South Beck & Baird (SBB) delivers meaningful and attainable landscape architecture solutions that exceed expectations, so our clients can seamlessly integrate the built and natural environments, better connecting people with nature.
SBB is focused on leading multidisciplinary project teams in the public works, healthcare, recreation and land development sectors. We begin each project by examining how the site is ecologically connected to what surrounds it, so we can design projects that are sustainable, functional and beautiful.
South Beck & Baird was formed in 2018 by the acquisition of Beck and Baird Landscape Architecture by South Landscape Architecture PC, both Boise-based companies. This had long been the vision of John Roters and Jim Mihan to combine the strengths of what they had learned under the respective founders of each of their legacy firms–Tom South and Dan Baird–who were themselves award-winning Landscape Architects with more than 90 years’ combined experience in the field. We are proud to continue their tradition of providing visionary, sustainable and comprehensive landscape architecture design and planning services.
Jim Mihan, PLA, Principal
Jim is an experienced leader of large, complex landscape architectural projects, with budgets upwards of $30 million. These large projects involve multiple stakeholders, including entitling agencies and sub-consultants. Clients look to Jim for detailed, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions.
As an experienced lead consultant of multidisciplinary project teams, Jim brings years of diverse experience working for landscape architectural, civil engineering, architectural and design-build companies.
Jim earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Idaho and has more than 25 years’ experience in the field. He proudly served for more than 20 consecutive years on the Board of Directors for the Idaho-Montana ASLA, culminating in two terms as Trustee.
Jim Mihan, PLA, Principal
John Roters, PLA, Principal
John is known for his top-quality work and efficiency and his ability to meet or beat project timelines. He has a natural understanding of how landscape architecture fits into the big picture of complicated development projects. Clients trust John to deliver projects efficiently, correctly and seamlessly.
John is also an expert witness supporting legal firms that represent landowners in dispute with government agencies in eminent domain cases, helping ensure private landowners are better protected throughout the process of development.
John earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Idaho and has more than 22 years of experience in the field. John also has served in multiple positions within local boards, focus groups, and as a Trustee of Idaho-Montana ASLA.
John Roters, PLA, Principal
Adam Johnston, PLA
Adam gained a great respect for design and construction while working within his father’s construction business. That respect, combined with his appreciation for nature, has helped Adam develop into a well-rounded landscape architect. Through his wholistic approach, Adam combines the needs of the people who use the spaces with natural and architectural aesthetics. These considerations are paired with an intrinsic understanding of how spaces are constructed.
With almost 15 years of experience, Adam is the go-to for irrigation design, drainage and storm water management. The combination of his creativity and Civil 3D technical skills make Adam an invaluable asset on any project. Adam earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Idaho. He currently serves as the Treasurer on the Idaho-Montana ASLA Board of Directors.
Adam Johnston, PLA
Justin Bell, LAIT
Justin developed an affinity for everything outdoors early on. Scouting, hunting, and even working on a ranch influenced his decision to pursue a career in the green industry.
At BYU-Idaho, Justin acquired a passion for hand-drawn graphics and rendering, construction, and especially plant materials. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture emphasized in Landscape Design/Build.
After a decade plus of practical and intensive experience in the green industry, Justin graduated with a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Idaho. He served in Student and State ASLA Boards.
Justin Bell, LAIT
Steve Mckeown, LAIT
With 3 years’ experience in the planning department for the City of Georgetown, TX, in the role of technical planner and tree preservationist, and 7 years’ combined experience working in the state of Nevada and Idaho, Steve approaches design with a holistic mindset. Steve values effective coordination between design professions, vested and interested parties, both public and private, as it serves to achieve the best outcomes in form, function, equity, and sustainability.
Steve earned his Bachelor's of Landscape Architecture from the University of Las Vegas and has since made important contributions to many notable projects such as Nevada Department of Transportation's Gateway Project and the Ann Frank Memorial in Boise, Idaho.Steve Mckeown, LAIT
Rick Butler, Assistant Planner & Office Manager
Inspired by his father, a senior planner and developer, Rick's early exposure to urban development sparked a lifelong interest in exploring and shaping community landscapes. This foundation led him to a wide variety of impactful roles, from teaching Spanish at Rose Hill Montessori, while working as a Spanish/English interpreter for the Boise and West Ada School Districts, to making vital contributions as an assistant planner in the development of the City of Donnelly’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as contributing to expert witness casework in cases of eminent domain. Through his work and travel, Rick has developed a strong appreciation for cultural diversity, the arts, and sustainable community planning and development.Rick Butler, Assistant Planner & Office Manager