TBG | get to know Jason Radcliff, Principal & Director of Technical Design
At TBG Partners, we believe that great design is a balance of creativity, technical expertise, and an unwavering passion for the built environment. With that in mind, we are thrilled to welcome back Jason Radcliff as our new Director of Technical Design. Jason brings a wealth of experience, a deep appreciation for landscape architecture, and a unique perspective shaped by his colorful journey to the profession.
Jason reviews a set of plans with Designer, Mark Ma.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
Jason’s introduction to landscape architecture was serendipitous. As a college freshman, he was searching for direction, having declared art education as a major simply out of necessity. His roommate, knowing Jason’s love for art, design, botany, natural systems, and construction, introduced him to someone studying landscape architecture. That moment altered his trajectory forever.
“I only knew that I didn’t want to drive a tractor or work in a chainsaw factory for a living anymore,” Jason recalls. “And getting an education was safer than expecting my at-best bar band endeavors to crescendo into arena tours.”
That chance meeting led him to a university counselor, who confirmed minimal math was required for a BLA, a reassuring detail. More than 25 years later, he still holds on to the words of a senior-year professor who warned that earning a degree was just “a license to learn.” Jason fully embraces this mindset, constantly seeking new knowledge in a field that continues to inspire and challenge him.
A Philosophy Rooted in Care
When asked to describe his design philosophy in just two lines, Jason summed it up simply:
“If design is most simply the evidence of care…then I aspire to make my work equal parts careful and caring.”
This sentiment is at the heart of Jason’s approach to landscape architecture, where every detail, material choice, and design decision is made with intentionality and consideration for people and the environment.
The Journey Beyond Work
Jason’s journey isn’t just defined by his professional accolades. His personal experience shaped his approach to work and life. He grew up in rural Arkansas, where self-sufficiency wasn’t just an aspiration, it was a way of life. Living on 20 acres of woodland, his family built their own log cabin, raised animals, farmed, and even had a pet raccoon that helped harvest muscadine berries. These formative years instilled in him a deep respect for nature, hard work, and problem-solving, qualities that make him a natural leader in technical design.
His passion for exploration extends to his love of road trips, particularly those that involve his sons and a well-stocked supply of Buc-ee’s beef jerky. Whether it’s a camping trip in a Texas State Park or a national park adventure, Jason finds joy in creating meaningful experiences outdoors.
We asked Jason a few rapid-fire questions to get to know him better:
What’s your favorite movie line?
“Reebs. That’s what we used to call them when we was kids. It’s beer spelled backwards.” – Kalifornia (1993)
Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster?
“Tiny elephant…I tend to try to be more tough than soft…and size rarely matters.”
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to hit a deadline?
“Stayed up all night with our project team, nearly OD’ing on caffeine, even though I swore I’d never do that again after studio.”
Who’s your celebrity doppelganger?
“Some have said that I act like Jason Bateman at times…but feel like I’m more akin to Billy Bob Thornton—especially, as I get older. Thornton and I grew up in adjacent counties in Arkansas and have always made it a priority to play in a band…even though neither of us are very good musicians. He’s a lot better at movies and I (hope) am better at landscape architecture.”
Jason has played bass since he was 15 years old and likens his role in landscape architecture to that of a bass player in a band, providing the foundation and heartbeat without being in the spotlight.
What was your worst job ever?
“It was actually two jobs in one. Answering the customer service department’s 10-line phone system while also managing their gift-wrapping service during the holiday shopping season at Dillard’s while in college.”
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
“If in Texas, next would be San Antonio. If outside of the US, toggling between Croatia and Costa Rica, I imagine, would be ideal.”
Who’s someone you look up to as a mentor?
“Brian Ott. He’s a big reason I stayed at TBG for over a decade the first time.”
How do you define success?
“Any successful outcome usually results from making as many mistakes as early in the process as possible. Fail fast, assume what you’re doing and how you’re doing it is wrong, and adjust accordingly. Then, not forgetting those lessons is key for planning the next challenge.”
What’s next on your travel agenda?
“My older son is studying in Cyprus. I’m trying to coordinate a family rendezvous in Greece or Italy before June.”
With his technical expertise, passion for thoughtful design, and commitment to continuous learning, Jason is set to make a significant impact at TBG Partners. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing how his leadership shapes the future of our projects and processes. Welcome to the team, Jason!