 HNP is thrilled to welcome Catherine Carver and Barrett Harper to our internship program for the summer. Both Catherine and Barrett are from Vestavia, Alabama, pursuing degrees in Landscape Architecture at Auburn University.
CATHERINE CARVER Catherine was drawn to Landscape Architecture at a young age because it combined her love of plants and animals with her family’s background in the horticultural business. In her time so far at HNP, she has enjoyed learning the technical side of the profession while sharpening her planting design skills. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and birdwatching. BARRETT HARPER Barrett envisions himself creating spaces for people to enjoy and build memories. It was that vision that inspired him to pursue a degree in Landscape Architecture. He said, “I have always imagined going to a site that I helped create and seeing people engaging in the space. Imagining what that would feel like inspires me to become the best designer I can be.” In the last few weeks, he has learned new schematic design techniques and developed a strong sense on what daily life is like in the professional world. The importance of effective communication and the value of collaborating with others while seeking ways to improve are some principles he will carry with him. In his free time, Barrett enjoys watching football and playing golf.
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 The City of Homewood engaged HNP Landscape Architecture to enhance the pedestrian underpass beneath Highway 31, a vital connection between the Piggly Wiggly shopping center, Shades Cahaba Elementary School, and surrounding neighborhoods. This pedestrian tunnel is a critical thoroughfare for elementary school students and community residents, making safety and aesthetics key priorities for the project. HNP provided schematic design and construction documents. The project is scheduled to begin construction in June of 2026, where HNP will conduct construction observation throughout the process . To complement Homewood’s established architectural character, the design incorporates natural stone veneer walls with precast concrete caps, reflecting materials used in prominent civic spaces such as Homewood's Central Park. Additional enhancements include new fencing, brick pavers and stone columns at both entry portals round out the design elements. HNP also developed the planting and irrigation plans, introducing landscape improvements that soften the infrastructure and enhance the pedestrian environment. Once completed, the most notable improvements will be the addition of lighting and handrails along the sloped pathway into the tunnel.  HNP brings new life to Tarrant High School football fieldHNP designed Tarrant High School’s natural grass football field in 2018 and was recently engaged to support its conversion to a synthetic turf system, improving durability, playability, and long-term maintenance efficiency for the athletic program. Working alongside Warner Athletic, HNP provided field layout and dimensioning, along with detailed design and specifications for the synthetic turf system, and the grading and drainage improvements. Additional enhancements included replacement of the goal post and play clock padding, expanded concrete at the field perimeter to better integrate with the existing track, and water access at the field level. HNP also provided construction observation services to help ensure quality and adherence to design intent throughout installation. The completed field features the Shaw Sports Turf Momentum 2.25 slit-film system, delivering a high-performance playing surface designed for safety, durability, and consistent athletic performance.  Founded in 1974, the RISE Program at The University of Alabama is a nationally recognized early childhood education and intervention program serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with varying abilities alongside traditional learners. Through its unique blend of education, therapy, research, and family support, RISE serves nearly 100 children and their families each year. HNP Landscape Architecture supported this mission through renovations to the RISE outdoor play environment, transforming the playground into three dedicated outdoor learning spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children. Phase 1 focused on the infant and toddler play yards, creating safer, developmentally responsive environments for exploration, sensory play, and social interaction. The redesigned spaces include interactive play elements, enhanced fall protection, and increased shade coverage through built-in canopies, shade sails, and preservation of existing trees. Canopies also provide a frame for removable swings. Safety improvements included new fall-protection surfacing, impact mats beneath vertical structures, padded shade sail posts, and a Matta surfacing system in the infant yard to provide additional cushioning over concrete. The sensory-focused design encourages movement, discovery, and imaginative play with features such as a sand pit, varied surface textures, hillside slide with shade sail, and water jug filling station that leads to a dry creek bed and mud kitchen. The Kompan Sunflower Swings quickly became a favorite feature in the toddler yard. Natural materials were central to the design, including recycled composite decking to reduce surface temperatures and cedar as a non-toxic wood option. ADA-accessible ramps and wide pathways improve mobility, while boulders and tree stumps throughout the toddler yard support climbing and creative play. The next phase of enhancements will take place in the preschool yard later this year, further advancing RISE’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality early childhood education. We are proud to contribute to a program that has enriched the lives of children and families for more than 50 years and continues to set the standard for inclusive early childhood development.  After years of planning and anticipation, Benjamin Russell High School celebrated its ribbon cutting in February 2026. The event, led by Superintendent Dr. Jose Reyes and district officials, marked an exciting new chapter for Alexander City Schools. The new campus blends academic and athletic excellence with thoughtfully designed spaces. Highlights include a 1,200-seat arena-style gymnasium, a 672-seat performing arts center, an open courtyard, and a new football and soccer practice field. For the first time in the school’s history, the campus now has a competition track surrounding the field. HNP Landscape Architecture partnered with Lathan McKee Architects to provide design services for the:
HNP’s work with the school system continues with the design of the new baseball and softball fields as well as a covered 50-yard synthetic turf practice field to further enhance the Benjamin Russell High School campus. |
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