Who We Are

Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio (JHLE) is an Ann Arbor-based landscape architecture and planning firm that has developed and refined innovative solutions for a wide variety of projects since establishing in 1993. Descended from the internationally recognized office of William J. Johnson Associates, the firm draws upon a deep well of experience and expertise to address client needs. Staff enjoy exploring the unique relationships between people and the environment that characterize each project.

              Our Services

Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio (JHLE) enjoys working with a broad range of clients on unique and interesting projects, both big and small. The list to the right is representative of the types of projects JHLE has been involved in over the years.

The firm places a strong emphasis on community participation and environmental sensitivity while balancing the practical aspects of budget, operations, and maintenance. With projects ranging in scale from regional planning to detailed site design, JHLE is dedicated to developing creative design and planning solutions that reflect the needs and desires of all involved.

JHLE’s professional staff has the knowledge and experience to effectively guide clients through the design process from initial planning efforts and concepts through implementation. Throughout this process, a special effort is made to understand the social, environmental, and economic circumstances unique to every project. Often characterized as constraints, these circumstances often reveal design solutions that can be especially innovative, ultimately creating better environments in which we live, work and play.

  • PARKS & RECREATION PLANNING
  • ATHLETIC & RECREATION FACILITY DESIGN
  • COMMUNITY PLANNING
  • STREETSCAPES
  • PLAYGROUND/SPLASH PADS
  • COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
  • WATERFRONT PLANNING
  • CAMPUS PLANNING
  • HISTORIC PRESERVATION
  • TRAILS & BOARDWALKS
  • RESORT PLANNING
  • RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Principal

Tyler Sprague, PLA, ASLA

About me

Tyler joined Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio in 2015 after completing his Master of Landscape Architecture degree at California State Polytechnic University Pomona. Prior to receiving his MLA, Tyler worked in the field of landscape construction management, gaining valuable experience and insight which still benefits him today. Tyler enjoys working on a broad range of projects with Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio including parks and recreation planning, park design, trail planning and design, community engagement and site design for municipalities as well as private clients. Whether it’s operational concerns, budget limitations, or other site-related constraints, Tyler takes pride in developing creative design solutions for each unique project.

Landscape Architect

Sara Steenbergh, PLA, ASLA

About me

Sara Steenbergh is a graduate of the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, where she pursued dual graduate degrees in landscape architecture and ecosystem science. She is interested in the intersection of design, ecology, and equity in the built environment, and her work focuses on creating engaging outdoor spaces that support community needs through sustainable design. With a prior career in writing and editing, she brings strong narrative skills to her projects, which are elevated by her graphic and analytic abilities.