Thomas Wirth Associates, Inc. is a firm of professional landscape architects, planners, and designers committed to creating extraordinary outdoor spaces that are visually beautiful, artfully functional, and environmentally sound. Founded in Sherborn MA by Thomas Wirth in 1982, and joined in 1996 by son Wesley Wirth, the practice has over 38 years of design experience. The main office is located in Sherborn MA, and a branch office was opened in Phippsburg, ME in 2012.
We serve clients with a broad spectrum of design services, including: residential landscapes, specialty gardens, public parks, institutional and corporate campus environments, and sustainable agricultural design. We approach every engagement with the experience, intuition, flexibility and aesthetic sensibility necessary to create highly-individualized designs that will endure over time; always striving to create spaces and experiences which have deep meaning and connection to our shared environment and culture. The firm holds the distinction of having designed the country’s most extensive Azalea Garden, The Callaway Brothers Azalea Bowl in Pine Mountain, Georgia. While working with Sasaki Associates, Tom Wirth led the team responsible for The National Herb Garden, the largest assembly of themed herb gardens in the country at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.
The firms pioneering work with This Old House and WGBH (one of the first popular reality TV programs) was instrumental in raising awareness of, and bringing landscape architecture and design to a broad spectrum of people. We continue to be on the forefront of the evolution of the profession, working with homeowners and institutions designing and building outdoor environments with lasting value, using principals rooted in low impact development, sustainability, native plant systems, and restorative/regenerative landscape design.
Wes Wirth heads the Boston / Sherborn office which is located on a research farm exploring permaculture, 4-season gardening, food forest experimentation, environmental sculpture, and other innovative and productive landscape practices. We believe the synergy between sustainability and meaningful design is essential to creating contemporary landscapes, and firmly practice what we preach. Wes has an undergraduate degree in Performance and Composition from The New England Conservatory (with distinction), and two master’s degrees from Harvard University in Planning, and Landscape Architecture. The Portland / Phippsburg office focuses on projects in Maine and the surrounding area, and is associated with the ecological development and stewardship of a remarkable coastal property with noteworthy ecological landscape features.
Our projects are distinctive because they establish a meaningful connection between nature and people. We accomplish this by;
Applying our diverse experience and creativity, and responding to individual client and site requirements.
Associating with quality allied design, environmental science, and engineering professionals.
Accessing our trusted relationships with a talented group of contractors, subcontractors, and artisans.
Sourcing the highest quality plant and construction materials.
Coordinating every detail from design through installation, and establishing a sustainable maintenance program.
We are an ecologically conscientious firm. Every design, material, and construction decision considers impacts on the environment and reflects our belief that we are all stewards of the land. Our priorities and goals are to encourage:
The conservation of soil, water, vegetative and other natural resources by applying low impact design principles.
The design of complex and diverse horticultural environments which support ecological diversity and well being, typically specifying native plants and construction materials from regional sources.
The reduction of waste and encouraging adaptive re-use and recycling.
Advocating for the elimination or minimization of the use of chemicals, substances, and practices which have a detrimental effect on natural systems and individual well-being.
We are happy to share additional accomplishments, qualifications, experience and capabilities upon request.