DESIGN • BUILD • MAINTAIN
Magical MOSAICS
PREMIER OUTDOOR LIVING
Let’s Hear it From: Steven Chavez NAMLA awarded Mellon Foundation Grant
Top Tips
Water-wise garden design
Soil Solutions
How compost is combatting the climate crisis
CONTENTS June 2025
10 13 19 25 30 36 39 40 43 48 50
Soil Solutions
Dr. K tackles the climate crisis one batch of compost at a time
Let’s Hear it From: Steven Chavez
The NAMLA founder on the association’s mission, their recent Mellon Foundation Grant, and more
Neutral and Natural
ORCA crafts a garden to walk barefoot in
Magical Mosaics
Premier Outdoor Living builds a friend a space to make memories
Carthay Mediterranean Garden
Ferox Studio designs a front facade to complement a historic home
European Elegance
Brent Freitas on Eye of the Day’s traditional, handmade pottery from Italy, France, and Greece
Top Tips
Debby Dunn shares her essential recommendations for water-wise design
Product Round-Up
Our favorite finds for all things irrigation
The Benefits of Selling Spaces, Not Products
Joe Raboine shares his tips for creating beautiful, cohesive projects
Unlocking Untethered Power
The technology transforming uptime and efficiency for landscape professionals
Little Interviews
Quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry
WELCOME
CONTACT
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EDITORIAL
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Pro Landscaper USA is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2025 subscription price is $160. Sub scription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, Village Workspaces, 11845 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90064. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.
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Ican’t wait for readers to dive into our June issue—which I think is our very best yet!
This May, the Pro Landscaper USA team has been racking up the miles, down to San Diego up to Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, in search of the very best projects, stories, and products to share with readers. Highlights have included joining APLD for their International Landscape Design Conference, touring the event space for this winter’s FutureScape USA, and getting the chance to explore a beautiful commercial project which you’ll be able to see in our upcoming July issue.
Inside this edition of Pro Landscaper USA, you’ll find our feature interview with Steven Chavez, founder of the National Association of Minority Landscape Architects, three gorgeous portfolios, including a micro project brimming with big pops color, top-tips on water-wise design, and much more.
As the team works hard to bring the best of the best landscaping content to our readers, we’d love to hear from you on the kinds of stories, features, and portfolios you’d like to see more of! If you’d like to feature an exciting completed project, share a recent industry win, or simply want to connect to chat about how we can best serve this amazing industry, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com.
Happy reading.
Celia
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Coming up at CLCA
The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is a non-profit trade organization of state-licensed landscape contractors. CLCA’s members are as diverse as the landscape contracting industry. We are proud that our members are landscape contractors, vendors to the trade, educators, government personnel, consultants, landscape architects, landscape designers, teachers, and students. Membership benefits encompass a broad range of advantages, including opportunities for networking and education. Our mission is to serve and protect
the interests of our members, promote professionalism, and advance public awareness of the industry.
In June, the San Diego Chapter will be returning to Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy for another community service project. Last year we helped clean out the debris, weeds, and obstructing tree materials that narrow their community
hiking trail. We made the trails wider while also bringing their natural beauty back to life and improving the safety for the community who visits. This year, we will be installing a native landscape with dry stream bed at their field station entrance.
Also in June, we will be judging entries in our annual Beautification Awards. This program encourages interest in landscaping, recognizes professionals who produce outstanding landscapes, and creates pride in superior workmanship. Awards will be presented at a banquet in September. clcasandiego.org
2024 multi-award-winning Waage Project by Van Slyke Landscape
CLCA SD chapter members working to clean up the community hiking trail at Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy in 2024
2024 award-winning La Jolla Maintenance Project by Torrey Pines Landscape Co.
New at NADRA: Save the date for upcoming North American Deck and Railing Association Events!
With exclusive training opportunities, industry recognition, marketing support, and networking events, NADRA equips members with the tools to enhance their craft and grow their business. Visit NADRA.org to explore these resources and to learn more about upcoming NADRA events.
NADRA 2026 Summit & 2025
National+ Deck Competition Awards
NADRA will hold the 2026 Summit and Awards Gala in Florida at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach from Jan 7 - Jan 9, 2026. The 16th Awards Gala will be held on
January 8th, where NADRA will honor outstanding achievements in deck construction and design.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities coming soon! The 2025 National+ Deck Competition will open this summer.
