Architectural Lansdcaping Wins Three Statewide Awards in Arizona

Joseph J. Prchal, Tucson designer and President of Architectural Landscaping, Inc., walked away with three awards from the recent Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association’s (ALCA) 31st annual awards ceremony. ALCA’s Excellence in Landscaping Awards Program is the largest and most prestigious event in the Arizona landscape industry.  

“I entered in two categories and felt honored to come away with an award for each, but I was absolutely thrilled when one of my projects also received the top Xeriscape Award for the state," Prchal says. "Water conservation is near and dear to my heart, and I have long encouraged all my clients to incorporate xeriscape elements into their outdoor living environments.”

The Xeriscape Award of Excellence is one of two top ALCA awards given only when designs merit them.  Prchal’s designs were also recognized at the ceremony by the ALCA’s Award of Excellence (first place) for the Single Family Residential Installation in the $175,001 - $250,000 category, and a Judge’s Award for Single Family Residential Installation in the $75,000 - $100,000 category.  The Judge’s Award was shared with Horizons’ West, the Tucson-based landscaping company that installed the project.

Earlier this year, Prchal also took first place in the 2007 Xeriscape Contest sponsored by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) in partnership with Tohono Chul Park. That award was in the Professional Residential Design category.

Both Xeriscape Awards were for the Phillips-Keiler residence. 

“The challenge on this property was to integrate existing site elevations into the landscape design, minimize the impact on the natural surroundings, and create a low-water-usage environment," Prchal says. "Toward this end, I exclusively used drought tolerant plants that were specifically selected to add color and attract wildlife and butterflies. I also integrated stucco with adobe, flagstone, and decomposed granite in the hardscape elements to complement the old-world feeling of the home’s style and to further limit water usage.”

Prchal’s long-standing concern for the environment is born out not only in his professional achievements, but also on a personal level.  He is currently volunteering his time and expertise to The Nature Conservancy in Tucson on a major water-harvesting demonstration project that will be open to the public sometime in mid- to late 2008. As a community-based effort, The Nature Conservancy is working cooperatively with many partners, including Tucson CATCHWATER, the City of Tucson, Watershed Management, and the University of Arizona.

“It’s exciting to be involved with such a worthwhile project,” Prchal says. “It is imperative that we increase community awareness as to the possibilities and different methods of water harvesting, both in residential and commercial applications, and that’s one of The Nature Conservancy’s and its partners’ major goals.”

Prchal, who recently celebrated his 35th year of doing business in Tucson, adds, “The concept of my company has always been to exemplify function in the landscape, with the idea of bringing the comforts of the indoors outside so that clients can enjoy the beauty of Arizona’s phenomenal weather, skies, and views.  But we can blend the natural environment with existing architecture in an environmentally conscientious manner. The public needs to be educated on the incredible beauty that is attainable by incorporating xeriscape principles into public and private landscapes.”
 
Over the past 35 years, Prchal’s business evolved from a one-man production to a full-service landscape design and installation company, providing services to commercial and primarily high-end residences. One of the services he offered during those years was free seminars on the use of drought-tolerant plants and xeriscape methods. 

During the recent past, Prchal has downsized his company and proceeded in a new direction, focusing primarily on design and managing the use of credible subcontractors for the installation of his designs.  He works by appointment only and can be reached at 520/795-2802.  His Web site is www.archland1.com.