Courage to create
Lionheart Places is an award-winning, women-owned planning, urban design, and landscape architecture practice for private, institutional and public sector clients. From pocket parks to vision plans for entire cities, we are accomplished in every step of the process and bring the grit and experience to see projects through to completion.
Confident allies.
We are guardians of an inclusive design process, so that the ideas and superpowers of our collaborators are leveraged to solve complex projects.
Accomplished leaders.
Our expansive experience is a foundation for leading design with curiosity and innovation, from concept through completion.
Radical healers.
We repair the lost connection between humans and nature by fiercely protecting and nurturing our cities and environments.
Featured Projects
Uptown ATX
Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Implementation
Imagine an innovation campus, a downtown district, and an urban neighborhood combined into one - that’s Uptown ATX. Adjacent to Domain Northside and central to one of the fastest growing areas in Austin.
La Verde Park
Urban Design, Land Planning, Policy Planning, Client Representation, Landscape Architecture
Nestled in the city of Kyle, La Verde Park is the new place to host events, celebrate art, and spend time with family. This urban public space is accompanied by the Cultural Trail, a hike and bike corridor that will link more green space together.
Bell District
Urban Design, Land Planning, Policy Planning, Client Representation, Landscape Architecture
The city of Cedar Park is thriving - and so is the potential for a new downtown district. Enter Bell District, a mixed-use community where residents can live, work, shop, dine and be entertained.
Envision Taylor
Planning, Policy Planning, Stakeholder Engagement
It’s time to help lead the way and welcome change with the Taylor Comprehensive Plan. Named “Envision Taylor,” this project will shape how residents live, work, play, and commute - all in a fashion that matches their small town charm.
“When you lead with bravery and curiosity, everything else falls into place. That’s our compass.”
Rebecca Leonard, CEO and Lionheart Places LLC Founder
Leadership
In March 2025, Lionheart, Studio Balcones, and Connect One Design joined forces under the Lionheart banner, expanding our regional impact beyond Central Texas and Western Colorado. Lionheart is an award-winning, women-owned planning, urban design, and landscape architecture practice for private, institutional, and public sector clients.
Lionheart was founded in 2016 by Rebecca Leonard, with Abby Gillfillan joining in 2022. Today, with seven owners leading the firm, Lionheart is an LLC of certified planners and licensed landscape architects with decades of national experience across built and natural environments. With a portfolio representing more than $100 million in public and private investment, we bring a commitment to delivering projects from concept to completion. Our work has been recognized with national and regional awards from ULI, APA, and ASLA, as well as recognition from the Landscape Architecture Foundation, SITES, and Greenroads.
Ready to get rolling?
We’re problem solvers, progress makers, and vision realizers. No matter the status or complexity of your project, we’d love to hear from you.