DESIGNING WITH...
INTENT - FUNCTION - DYNAMICS - UNITY
The following photographs depict my design philosophy. I believe that
one should design with an inspired intent, design to make a site function,
design to incorporate as many dynamic elements as practical, and tie
the package together with unity. An inspired design makes a project
unique. A functional design solves problems such as drainage and screening.
The use of dynamic elements such as color, line, movement, and light,
makes a project exciting. Unifying techniques, such as simplicity and
focus give all of the above a strong sense of harmony.
Featured
Projects
Click on a thumbnail image below to view the slideshow.
Color Amidst a Woodland
These owners wanted to keep most of their lot wooded, but have a glade of color around their house. Some of the other requirements were a welcoming street entry, unique bridge, parking, kitchen garden, and a backyard water feature. The resulting design featured strong curves and many high performing plants. The designed driveway turn-around just fit off the front door and bridge. In the backyard, a double-sourced water feature provided soothing sounds near the main terrace, and a greater volume of sound around the back, which would draw visitors down to the fireside sitting area.
»View Slideshow
Low Maintenance Color
These clients had already installed their pool and hardscaping. They wanted to replace the yard’s openness with low maintenance color, and add visual and sound screening. The front yard space was balanced with sweeping beds of color. In the back yard, the fenced area behind the pool was extended to allow a small storage house and water feature. »View Slideshow
Condominium Revitalization
The condo association here sought to update their fifty-year-old landscape. They wanted to remove the front lawn, add privacy from a motel across the street, and create new curb appeal. The resulting landscape included a large raised planting berm with screening trees and large drifts of high performing plants. The entrance was freshened by replacing the old concrete with new pavers. »View Slideshow
High Impact Color
The owners wanted to beautify their existing landscape with low maintenance color. Over a period of a few years, all but the largest plants were replaced with more vibrant trees, shrubs, and perennials. In the existing pool area, the diving board was replaced with a waterless waterfall that also served as a jump rock. Annuals were added in a few select spots. »View Slideshow
Backyard Entertaining
These owners wanted to upgrade their existing pool and add color to their backyard. The new pool area would feature increased entertainment space containing a hillside slide and a water feature that flowed over a grotto. A cabana, fireplace, and summer house would complete the project, and many high performing plants would add structure and color to their new back yard. »View Slideshow
The Dog Yard
Our home has been remodeled both inside and out over the years. The hill immediately behind the house was excavated to allow for more entertainment space, and fencing for our dogs was designed to go through the hill. Tougher plants have been used in the back that tolerate the dogs’ activity. In the front, a greeting patio and new steps were added off the renovated front porch. The lower front acre became an ornamental tree nursery. »View Slideshow
Bird Lover's Garden
This project entailed creating a facelift for the front of the house, and a colorful entrance garden in the backyard. A craftsman style porch, new siding, and brick walk added character to the front. In the back, a bird-themed garden around a curved brick walkway provided a welcoming entry. The bird patterns in the trellis were made from high impact plastic cut by water jets. Groves of plants favored by birds were also added in the back yard. »View Slideshow
Colorful Privacy for a Townhouse
The new owners of this townhouse felt that their landscaping lacked vibrancy and privacy, and the 'home plate' shaped patio was too small to use. The new design repositioned all of the existing plants except for two trees. New plants added additional privacy and low maintenance color. A new useable concrete patio was positioned next to the porch to combine both spaces. A screened gazebo offered additional privacy from the street and neighboring house. »View Slideshow
Welcoming and Working
After adding on to their home, these clients wished to have a more functional traffic pattern with more colorful landscaping. A new driveway turn-around and front walk provided parking and efficiency. Slopes were retained with local sandstone. Terraces created useful spaces in the front and back. Colorful plantings were added, topped off by a new cutting garden. »View Slideshow
Yard Rejuvenation in Progress
This home presented an older landscape with some circular themes that had fallen into disrepair. The stamped concrete entry courtyard had sunk and retaining walls were failing. A new entry courtyard was installed. Bluestone pavers were laid in a new sweep of front walk, and the existing sandstone pavers were reused in a stronger shape. New plantings will complete the rejuvenated front. »View Slideshow