With many of us spending more time outdoors and social distancing, the design and development of public spaces has never been more important. But who to call to develop such a thing? Enter in O’Boyle, Cowell, Blalock & Associates, Inc. (OCBA).

For over 57 years, OCBA has served as one of West Michigan’s premier landscape architecture firms, offering its clients intentional design about ecological beauty and assets. Today, OCBA proudly serves clients all across the state of Michigan, continuing to be a trusted solution for the development of Parks, Camp Master Planning, Campus Design (Educational, Corporate, Healthcare, Senior Living) and Streetscape/Urban Design.

“The natural landscape in Michigan is unique and worthy of preservation and enhancement,” said Sandra Bliesener, CEO & Owner of OCBA. “We continually look for opportunities to conserve and incorporate natural beauty with development planning to achieve our client’s goals.”

In early 2020, OCBA had a full year of projects and developments. As the Covid-19 pandemic made its way to the U.S. and into West Michigan, clients started to press ‘pause’ on their contracts.

“We lost 35% of our projects in 2020, which is no small number,” remarked Bliesener. “So when Melissa Angel from the SBDC of Michigan reached out to see if we needed help, I jumped at the opportunity immediately!”

Angel assisted Bliesener in the production of much needed marketing materials for OCBA, along with business development strategies.

“As a small company, you can feel so alone when it comes to getting things done,” said Bliesener. “And the greatest thing about working with the SBDC of Michigan is they offer those highly-needed, professional services and I can actually afford it! I don’t know what I would have done had it not been for Melissa and the SBDC.”

OCBA is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), and recognizes the commitment to supplier diversity that is embraced by corporations and government agencies today.

To learn more about OCBA Landscape Architects, please visit: https://ocba.com/