Leonard Bisel, Principal/Member

Leonard Bisel is a principal and founding member of b+ k design group, llc (BKDG). BKDG provides comprehensive and professional services in the field of landscape architecture. Mr. Bisel’s thoughtful designs reflect an underlying belief in, and an understanding of the importance of applying regionally appropriate and sustainable design principles. His designs look to incorporate elements or layers of the area's culture and historical past, while acknowledging the need to fit within the context of the project and surrounding environment. 

Having been raised in Hawaii, Mr. Bisel has an intimate knowledge of the intricacies and dynamics that make living and doing business in this diverse and multi-cultural state truly unique. Mr. Bisel is an advocate for smart growth and sustainable design principles. He has led and participated in community planning processes such as Envision Downtown Hilo in support of organizations which foster and encourage these ideas.

Mr. Bisel has a strong understanding of construction materials and built forms. He has become known for his extensive experience in the use of indigenous and locally available/produced building and plant materials. He has worked on developments in a broad range of environments and climates. He is knowledgeable about the area's botanical resources and appropriate horticultural practices and strives to incorporate native, Polynesian-introduced and drought tolerant plant species into his designs. 

Mr Bisel’s project experience includes: public/government facilities and institutions; parks and recreational areas; native plant habitat restoration; custom residential homes and estates; multifamily residential developments; as well as commercial and resort developments.

Meredith Tanioka, Principal/Member

Meredith Tanioka joined Leonard Bisel Associates, LLC in 2003. She became a partner of b+k design group in January of 2015.  Born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, Meredith returned home after receiving her degree in landscape architecture from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Meredith brings a fresh, enthusiastic perspective and a strong design sensibility to the firm. Ms. Tanioka shares in the firm's underlying belief in the importance of incorporating regionally appropriate and sustainable principals into her designs. She looks to incorporate elements of the area's culture and historical past, while acknowledging the need to fit within the context of the project and the surrounding environment. Meredith is versed in the local botanical resources and appropriate horticultural practices. She shares an interest in, and is a strong advocate for, the use of native and drought tolerant plant species.

Ms. Tanioka is experienced with developments in a wide range of environments throughout the state. Her project experience includes: public/government facilities and institutions; parks and recreational areas; and native plant habitat restoration for County and State Agency projects including: the Department of Public Works; the Department of Parks & Recreation; the Department of Environmental Management; the Department Accounting and General Services; the Department of Education; the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Ms. Tanioka has also completed a number of successful custom residential homes and estates; multifamily residential developments; as well as commercial and resort developments.

Ms. Tanioka has been very active in the community planning process. She served as a member of the steering committee for the Friends of Downtown Hilo. The steering committee worked to facilitate the process of building a Community-Based Vision and Living Plan for Downtown Hilo. The committee completed the plan, “Envision Downtown Hilo 2025.” The document received the approval of the County Planning Commission and was formally adopted by the County Council. Meredith currently serves on the Executive Committee for the American Society of Landscape Architects - Hawaii Chapter.

Away from her desk, Meredith continues to offer her time to community groups and initiatives, which will serve to advance our profession and which are in alignment with the core values of the firm.