Studio 431: Creating one-of-a-kind
site furnishings from inspiration
to installation
“We want the napkin sketch,”
says Studio 431 Market Specialist, Mark Haase. “In order for our clients to get the full value out of
the Studio 431 experience, we want to be involved in the process as early and as much as possible.”
Indeed, Studio 431 offers its customers a unique opportunity to design and create one-of-a-kind site
furnishings, using a comprehensive, consultative approach to bring custom projects come to life. Clients
come to Studio 431 knowing that every step of the way, from raw concept through final installation, they
are guided by experts in their fields.
Founded in 2010 with just three employees, Studio 431 has
quickly grown into a state-of-the-art facility that is home to a close-knit team of 27 full-time employees
as well as interns. “Early on, Landscape Forms received a few high-profile, custom project requests and
recognized the opportunity to draw upon the full capabilities of the company to offer our clients a level of
service and expertise that didn’t really exist anywhere else at the time,” recalls current Engineering Group
Leader and original Studio 431 team member, John Shimer. “Studio 431 was born, and grew out of the
understanding that for high-profile, high-visibility projects, landscape architects needed much more than
just a custom fabricator. They needed a full-service solution that combined the agility and acute level of
personalization of a small custom operation with the caliber of engineering and manufacturing, level of
quality control, and access to resources only a premier global brand like Landscape Forms can provide.”
Since its inception, Studio 431 has continued to increase
its capacity, growing from initiating three to four new projects per year to now taking on three to four new
projects per week. “We grew almost entirely through word of mouth—the quality and opportunity simply speaks
for itself,” says Shimer. “Being part of the development of Studio 431 and seeing the team grow from a
simple start-up to a world-class custom studio is an immense source of pride for me. I'm really privileged
to work in such a great environment.”
From budget estimation to supply chain coordination, from innovative creative ideas
to sophisticated engineering solutions, Studio 431 thrives in dealing with the details. “We pride ourselves
in our problem solving abilities,” says Studio 431 Manufacturing Group Leader, Caleb Nitz. “Whether it’s a
custom litter receptacle or a 5,000-pound rooftop trellis, each project has its own specific challenges, but
overcoming those challenges and adapting to the dynamic nature of custom projects is what keeps me excited.”
The group’s work encompasses a full range of materials
and technologies, at multiple scales, in a variety of applications including corporate, higher education,
sports and entertainment venues, parks and public spaces, public transit, and urban and waterfront
revitalizations. It works end-to-end with high-profile clients to design, engineer, develop, manufacture,
finish, test, and manage the installation of bespoke site furnishings, lighting elements, streetscapes, and
immersive outdoor environments.
“Customers expect high-quality products and service
from Landscape Forms, but they’ve also come to know that Landscape Forms operates with such integrity and
accountability," says Studio 431 President, Michael Blum. “I’m proud of the work the Studio 431 team does
each and every day. The drive to exceed our most sophisticated clients' expectations not just by delivering
high-quality products, but also by being an expert, inspired and accountable partner, is unmatched. It’s
this spirit that enables us to do what other folks might consider impossible.”