About Us

Our vision

As our cities, communities and ecosystems face critically challenging issues, Lionheart is a den of curious and brave designers and planners that are committed to positively and meaningfully shaping environments for the benefit of all life. Lionheart’s mission compels us to innovate and grow on every project to create more beloved places.

Lionheart leads at every stage of a project: from design conceptualization and strategic visioning to entitlements and construction administration. We bring the grit and determination to see visions through to completion.

Our studio

Our studio in Austin, Texas addresses urgent 21st century challenges — climate change, growth, habitat loss, and a culture that yearns to be connected to nature and each other. We are stewards of a greener, more equitable, and healthy future!

Our leadership

Rebecca Leonard, FAICP, FASLA, CNU-A

The founder of Lionheart Places LLC, has over 25 years of experience in community planning, urban design, stakeholder engagement and facilitation and landscape architecture. With a successful career in both the public and private sector, Rebecca understands the needs of both sides and has mastered negotiations between them. She has worked closely with her private development and public agency clients to ensure that their projects are implemented and their visions are realized.

Awards

National Awards
Vernon Deines Honor Award for Comprehensive Plan, APA, Small Town and Rural Planning Division, Envision Taylor Comprehensive Plan, 2022
Vernon Deines Award for Outstanding Small Town or Rural Plan, APA, Small Town and Rural Planning Division, Destination Bell Boulevard, 2016
Award of Excellence, Center Active Design, Blue Hole Regional Park, 2014
National ASLA Honor Award for Houston Arboretum, ASLA, 2014
National ASLA Award of Excellence in Planning and Design for Lafitte Greenway, ASLA, 2013
Vernon Deines Award for Outstanding Small Town or Rural Plan, APA, Small Town and Rural Planning, Avon Comprehensive Plan, 2007
Regional/State Awards
Merit Award for Brodie Oaks Redevelopment (Planning + Analysis), ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2024
Next Big Idea Award for Brodie Oaks Redevelopment, Urban Land Institute, Austin Chapter, 2024
Merit Award for La Verde Park (Built Work), ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2024
Merit Award for Gasmer Drive Redevelopment, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2023
Merit Award for La Verde Park and Cultural Trail, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2022
Merit Award for Broadmoor 2020: A Refined Vision for a New Downtown, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2021
Merit Award for Austin Green, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2020
Merit Award for Republic Square, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2019
Impact Award for Republic Square Park, ULI Austin, 2018
Comprehensive Planning Award for New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan, APA, Texas Chapter, 2018
Merit Award in Planning and Analysis for Destination Bell Boulevard, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2017
Honor Award for Charles Schwab Corporate Campus Master Plan, ASLA, Texas Chapter, 2016
Dream Study Award for Lewisville Old Town Park and Plaza, Greater Dallas Planning Council, 2014
Austin Business Journal “Women of Influence, 2012

Our process

Every project begins with our relationships. It shows in our process, which is built on collaboration with the client, other consultants and stakeholders. Built in accountability for reaching team goals helps us stay focused on the most important aspects of the project all the way through project completion.

Wondering if it’s the right time to engage the Lionheart den? We are here to jump in at any stage, any time. Our team will support you whether it be through opportunity identification, visioning, market testing, partnership building, design, construction observation, post occupancy analysis, or all of it.