The story of Brown + Sardina began in 1996. Before founding the firm, Bill Brown and Michael Sardina spent years leading the planning and design of projects throughout the United States and internationally as consultant partners with SWA’s Boston office. When SWA closed its Boston operation, Bill and Mike faced a pivotal decision: relocate once again and return to a larger corporate structure or chart their own course. They chose the latter, remaining in Massachusetts and establishing Brown Sardina, Inc.
What began as a small practice built on experience and long-standing professional relationships quickly developed into a respected landscape architecture, planning, and urban design firm. The early years required resilience and adaptability. There was no roadmap for success, only a shared commitment to thoughtful design, technical excellence, and personal investment in every client and project. Project by project and relationship by relationship, Brown Sardina earned a reputation for delivering creative, practical, and enduring solutions.
Over the next three decades, the firm’s work expanded far beyond New England. Brown Sardina completed projects across four continents, more than 20 countries, and over 30 states, creating landscapes for educational campuses, healthcare institutions, civic spaces, mixed-use developments, waterfronts, residential communities, and master-planned environments. While the scale and geography of the work evolved, the firm’s core philosophy remained remarkably consistent: design landscapes that are rooted in their place, responsive to the people who use them, and capable of serving communities for generations.
Perhaps the firm’s greatest achievement was not simply the projects it completed, but the culture it cultivated. Brown Sardina was intentionally personal in its approach, fostering long-term relationships with clients, collaborators, and staff. Many clients returned repeatedly over the course of decades, while generations of designers developed their careers under the mentorship of Bill and Mike. Through economic downturns, industry changes, and three office locations, the firm endured through trust, dedication, and the quality of its work.
In 2014, Michael Sardina officially retired after nearly two decades of leadership helping to shape the firm’s identity. Though stepping away from day-to-day operations, Mike remained closely connected to the practice and continued contributing as a consultant on select projects. His creativity, mentorship, humor, and design perspective remained a valued part of the studio and its culture.
In 2021, a new chapter began when Natalie Brown, Bill’s daughter, became majority owner and president of the firm, ushering in a new generation of leadership while preserving the values and design philosophy established by Brown Sardina. Bill continues to serve as Managing Principal, providing continuity, mentorship, and decades of experience as the studio evolves.
Today, Brown Sardina has transitioned into Studio Brown, a multi-generational collective of landscape architects, planners, and designers who build upon the foundation established by Bill and Mike. Decades of experience remain central to the practice, while new voices, perspectives, and ideas continue to shape its evolution. The collaborative culture that defined Brown Sardina remains at the heart of Studio Brown, where mentorship, creativity, technical excellence, and strong client relationships continue to guide the work.
While much has changed since 1996, one thing remains constant: a belief that landscape architecture is about more than shaping outdoor space. It is about creating environments that inspire learning, support healing, encourage connection, and strengthen communities.
Brown + Sardina built that legacy.
Studio Brown is carrying it forward.