Join NADRA in Las Vegas, NV for Deck Expo, Oct 22 - 24, 2025 Are you ready for the premier event for decking and outdoor living?
Deck Expo will once again co-locate with the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, and together, they are lining up an awesome experience for the industry and all outdoor living professionals.
Exhibiting at Deck Expo offers a multitude of benefits, making it a pivotal platform for businesses in the industry. NADRA Members receive a discounted rate to exhibit, and NADRA Member Deck Builders can attend the exhibits for free.
Whether you’re looking to go to market with your new product or expand your existing foothold, Deck Expo is the only event in North America that truly captures an international audience of decking and outdoor living professionals. Become a Deck Safety Ambassador today at nadra.org.
Get Involved in the Association of Professional Landscape Designers’ “Healthy Pots Healthy
Planet” Initiative!
Plastic pots significantly contribute to the proliferation of plastic pollution. Through the “Healthy Pots, Healthy Planet” initiative, APLD is raising awareness about the environmental costs of plastic horticultural pots to the earth and are asking you to sign your name in support for more sustainable alternatives. APLD wants individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that share a passion for reducing plastic use in the horticultural industry to get involved. Signing your name lets manufacturers know that you too would like a sustainable alternative to plastic pots. Visit our website for suggested roles and various materials to see how you can share our initiative online, use it in your own design plans or simply learn more so you can educate others! Please ask your friends and business associates to join our call to action. healthypotshealthyplanet.org
PHTA International Awards of Excellence
Share your best work with the world!
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) International Awards of Excellence recognizes and rewards installations of pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features that showcase the most beautiful and creative work in the industry.
PHTA is now accepting projects in the following categories:
• Vanishing Edge
• Freeform
• Geometric
• Pools with Automatic Covers
• Spas Built in Conjunction with Swimming Pools
• Fiberglass Pools
• Vinyl-lined Pools
• Small Backyard Installations
• Commercial Pools
• Pool Renovations
• Elevated Pool and/or
Spa Structure
• Architectural Achievement
• Fun Features
• Water/Fire Features
• Portable Hot Tubs
• Swim Spas
All entrants must be a PHTA member. Member companies receive one free entry, and there are additional discounts for multiple submissions. The competition is open to pool, spa, or hot tub builders and installers, designers, retailers, or service companies that receive payment for the installation being submitted.
Winners will be honored at the PHTA Awards Ceremony at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo this October in Las Vegas, NV. The submission deadline is June 16. Submit your projects at phta.org/aoe.
Master Touch Outdoor Living, 2024 PHTA International Awards of Excellence Gold Winner
SOIL Solutions
Dr. K tackles the climate crisis one batch of compost at a time
In 2007, Frank Konyn, a second-generation Dutch dairyman, and owner of Konyn Dairy looked out at his pastures and corrals, which sat on 90 acres of the San Pasqual Valley Agricultural Preserve owned by the City of San Diego.
With so many other dairies going out of business, he knew he needed an additional revenue stream to support the nearly 2,000 cows who called the Dairy home in Escondido, CA.
But Konyn had an idea. “With the aid of Rich Flammer, a prominent local composting operations consultant and owner of Hidden Resources, Frank applied for a permit to begin on-farm composting the dairy’s manure and selling it to the area organic growers and landscapers as a value-added soil amendment,” says Craig Kolodge Ph.D.
The result was San Pasqual Valley Soils, a compost facility that neighbors the dairy and today converts manure and landscape materials into a dozen different composts, soil amendments and mulches.
Kolodge, or Dr. K as he is known at work, stepped in as Business Development and Sustainability Manager for San Pasqual Valley Soils in 2020. Having worked the previous 11 years in promoting and conducting field research on the use of compost for managing storm water pollution throughout California and the Western U.S., it was a perfect match.
Dr. K tells me that getting the climate crisis under control is imperative and is one of the key driving forces behind the work he does.
“What happens when you take a biological resource like organic matter and bury it in a landfill?” he asks. “Over time, you create the conditions for a different kind of decomposition, called anaerobic, meaning in the absence of oxygen. This form of decomposition produces methane, a shortlived climate pollutant which burps up through the soil in the landfill and into our atmosphere. Depending on how you describe its impact on our climate, methane is 28 times more potent than CO2 in heating up the planet. Another way to describe it is methane is a greenhouse gas that has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere. We have way too much carbon up in the atmosphere, with methane one of the most potent sources of this carbon.”
