Ecological Consulting Firm offers Design and Installation of Sustainable Landscapes

Ernesto Huaracha, LEED AP

Ernesto has an M.S. in natural resources and environmental sciences, and a B.S. in horticulture, both from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has conducted research into plant genetics and has been published in several technical journals.

Complementing his specialty in horticulture are his 12 years as a construction manager and experience in landscape design, including CADD.

Ernesto bridges WRD’s design and construction teams, contributing his horticultural knowledge to the ecological design process to ensure that the right plant is selected for the right place. Intimately understanding the design intent of a project, he draws on his specialty in sustainable construction to be sure that all installation decisions support the landscape design.

Working closely with WRD clients and subcontractors, he has managed a variety of sustainable landscape projects, including:

• The City of Chicago’s Chicago Center for Green Technology
• The City’s Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility
• A greening initiative for Midwest Generation
• BP’s pocket parks
• The Michigan Avenue “Fish Hotel” for Friends of the Chicago River
• The John Buck Company’s 222 N. Riverside Plaza
• Lakefront bird sanctuaries for the Chicago Park District
  
  
  

Ernesto has also consulted on several Chicago-area landfill sitings, assessing their landscape plans for long-term suitability.