boardwalks, overlooks, and small boat launches such as kayaks and canoes. GEI works with our clients to design these structures to be resilient and withstand storms and floods while balancing the public’s accessibility to the waterfront. Softer design elements such as living shorelines provide protection from foot traffic and erosion.

Boardwalks and overlooks serve as a link between the built environment and the shoreline providing community access to the waterfront. GEI works with our clients to achieve the goals of the community and municipality while designing for flood protection, resiliency, and minimal impacts to the community allowing individuals to enjoy the waterfront experience. We provide investigation and survey of existing structures, and design of new structures or repairs inclusive of geotechnical foundations designed for the unique conditions of marshlands and shorelines.