However, it’s not all doom and gloom, Dr. K says. Methane doesn’t persist in the atmosphere nearly as long as CO2, meaning that much of it lasts only 10 years. If we can slow down the methane production being released into the air, scientists are convinced the planet will adapt, carbon levels will stop increasing and global warming will begin to stabilize.
One leading strategy in slowing the production of methane is in diverting organics from landfills. That’s where San Pasqual Valley Soils comes in.
They take in local landscape trimmings from professional landscapers and tree trimming companies which involves charging a “tipping fee.” This “feedstock” is then ground and used to produce landscaped-based composts and mulches following strict regulatory guidelines.
They also utilize their own cow manure to produce an organically
“ALL COMPOST AT THE FACILITY IS PRODUCED USING A SYSTEM CALLED “OPEN WINDROWS,” WHICH ARE LONG ROWS OF RECYCLED ORGANIC MATERIAL”
certified “manure-based” compost which is lower in carbon and valued highly by farmers for its higher nutritive and nitrogen content.
All compost at the facility is produced using a system called “open windrows,” which are long rows of recycled organic material. These piles get watered and turned regularly to create the perfect environment for naturally occurring microbes within and on the surface of the material to flourish and begin transforming the feedstock into a rich brown compost.
During the composting process, microscopic organisms are hard at work feasting on the nutrients in the manure and ground landscape material. As the microbes feed, they release a high amount of energy as heat, elevating the windrow temperature over 131 degrees Fahrenheit. The windrow temperatures are monitored using newly installed wireless digital temperature probes from ReoTemp, a San Diego-based environmental technology company. This technology provides 24x7 monitoring and recording of the temperature in the
windrows saving labor and improving the quality and management of the final product.
“Now I always know what’s going on inside the piles. I can walk around at home and monitor the windrows remotely in real time,” says Dr. K.
Once the windrows have completed this natural ‘pasteurization’ process, they are left to cure for three months, or longer in some cases like manure compost, to allow the piles to cool down and for other beneficial organisms to become established. Following this curing process,
the material is screened and ready for sale to landscaping professionals, farmers and home gardeners who will use it to improve their soil health, mulch soil surfaces for weed control and water conservation, and grow hardy and healthy plants.
In 2016, California took action to combat the climate crisis by implementing Senate Bill 1383 (SB1383) which sought to divert 70% of organics from landfills by 2025 to lower greenhouse emissions. Though the state hasn’t yet hit that target for this year, California is well on its way. The bill is unique in the organic recycling regulatory
area because it comes armed with “financial penalty teeth”.
“Every city in the state of California, every county, is responsible for hitting that 70% diversion goal, and if they don’t, or don’t put forth a credible effort in trying to hit it, they can face fines of up to $10k a day,” says Dr. K.
San Pasqual Valley Soils currently partners with “Zero Foodprint (ZFP)” a non-profit organization to help cities in California meet these standards. ZFP works with local jurisdictions to make the best use of locally sourced compost by directing it to qualified farms and ranches where it can be used to sequester carbon, promote healthy soil, conserve soil moisture and help cities meet their diversion goals. Through its Compost Connector program, ZFP works as matchmaker between jurisdictions, compost facilities and farms. ZFP offers grants to small farmers to be able to access compost for their operations, which jurisdictions can fund to go towards their diversion efforts.
“Say you’re a four-nine acre grower in California. You live in San Diego and
“THROUGH ITS COMPOST CONNECTOR PROGRAM, ZF P WORKS AS MATCHMAKER BETWEEN JURISDICTIONS, COMPOST FACILITIES AND FARMS”
maybe you have a full-time job outside agriculture, but you like to farm on the side, right? You can apply for this grant, and they can fund you up to $20k to keep your soil healthy and to divert organics.” Dr. K says. It’s a win-win!
“This is changing the way people see the world, and it gives us hope that we can get this problem of global warming under control. We know now how we can fix it, but we have got to get on with it,” he adds.
