Bluegrass and a Green Thumb

For Element Design, great site design is ultimately about people and connection. Founded in Kentucky in 2012 by Ramona Fry, David White, Billie Motsch, and Liz Piper, the majority women-owned landscape architecture and civil engineering firm was built on a simple premise: thoughtful, functional design can transform local communities.

Over the past decade, Element Design has grown to include offices in Lexington, Louisville, and Murray. The firm's multidisciplinary approach—marrying artful design with deep technical expertise—has made them a trusted partner for public space developments. Working closely with Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation, their work has directly improved local quality of life:

• Tyler Park: Restored and updated a historic landmark to increase disability accessibility.
• Nick Rodman Legacy Park: Engineered a vibrant neighborhood park designed specifically to withstand floodplain conditions.
• New Walnut Park: Transformed a former brownfield site into inclusive greenspace.
• Harbor House: Designed an accessible, intergenerational site serving community members of all ages.

Element Design’s trajectory proves that small businesses do not need to tackle public projects alone—and that city partnerships offer a reliable engine for sustainable business expansion. Bidding on public sector work allows emerging firms to build high-visibility portfolios, establish trusted relationships, and deepen their local roots.

Build Your Business with Metro Louisville City projects. The city needs the creativity and dedication of local companies. The Metro Louisville Human Relations Commission (HRC) actively encourages small, minority-, and women-owned businesses to register with the city.

Getting certified opens direct access to local contract opportunities, strategic partnerships, and long-term organizational growth. Register your business with the Metro Louisville HRC today and take the next step toward building your own city success story.