The Tide Club at Julington Creek, a $34 million transformation of the community’s aquatics complex and park, is now complete. Designed by ELM | Ervin Lovett Miller, a Jacksonville-based architecture, landscape architecture, and planning firm, the project replaces aging amenities with a new dynamic destination for residents of one of St. Johns County’s most established residential communities.

The ELM team visited the University of North Florida Botanical Garden for a guided tour focused on North Florida plant communities, mature landscapes, microclimates, edible plantings, and sustainable landscape systems. Led by Rhonda Gracie and William McMahon, the tour offered ELM’s landscape architects a meaningful opportunity to learn from a living campus landscape.

Staying current with the materials and products we recommend to our clients is part of how we make sure every recommendation we give is one we can stand behind. Recently, Kinsey and Yvette went behind the scenes to see exactly how some of the products we spec in our projects are made.

Learning at ELM extends beyond the studio and into the field. Through hands-on site visits, mentorship, and real-time observation, our landscape architecture teams gain critical insight into how design intent translates into built reality—strengthening execution, collaboration, and long-term community success.

The first phase of Julington Creek Plantation’s $34-million reinvestment is now complete with the opening of Treehouse Trails—a reimagined community park designed by ELM. The new experience features a multi-level treehouse, an adventure hill with an embankment slide, expanded play areas, renovated pavilions, new picnic shelters, a flexible lawn for gatherings and outdoor fitness, locally sourced boulders, native plantings, and accessible pathways woven throughout. Designed for all ages and abilities, Treehouse Trails brings community and nature together.

At ELM, placemaking begins at the point of arrival. The design of community entries and monument signs does more than mark a boundary — it establishes identity, sets tone, and builds a sense of belonging. At Two Rivers in Pasco County, Florida, that philosophy comes to life through materials and forms drawn from the land’s ranching heritage. From stone and cedar details to a cohesive palette carried across mail kiosks, amenities, and gateways, every element contributes to a unified visual language that defines place, reinforces character, and creates a lasting first impression.

Palm Tree Bosques add warmth, identity, and value to commercial spaces by transforming the areas between buildings into shaded destinations. ELM’s landscape architects have incorporated these outdoor rooms at projects like Nocatee Town Center and eTown Welcome Center, creating inviting places for dining, gathering, and community connection.

This month marks ELM’s 24th Anniversary—a journey that began in a small studio above a garage in San Marco and has grown into a dynamic, collaborative design practice of nearly thirty talented professionals. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of shaping communities, building lasting relationships, and creating places that add value to people’s lives.

This summer, ELM interns Paola and Razeen took on a meaningful side project: organizing and launching the ELM Library. Drawing inspiration from the Dewey Decimal System, they created a custom cataloging method and digital archive that brings new order, accessibility, and inspiration to our growing design collection. What started as a simple organizational task became a lasting contribution to studio culture—and a personal journey through the literature that shapes our work.

Set along the St. Johns River, the Florida Yacht Club (FYC) has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s social and nautical life for over a century. As FYC approached its upcoming 150th anniversary in 2026, the Club embarked on a visionary renewal—one that would honor its distinguished legacy while thoughtfully preparing for the future.

At Deerwood Country Club, ELM has reimagined every corner of this Jacksonville landmark—one space at a time. From strategically placed pickleball courts and the chic new 1960 Room to a cutting‑edge kitchen designed for seamless service and a resort‑style aquatic retreat, each phase of our master plan brings fresh energy and elevated experiences to members. Dive into our step‑by‑step transformation and see how thoughtful design is setting Deerwood’s course for decades of community, connection, and celebration.

Rebuilding with Resilience

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the future of Asheville’s River Arts District depends on innovative, sustainable design. Architect Jason Tankersley of ELM Ervin Lovett Miller is mentoring KSU’s 4th-year Urban Lab studio, guiding students as they explore real-world solutions for rebuilding this vibrant community while preserving its identity.

This September, students will present their work at AIA Aspire in Asheville, showcasing their vision for a more resilient future. Read more about how architecture and mentorship are shaping the next generation of urban problem-solvers.

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Neptune Plaza, the once vacant retail center in Jacksonville's 'Beaches' community, has undergone a dynamic renovation led by award-winning design firm Ervin Lovett Miller (ELM). Commissioned by national redeveloper TLM Realty Group, the project has revitalized approximately 18 acres of prime commercial frontage, transforming it into a vibrant retail and entertainment destination that significantly enhances the beachfront community.

June is Skyscraper Month and ELM | Ervin Lovett Miller is celebrating with a move to the 18th floor of the iconic Riverplace Tower, located in downtown Jacksonville’s Southbank District. This move is in response to the firm’s growth and enables ELM to better serve our clients, seamlessly collaborate, and enjoy a new and inspiring space for our expanding team.

The mission of the World’s Fair/Expo has always been to highlight the outstanding achievements of nations and introduce innovations that can help shape our world. Some of the greatest inventions and iconic structures have debuted at World Expos, such as the first television broadcast; the first cellular phone; the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France; and the Seattle Space Needle. Expos have been circling the globe for hundreds of years, celebrating the power of collaboration and unity.

The city issued three permits March 9 for Hawkins Construction Co. to build the Publix Super Markets Inc. store, the facade and another retail building at eTown for $7.95 million.

Amelia Island is internationally known for its maritime oak forests, unspoiled beaches, and the careful integration of a world-class resort and golf community into this extraordinary natural environment.