Aside from helping to slow production of methane gas, compost can be used as a filtration system to help remove toxic runoff from fires and floods and be used to stop erosion of valuable topsoil. San Pasqual Valley Soils is the exclusive manufacturer in Southern California for Filtrexx, which pioneered and developed compost filter and grow socks for managing storm water quality.
During the recent wildfires in Los Angeles area this past winter, the California Office of Emergency Services worked with Filtrexx and San Pasqual Valley Soils to help supply approximately one million linear feet (189 miles) of compost filter socks to treat
the toxic runoff coming off the burned-out buildings, homes and automobiles.
“For two weeks we couldn’t produce enough compost socks for the state’s demand. We had guys working 10 hours a day, six days a week, and still couldn’t meet the demand. Filtrexx had to bring in socks from Missouri, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, Oregon, Northern California and Arizona,” Dr. K explains.
Whether used in fire remediation or for creating healthier soil and sequestering carbon, compost plays an important and much greater role in helping mitigate the effects of the climate crisis than we ever imagined. But like Dr. K says, we all need to do our part to make climate-wise choices whether that’s choosing battery powered equipment or using less plastic.
“For young people to imagine a healthy future, we all need to act now. If we don’t get the climate situation cooled down, or at least stabilized, we’re all in for a big hurt,” says Dr. K. “The solution lies in working with nature and focusing on how we recycle, process and re-purpose carbon in our lives.”
In 2015, Steven Chavez and a friend logged into Facebook and created a new page titled “the National Association of Minority Landscape Architects.”
Let’s Hear It From: Steven Chavez
The founder of the National Association of Minority Landscape Architects discusses the association’s mission, its recent Mellon Foundation Grant, and more
The Facebook page was the result of a conversation between the two about the lack of Latino representation while studying landscape architecture in the early 2000s.
“We talked about our own experiences of being Latino Chicano. I was born here in LA, went to school at the University of Washington, and I never really thought about race. I used to do automotive customizing in the past, and there was a mix of races in that industry, you know. But when I started to reflect on my experience in landscape architecture and really deconstruct it, I began to notice—who’s teaching, who’s leading projects, whose work is featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine, and who’s heading those projects, even when they’re located in communities of color…”
Nearly twenty years since he’d graduated, Chavez said not much had changed. NOMA, the National Organization of Minority Architects, had been around since the 1970s, but a similar group didn’t exist for landscape architects.
“NAMLA’S FIRST STUDENT CHAPTERS WERE FORMED IN 2020. NOW THERE ARE THREE IN CALIFORNIA ALONE, WITH OTHERS SPREAD ACROSS THE COUNTRY”
“There was clearly a need for it,” says Chavez.
But for the next five years, NAMLA took a backseat as both were busy with their individual projects. In 2020, however, the two redoubled their efforts with the help of two of Chavez’s former students.
“I just figured, okay, let’s jump in and get this started. We got the Instagram page up and we
started to grow. There was lot of interest with young people and student chapters popped up within a few months.”
In late 2020, they were registered as a 501c3.
NAMLA’s first student chapters were formed in 2020. Now there are three in California alone, with others spread across the country. The student chapters offer students of color a chance to connect and share their experiences not only within their college community but with other chapters throughout the US.
“They come together as national group, stay in touch with each other, and they meet at conferences and have different types of events,” says Chavez. He says the chapters help students see themselves in the industry and can offer some relief from the pressure to conform to their predominantly middle-class white peers.
“I grew up lower class, and even now when I’m talking with people that are, for example, CEOs of associations it is still difficult for me. But if I talk to some of the friends that I grew up with, in the neighborhoods that I grew up in, it all just flows out, and it’s hard to change that. It’s as they say: you could take the kid out the barrio, but you can’t take the barrio out the kid,” says Chavez.
This can be especially difficult for many young people who might not have had the access to mentors or training in professionalism that their peers did.
“WE’RE STARTING TO SEE SOME MORE PEOPLE OF COLOR IN LEADERSHIP ROLES AND IN TEACHING INSTITUTIONS AND ACADEMIA AND ALL THAT. BUT ACTUALLY IN PRACTICE? NOT AS MUCH”
“That’s a real challenge for many students. In the landscape architecture industry, it’s not just the minority or the racial aspect, there is the class and the socio-economic aspect as well. There is a certain kind of professionalism and formalism expected in architecture and landscape architecture. I think it deters a lot of very talented urban youth from going into the industry.”
