WHO WE ARE

Land Marks was founded in 1996, to practice land planning with a conservation ethic. At Land Marks, we strive to promote our clients’ interests while avoiding conflict with those of the public.

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Our team's inspiration is fueled by where we work and play. When we aren't working, we're hiking, cycling, running or paddling. We're lucky to live here, and we want to help clients experience and enjoy East Hampton's splendor as homeowners and business owners.

Richard Whalen came to East Hampton as a young man, captivated by the Town's beauty and history. To Rick, East Hampton is a special place, an American small town protective of its heritage and populated by proud and independent people, many of whom have ties to the community which go back for generations.

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Rick was deeply involved in East Hampton government and land use matters right out of college. He co-founded the Coalition for Hither Woods, which jump-started the stunningly successful effort to preserve all 1,357 acres of privately-owned land at Hither Woods, Montauk. Rick was also directly and personally involved in other early land preservation efforts, including Montauk’s Fort Hill, and the Grace Estate and Barcelona Neck in Northwest.

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After leaving East Hampton to go to law school, where he graduated with honors from Washington & Lee University School of Law, Rick returned and served as a Deputy Town Attorney for East Hampton Town for more than 14 years. Besides working as counsel to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, Rick handled contracts and closings for the first five years of East Hampton Town land acquisitions under the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) program.  He was intimately involved in all the early CPF acquisitions, of which his favorite was probably the 98-acre oceanfront purchase of Shadmoor, on Montauk.

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Through his Town employment, Rick saw an opportunity to help homeowners and businesses in East Hampton navigate the often contentious planning process using an educated informed and multi-disciplinary approach. Land Marks has been the vehicle to achieve this vision. The firm helps land owners, architects, builders, and developers create beautiful living spaces places and functional work environments sites while satisfying the rigorous land use policies of East Hampton Town and Village.

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Rick is a founding member of the East Hampton Trails Preservation Society, to which has devoted countless hours over a period of more than 30 years. He’s also a board member of the East Hampton Business Alliance. When he's not in the office, there's a good chance you'll find Rick hiking the trails of Hither Woods - or almost anywhere else in the Town - or cycling on East Hampton's roads.