ISG Expands Regional Reach and Landscape Architecture Expertise with Second North Carolina Location

Durham, North Carolina, July 10, 2025 – I&S Group (ISG), a full-service architecture and engineering firm with offices spanning seven states, has acquired Lift Environmental Design, an award-winning landscape architecture and planning firm in Durham, North Carolina. Lift is recognized for its environmentally responsive and community-focused design. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in ISG’s growth, expanding its landscape architecture and environmental design expertise across North Carolina’s dynamic Research Triangle region. It also builds on ISG’s recent expansion to Raleigh, following the acquisition of JDAVIS, a prominent residential and mixed-use design firm.

Founded and led by Jesse Turner, PLA, Lift is known for its imaginative, client-driven projects such as the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden. For over a decade, Lift has built a foundation of design excellence to elevate clients’ dreams and desires to a beautiful and functional reality. Through passion and a practical approach, the team transforms public spaces, develops sustainable sites, and designs natural playscapes that benefit both people and the environment.

“As landscape architects and designers, we share a great privilege in the world: we get to walk through our imaginations. We get to share dreams with each other, our clients, and the people who use the spaces we make,” said Jesse Turner, PLA. “It’s an honor to work in this realm where dreams become realities, and now joining ISG, my goal is to share as many dreams as possible.”

This transition will enhance ISG’s multi-disciplinary capabilities, offering Lift’s clients with an expanded suite of design solutions and innovative technologies. ISG’s expertise in K–12 and higher education, sports and recreation, and civic design will be further strengthened from nature-based play environments to restorative public spaces. Lift’s innovative approach and creativity will amplify ISG’s ability to deliver impactful, people-first solutions.

“Having the Lift team now with ISG reflects our continued focus on intentional growth, adding capabilities and talent that enhance how we serve clients and communities,” said David Doxtad, President of ISG. “Lift specializes in creating distinctive landscapes that prioritize client needs and contribute to quality of life, making this a perfect fit. With this new addition, we look forward to further investing in the local area by opening a Durham office this summer.”

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Official press release can be found on PR Newswire.