Chavez notes that while representation in academia is slowly diversifying, the real hurdle often comes after graduation.
“We’re starting to see some more people of color in leadership roles and in teaching institutions and academia. But actually in practice? Not as much.”
NAMLA’s main concern isn’t getting minority students into college, but how to support them once they are in the job market.
“It’s really about what happens after college once they graduate. What do these students end up doing? Do they end up just behind the computer doing drafting? We’re looking at who’s leading the projects that we
see in magazines, and disproportionately it is not people of color,” says Chavez. “I think what is really frustrating is that even in communities that are majority minority communities, 80% African American, 90% Latino, the projects there still don’t really go to landscape architects that are people of color.”
Early on, NAMLA began awarding ‘micro grants’ to applicants who filled out a short questionnaire over Instagram. At first these grants were for $500, and soon grew to $750.
Sophie Chien, a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow and lecturer at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Environmental Design program, recently received NAMLA’s BIPOC Educator Research grant.
She’d first learned about NAMLA when they reached out to Design as Protest Collective, a group of antiracist designers dedicated to design justice in the built environment, which Chien is a core organizer for.
The grant will partially fund her current research project that blends landscape architecture with textile design.
“This grant will allow me to cover the cost of materials to make a duplicate set of textiles, one for public exhibition—the show will open at the Boulder Public Library in August 2025—and then one textile for each family so they can have it and use it to tell stories between generations.”
“CHIEN EMPHASIZES THE NEED NOT JUST FOR VISIBLE REPRESENTATION IN THE INDUSTRY BUT FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR TO LEAD PROJECTS IN MINORITY COMMUNITIES”
“I’m working on a landscape research project with a number of families, mapping their stories and memories of migrating to the US through textiles,” says Chien.
Like Chavez, Chien emphasizes the need not just for visible representation, but for people of color to lead projects in minority communities. She believes NAMLA’s mission will help accomplish this.
“I’m hopeful that NAMLA will support future BIPOC practitioners and educators, not just improvising visibility but shifting the scope of landscape architects to be public leaders in how spaces are transformed and used through culturally specific and reparative frameworks. The industry needs to respect and require diverse voices in the design, construction and implementation processes, and pay for the lived and professional expertise accordingly.”
Though the micro grant program was paused briefly as NAMLA funneled its resources into other initiatives, in March of this year NAMLA announced it had been awarded a $100k grant from the Mellon Foundation.
Kezia Ofiesh
Sophie Chien
The grant is part of the Mellon Foundation’s Humanities in Place initiative which is dedicated to fostering positive change through the humanities, with a strong focus on cultural heritage landscapes, and it will allow NAMLA to restart their grant series with even more substantial funding.
“The grants are going to be for two years, and award $5k quarterly,” says Chavez.
I’m hoping to see grant submissions reflect that.”
When asked if there’s been one moment where he felt like his work with NAMLA was all coming together, Chavez says that rather than one big break through, it’s been a series of moments that affirm NAMLA is making a difference.
“IT IS SO INSPIRING TO HELP PEOPLE THAT ARE VERY TALENTED, BUT ALSO DOING GREAT WORK IN THEIR COMMUNITIES”
He is looking forward to uniting the Mellon Foundation’s focus on cultural heritage landscapes and NAMLA’s mission.
“We’re looking at, not just traditional types of cultural heritage landscapes, but innovations and new ideas in what contemporary cultural heritage landscapes look like—whether it’s low rider culture or hip-hop culture. I think it is a really a cool opportunity, and
“When we provide a grant to somebody that’s really doing important work and that parallels our mission and what we want to accomplish, that just makes us feel great.
“Recently we gave out a grant to a researcher who’s doing work in the mobile home community and helping people who might otherwise not have the resources for landscape design,” he says.
Thanks to NAMLA, the grant recipient was able to hire a research assistant and grow her impact.
“It is so inspiring to help people that are very talented, but also doing great work in their communities,” adds Chavez.
Though the Mellon Foundation’s grant has been a big win for NAMLA, Chavez isn’t sitting back on his heels. Instead, he’s looking towards the future and how NAMLA can continue to make an impact on the industry. One day, he hopes NAMLA might have a studio component where they can do small projects in underserved communities with people of color in leadership positions to facilitate.
