BEYOND THE GATES: ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Blair Chesnut ’01

1. As a designer and project manager at a landscaping firm in Houston, TX, what type of projects do you design and manage? What educational path brought you to your current position?

As a Charleston native and daughter of a landscape architect, I chose to attend Clemson University (naturally) and earned my landscape architecture degree in 2009. Houston’s climate is similar to South Carolina’s, so I am able to incorporate many of the same plants I loved growing up in my Houston designs. I am currently a designer and project manager for one of Houston’s leading landscape architecture firms, Moss Landscaping. We specialize in residential projects and oversee the design and implementation for our clients. When explaining what I do, I sometimes joke that “I make people’s Pinterest dreams come true,” which always paints a nice visual.

2. In many ways, landscape design is a three-dimensional artistic venture, featuring color, texture, line, scale, form, plus a new dimension...smell! What is it like to work with an artistic medium that is alive and ever-changing? How important is maintenance to your creative vision?

This is a great question! So many factors come into play during the design process! Of course, the client’s style is at the top of the list. We consider the architecture of the home and the amount of sunlight each area of the property receives. We look at the views from the interior of the residence to ensure the finished gardens become a visual extension of the home. An architect sees the fruit of their labor fully manifested on the final day of construction - everything looks exactly the way that they designed it to be. A landscape architect, however, waits a year (or more) to see their designs mature into their intended shape. That is why a strong and consistent maintenance plan is such a vital part of a successful garden. My most rewarding moment for a landscape architect is watching as my projects grow more beautiful with each passing year!

3. Do you enjoy your work, and do you have a favorite project or projects you have worked on?

I absolutely love my work — from the creative process to watching the finished garden evolve through the year — it’s very rewarding to create spaces where families will create memories and raise their families. I love receiving texts, emails or Christmas cards years after a project has completed with photos of my clients enjoying their garden with their families. It is the best feeling to know that I helped create a beautiful setting where families and friends can come together to make lasting memories!

Designing Character - BEFORE

AFTER - This family wanted a more functional playspace for their children as well as an outdoor room for adults to enjoy. Blair designed the outdoor fireplace and kitchen area to be centered off of the indoor family room and used Magnolia trees as accents in the back corners. Eagleston Holly trees were used as an evergreen screen, growing taller over time. The artificial turf keeps the area clean at all times, and the brick banding detail adds that extra exclamation mark to the design.

4. How did Charleston Day prepare you for what you are doing now? What are your favorite memories of CDS?

Charleston Day School provided me with an excellent education and social interaction to be prepared for the next steps in life. Based on the academic abilities, Charleston Day School allows students to explore their inner selves...whether that is focusing on arts, music, English, science...whatever the passion may be.

5. Charleston Day School now has a lovely educational garden planted with herbs, vegetables and flowers throughout the year. Did you always have a green thumb? Were you interested in design or gardening when you were at Charleston Day?

Yes, I have always loved being outdoors and exploring gardens and learning about different plant materials. I am excited to hear that the school now has expanded this further and has an educational garden for students.

6. What do you do in your free time?

In my free time, I volunteer with the Junior League of Houston, ride my bike with my Bichon Frise, Max, and am a very active member of the young professional group for Memorial Park Conservancy in Houston.

7. What advice would you have for a CDS student?

Go for your dreams and do not let anyone stop you or bring you down for your passions and goals.

8. What should we be planting in our Charleston area gardens now?

It is springtime! There are many beautiful shrubs such as Camellias, Azaleas, and Gardenias that can be planted now as well as seasonal color such as Begonias, Geraniums, Caladiums and Coleus.

9. Last question: Red or Blue - which are you?!

Go, Red Team!

"Charleston Courtyard" BEFORE

AFTER - This small space is one of Blair’s favorites in Houston! Ironically, the client showed her a picture from an older Southern Living book and said, “I want this.” After looking more closely, she realized it was the house Blair grew up in at 73 East Bay Street, designed by her father! Blair transformed her small space into a “Charleston Courtyard.” Existing flagstone was cleaned and relaid with mortar to create a more usable patio space. Blair kept the existing trellis but found a more suitable fountain for the look. The clean lines of the hedges, pops of accent color and decorative urns turned this space from ordinary to extraordinary!