Fast Company: David Tobar of Outside Partnership

Landscape architect David Tobar has worked with Compuware, General Motors and the MGM Grand Detroit. He's worked for top firms like Hamilton Anderson and Albert Kahn, as well.

Today the 43-year-old has his own firm, Outside Partnership and it employs two people and three independent contractors. He plans to hire two more people next year.

Describe your business:
Outside Partnership is a landscape architecture firm that offers a full range of design and project management services for government agencies, land conservancies and universities. Our strengths include design and management of complex, fast-track projects that require interdisciplinary cooperation and consensus building.

Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit?
Detroit is home. As a first generation American with little connection to my parent's birthplace, having a home is important. Besides, my family and roots, my experience, professional network and portfolio is here. Detroiters are tough, stubborn and real. We won't give up and our spirit will not fade.

From a business perspective, as I look to expand my facilities, there will be affordable lease space available in several unique buildings and 'districts' not found any where else in the region. Character, culture and grit is important.

What are some of the advantages to doing business here?
With the profession of landscape architecture, the Detroit advantage is tremendous. The city's population loss from 2 million to projected 500,000 has left us with 40-some square miles of vacant land and abandoned infrastructure. As a landscape architect with a spirit for renewal and redevelopment, there couldn't be a better place to work our craft. Nature is renewing without us already. There have been increased sightings of pheasants, fox, snakes and other wildlife not seen within the city limits for generations. With nature leading the way, landscape architects have a great role model to follow for renewal. Inevitable city contraction and "right-sizing" will bring opportunity for good land planners and designers.

What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't?
The potential. City contraction will bring physical renewal and nature will do its work. Besides the associated political and budgetary issues, our physical environment (water, air, soil) and associated health will be better.

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City?
Do it for the right reasons. Do it because you have a stake in the community and will take action in it. I see too many "fronts" being established by "outsiders" just coming in just to take the fee and flee. Businesses need to profit but they also need to be responsible and reinvest.

If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?
I would work to change race relations. Our past is ugly and it hurts, but for our children we have to learn from the past and move forward. One way to do this is to directly network and work with people outside of your normal circle. As a member of Detroit Regional Chamber - Detroit Leadership Class 31, I have been exposed to such a rich and diverse quality of people I probably would not have met through normal channels. We have so much to offer each other and I am confident we will all work together to make the region better than how we found it.

Source: David Tobar, owner of Outside Partnership
Writer: Jon Zemke