Modern Office Landscaping: Pat Mahan’s Vision for The Grand at Papago Park Center

The New Era of Commercial Real Estate and Workspace Well-being

In the highly competitive world of commercial real estate, building managers and property developers are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract and retain top-tier tenants. The days of stark, sterile corporate environments are rapidly fading, replaced by a deep desire for connection, warmth, and natural vitality within the workplace. This shift has brought modern office landscaping from the fringes of interior decorating straight to the forefront of essential architectural strategy.

For building managers considering investing in plant installations, the goal is twofold: create an aesthetically stunning environment that boosts tenant satisfaction and ensure that the botanical investment remains robust, healthy, and easy to maintain over the long term. A well-executed green space does more than just look pretty; it fundamentally changes the way people interact with their work environment. Contemporary workplace greenery has the power to lower stress, increase productivity, and create a welcoming atmosphere that employees actually want to return to day after day.

However, achieving this balance requires far more than simply placing a few potted ferns in a lobby. It requires an integrated approach, a deep understanding of horticulture, and an expert eye for spatial aesthetics. This is where the true value of professional plant design and installation comes into play. By partnering with experts, property managers can avoid the costly pitfalls of improper plant selection and ensure their green investments thrive.

Lincoln Properties Brings Biophilic Design to the Forefront of its Development

In December 2019, longtime Plant Solutions client, Lincoln Properties, was looking to incorporate nature into its newest venture, The Grand at Papago Park Center. This Class A office building is located at the border of Tempe and Phoenix, standing nine stories tall and comprised of an impressively bold mix of concrete, steel, and glass. The architecture itself is a marvel of modern engineering, reflecting the rapid growth and industrial prowess of the surrounding metropolitan area. Yet, with such heavy industrial materials, spaces can sometimes feel imposing or cold.

To offset the sleekness of the space and make the environment feel more inviting and friendly, the client worked to intentionally incorporate nature into various landscaping features around the property. They understood that the most successful commercial spaces are those that prioritize the human experience. From a massive water feature designed to welcome employees and guests with the soothing sound of flowing water, to sprawling green zones and a multi-use path along a central canal, this office boasts outdoor areas that provide employees with valuable opportunities to unplug and connect with nature.

To add to the aesthetic and cultural depth of the space, the breathtaking steel artwork of local sculptor Pete Deise was also incorporated as part of the design. Deise seamlessly weaves in the complex relationship of art and nature through his writings, drawings, paintings, and sculptures. By absorbing information from nature and expressing it through his fluid, organic metalwork, his pieces act as a bridge between the rigid architecture of the building and the organic life of the modern office landscaping surrounding it.

The Psychological and Business Value of Biophilic Office Design

Why are industry-leading developers like Lincoln Properties investing so heavily in these natural integrations? The answer lies in the concept of biophilic design. This design philosophy asserts that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. When this connection is nurtured within a corporate environment, the results are scientifically measurable and remarkably positive for businesses.

According to research published by the American Psychological Association (APA), environments that incorporate natural elements can significantly reduce stress and mental fatigue. Furthermore, a landmark study conducted by the University of Exeter found that employees were 15% more productive when their otherwise lean workplaces were filled with just a few houseplants. Bringing nature indoors or integrating it into immediate outdoor breakout spaces helps regulate employee mood, fosters creativity, and reduces absenteeism.

For property managers, this translates directly to the bottom line. Buildings that feature high-quality biophilic design command higher lease rates and suffer from lower tenant turnover. When a company realizes its employees are happier and more productive in a specific building, they are far less likely to relocate. Therefore, investing in top-tier modern office landscaping is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a calculated, high-return business strategy.

Are you a building manager looking to increase the value and appeal of your commercial property? Protect your investment and elevate your space by partnering with the experts. Contact Plant Solutions today to discover how our modern office landscaping services can transform your building into a thriving, biophilic masterpiece.

The Challenge: Bringing the Outdoors Inside and Upward

While the ground-level amenities at The Grand were spectacular, the client also wanted to incorporate the outdoors into the building’s design itself, elevating the natural experience high above the street level. They called on us at Plant Solutions to help them create a modern rooftop terrace that employees could escape to without the need to leave the actual building. This terrace was envisioned as a sanctuary in the sky—a place for quiet reflection, casual meetings, and midday rejuvenation.

“They wanted a super lush, lounge feel that embodied the surrounding desert landscape,” said Pat Mahan, co-owner of Plant Solutions. “This installation needed to be done in a very timely manner, with about three weeks to complete it.”

With such a quick turnaround time and high expectations for the final reveal, Mahan immediately went to visit the building to assess the site conditions. In the world of professional plant design and installation, the initial site assessment is the most critical phase. It dictates everything from weight load capacities for the planters to wind shear risks and solar exposure mapping.

“The existing concrete planters were the perfect canvas to start with, but had very minimal plants,” said Mahan. “The owners wanted to add more to the current environment, so we used our green thumbs to create a mesmerizing area that exemplified Arizona’s natural vegetation.”

He got to work, meticulously measuring the entire area, and mindfully selecting which plants would not just survive, but truly flourish in this unique microclimate. This process involved taking into deep consideration the type of maintenance and care that would need to align with the harsh climate and the dizzying height of the building.

Intelligent Biophilic Design for Harsh Environments

Mahan described the ninth-floor terrace as having little to no shade and surrounded by reflective steel and heat-absorbing concrete, with minimal protection from weather or the harsh Southwestern elements. Rooftops in Arizona present a unique set of challenges; the ambient temperatures can easily exceed 110 degrees in the summer, and the concrete surfaces can create a baking “heat island” effect.

