A Bermudian architectural firm was yesterday announced as the landscape architect for the proposed new airport.

Canadian company Aecon, a partner in the proposed redevelopment, said OBM International got the job after a rigorous assessment process.

Now OBMI, founded by Wil Onions, the architect behind Hamilton’s City Hall, will work with Scott Associates, the lead architectural firm and a specialist in airport design to create the grounds around the new terminal.

Jennifer Davidson, OBMI’s senior landscape architect, said: “We are delighted about the opportunity to work also on the landscape design for the new airport to ensure it reflects Bermuda’s verdant beauty.

“We take our stewardship of Bermuda’s environmental resources seriously and look forward to continuing productive collaboration with the Aecon and Scott Associates teams.”

OBMI will be responsible for advising on the exterior of the airport development to ensure it is compatible with the island’s environment and climate and highlight the best native plants to create an appropriate feel and provide an area for local creatures to thrive in, helping to protect Bermuda’s ecosystem.

The firm will also advise on features like benches, patios and possible water features and pavilions to reflect island culture.

Steve Nackan, president of Aecon Concessions, said: “We engaged local architects to ensure that the new airport will exhibit a true sense of Bermuda.

“Aesthetically, the airport will showcase the island’s natural beauty and leverage natural resources as much as possible.

“We chose OBMI because they have demonstrated expertise in creating solutions that celebrate the unique aspects of the island.”

The redevelopment of LF Wade International is being explored under an agreement between the governments of Bermuda and Canada, using the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Crown corporation for the Canadian government.

CCC has expertise in international contracting for major developments and it selected Aecon as a supplier.

The announcement of the contract follows news that OBMI was selected as the building architect for phase one of the airport project.

Aecon has also hired island companies Atlantic Well Drillers, Onsite Engineering and Bermuda-Caribbean Engineering Consultants for geotechnical survey work at the proposed site of the new terminal.