FSU Student Housing

The Leo aims to redefine student living, curating an “Instagram-ready” experience that feels more like a luxury boutique than college dorm. LandDesign worked to capture a variety of student experiences, needs, and social habits to guide each design decision as it related to circulation and the overall experience. The Leo’s 9,500-square-foot rooftop was shaped into a layered “outdoor living room,” blurring the lines between recreation, wellness, and socialization. Contemporary, amenity-rich features set this community apart; a luxurious linear spa and swimming pool–each edged by mirrored sun shelves–anchor the outdoor space on axis with a large Jumbotron TV, perfect for game day watch parties. The outdoor kitchen offers bar-height counters and gas-grilling stations while a cozy fire lounge is tucked between elevated planters. Catenary string lights top off the space, expanding over the outdoor kitchen.

At grade, LandDesign expanded the streetscape plaza and retail edge to extend campus life into the public realm, weaving bike and scooter parking, EV-charging bays, and a lush tree canopy into the pedestrian corridor. Durable furnishings, UV-resistant plant palettes, and thoughtful sightlines ensure the plaza and rooftop remain inviting, low-maintenance hubs that give The Leo a decisive edge in Tallahassee’s escalating amenity competition.

LandDesign worked to get into the mind of its key user demographic to guide amenity locations and plant selections. Knowing The Leo’s users would be college students, its on-structure design called for unique durability needs with a “build once, maintain lightly” upkeep plan in place; this required cost-saving solutions that could still create high quality outcomes. To withstand the tropical Florida climate and the energy of its residents, the developer pushed for synthetic plantings that could survive Florida’s harsh sun exposures and hurricane-force winds. With that directive, LandDesign took the lead in turning their ideas into reality: we researched manufacturers, confirmed heat, UV, and wind ratings, and assembled a palette that met both the durability requirements and the project’s aesthetic goals. The durable plantings were then paired with heavy-duty outdoor furniture, delivering a safe and enduring landscape that would remain vibrant year-round.

Despite the project’s ambitious scope, LandDesign was able to accomplish its goals and meet the client’s budget, a testament to our team’s ability to do what is best for our client while ultimately achieving their guiding vision.