“I had to ask myself, what’s going to achieve the client’s goal for a lush, green and aesthetically pleasing terrace while also being drought tolerant?” said Mahan. “Being in Arizona, you have to think about what’s best for the environment you’re working with. These plants needed to be able to withstand extreme heat and sun exposure with minimal water.”

This is the crux of intelligent biophilic design. It is not about forcing delicate, moisture-loving tropical plants into a hostile environment; rather, it is about celebrating the rugged, striking beauty of native and climate-adapted flora. Mahan thoughtfully sketched out which plants would work best in the various spaces across the deck, taking into account nature’s punishing elements and the bold architectural design of the terrace. As he gazed upward, it was hard not to feel awestruck by the building’s narrow shade structure, constructed as if to literally frame the wide-open Arizona sky.

Plant Selection: Creating a High-Altitude Desert Oasis

Working to create patterns of bold color interspersed with agave blues and various relaxing, cooling hues of green, Mahan selected his botanical palette for the job. He needed plants that offered structural intrigue—living sculptures that could hold their own against the heavy concrete and steel of the building.

Elephant food (Portulacaria afra) and common purslane mixed with golden barrel cacti, totem pole cacti, and trailing cacti would provide a prominent, textured mix of height and color within the patio’s main concrete planters. These selections are staples of effective modern office landscaping in arid zones because they offer lush, fleshy greenery without the immense water demands of traditional leafy shrubs.

Meanwhile, striking architectural plants like yucca, firestick plants (Euphorbia tirucalli), and exotic varieties of agave would sprout from corners all around the ninth floor, creating dramatic silhouettes against the skyline. A visually arresting variety of miniature succulents and cacti would be used to meticulously detail the modern metal picnic tables; housed in long, low concrete pots, these were boldly positioned for optimum enjoyment and close-up viewing by guests and employees.

Every single plant was chosen not just for its visual appeal, but for its durability, ensuring that the property manager’s investment would stand the test of time.

Don’t leave your property’s greenery to chance. Ensure your botanical investments stay healthy and vibrant year-round. Reach out to our team today to discuss professional plant design and installation tailored specifically to your building’s unique climate and architectural style.

A Guide for Building Managers: Protecting Your Green Investment

For building managers considering investing in plant installations, or those who already manage buildings with extensive greenery, maintaining the health of these living assets is paramount. A dying or overgrown plant installation can have the opposite of its intended effect, making a property look neglected and poorly managed. To ensure your modern office landscaping remains a powerful asset, consider the following critical factors:

1. Prioritize Expert Site Assessments
Before a single seed is planted or a pot is moved, a thorough environmental assessment is required. Professional plant installers will evaluate light levels (both natural and artificial), HVAC airflow, temperature fluctuations, and humidity. In rooftop scenarios like The Grand, assessing wind shear and the weight-bearing capacity of the structural deck for heavy, soil-filled concrete planters is an absolute necessity for safety and success.

2. Implement Smart Irrigation Systems
Overwatering is just as deadly as underwatering, particularly in enclosed concrete planters where drainage might be limited. Investing in smart, automated drip irrigation systems ensures that plants receive the precise amount of water they need, exactly when they need it. This not only protects the root systems from rot but also aligns with the sustainability goals of modern green buildings by drastically reducing water waste.

3. Choose Climate-Appropriate Species
As Pat Mahan demonstrated at Papago Park Center, the secret to longevity in biophilic design is working with the environment, not against it. Selecting drought-tolerant succulents, cacti, and hardy desert shrubs for an exposed Arizona rooftop guarantees a higher survival rate and drastically lowers ongoing maintenance costs.

4. Commit to Regular Professional Maintenance
Plants are living, growing organisms. They require ongoing care, pruning, fertilization, and pest management. Partnering with a dedicated team for ongoing professional plant maintenance ensures that issues are caught and remedied before they compromise the entire installation. This proactive approach protects the building manager’s initial capital investment and keeps the property looking pristine for prospective tenants.

The Intersection of Art, Architecture, and Botany

The integration of Pete Deise’s steel sculptures with Plant Solutions’ botanical designs at The Grand highlights a sophisticated trend in modern office landscaping: the blending of human-made art with the art of nature.

In commercial spaces, introducing elements that spark curiosity and awe is vital for employee morale. Deise’s work, which mimics the organic curves and chaotic beauty of natural forms, pairs perfectly with the rigid geometry of the golden barrel cacti and the sprawling, unpredictable limbs of the firestick plants. This synergy creates a dynamic visual experience that changes throughout the day as the sun casts different shadows across the terrace.

Building managers should take note of this multi-disciplinary approach. By viewing landscaping not as an afterthought, but as an integral piece of the architectural and artistic puzzle, a standard office building is transformed into a landmark destination. It becomes a place where people actively want to spend their time, resulting in higher lease retention and a stronger corporate community.

A Masterpiece in the Sky

The result of the meticulous planning, rapid execution, and expert botanical knowledge? An environment that the client is absolutely thrilled with, and a job well done for Mahan and his dedicated team, which recently had the opportunity to revisit the Papago Park Center project to admire its growth.

Over time, the carefully selected plants have rooted deeply, spreading their vibrant colors and lush textures across the concrete canvas, softening the harsh lines of the building and providing a true sky-high sanctuary for the employees who work there.

“This place was beautiful when we started and it was an incredible canvas to work with. I’m proud to say that it was absolutely stunning when we finished. We get so many compliments,” said Mahan, reflecting on the sweeping success of the rooftop transformation. “It is my favorite design and installation we have ever done.”

Ultimately, The Grand at Papago Park Center stands as a shining testament to what is possible when visionary property developers collaborate with experts in botanical design. It proves that even the most stark, industrial spaces can be brought to vibrant life through thoughtful, intentional greenery.

For building managers, the lesson is clear: investing in the natural environment of your commercial property is an investment in the people who inhabit it, and the long-term profitability of the space.