One thing is for sure—this is an organization that’s been long needed, and thanks to NAMLA the industry is growing to be a more diverse, inclusive, and inspirational space for all.
& NATURAL
For this naturalistic Long Beach residence, the clients asked ORCA studio, founded by Molly Sedlacek, a second-generation female landscape designer, for a green space that prioritized privacy.
They wanted the chance to walk barefoot in their garden and for their family to be able to cook and dine outside.
To create a secluded area, ORCA planted hedges on the outside of the existing cinder block wall with a plan for the hedges to eventually grow taller than the wall itself. Tree canopies were used to give the feeling of being within a forest while sitting at the dining area. Larger trees were selected to create a more immediate canopy effect, while the team placed raised planters behind the seating area to aid in giving the trees a taller, more dramatic look.
Because the cinder block wall surrounding the garden didn’t need repair, and was already acting as an effective sound barrier, it was used as a canvas for the design and painted a deep green in a matte finish.
To soften the visual impact of the cinderblock, creeping fig was planted on both the street and house side of the
Previous page: Sunken garden fire pit gathering zone
Current page left to right: A sunken garden featuring an outdoor dining table and fire pit gathering zone; Stone steps down to a soft patch of native fescue with silver edging
project. A palette of silver blues and greens with a variety of textures were chosen for the soft-scaping, including a mix of California native and other droughttolerant plants. The client was drawn to the movement and texture of the trees, specifically shoestring acacia and olives.
A pool which had previously been placed too close to the house was removed to broaden the landscape. Using the space now freed up by the covered pool, Sedlacek focused on designing different “rooms” or zones in the garden for relaxing or gathering, including a fire pit area, a small patch of no-mow fescue, and an outdoor kitchen and dining room.
To ensure barefoot walkability, ORCA’s own range of locally made California
clay pavers were used for the hardscape pathways as well as meadow-like grass that is soft underfoot. The flooring was sand-set to ensure the hardscape remained permeable.
The clients were drawn to neutral colors in the same family as those used within the planting palette, so ORCA incorporated hardscape materials that were similarly unsaturated: gray brick, wood that will gray with time, gray steel edging, and silver-toned hardware.
As any Angelino will know, privacy, ample space, and bare feet are not always qualities one might associate with city living. However, in this project ORCA has succeeded in creating an escape that feels set away from the bustling city nearby.
The tree canopy and re-purposed cinderblock wall dampen noise, and the textures and muted colors give the whole design a quiet dreamlike quality in the midst of the real world.
Top to bottom: Creeping fig crawls up existing cinder block wall; Outdoor dining zone with ORCA paver patio and kitchen; Worn clay steps leading to a wrap-around paver porch
ABOUT
ORCA is a landscape design and outdoor product studio based in Los Angeles, that uses plants and natural materials in their rawest forms. Known for imaginative use of organic materials that balance overgrown art and everyday utility, ORCA transforms gardens on the West Coast and beyond. orcaliving.com @orcaliving
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Magical Mosaics
PREMIER OUTDOOR LIVING NEW JERSEY HOME
Some designers warn to steer clear of working with friends and family, but for Sean Collinsgru, founder of Premier Outdoor Living, it made this South New Jersey based project all the sweeter. When his longtime friend asked Premier Outdoor Living to help him make the most of his expansive backyard, Collinsgru jumped at the chance.
The clients, parents to two young children, requested a space that was comfortable and functional. Their primary goal was to build a backyard full of features that would encourage their family to spend more quality time together outdoors and that would be the perfect backdrop to entertaining friends and creating lasting memories.
Given the family’s love for outdoor entertaining and their desire for a space they could use year-round, Premier Outdoor Living prioritized performance and versatility in the design. Key design elements included a screened-in area beneath the roof structure, outfitted with ceiling fans and heaters to make the space usable through every season, and a layout that promotes a seamless flow between areas for relaxation, dining, and play—making it perfect for both intimate family gatherings and larger parties.
The cool-toned mosaic in contrasting shades of gray and slate is the focal point of the design and draws the eye to the fire pit and seating area, while the covered porch offers another area for relaxation that can be enjoyed even in inclement weather.
For the railing, the team chose Deckorators’ Contemporary Cable Rail, giving the deck a clean, modern appearance and ensuring the view remained unobstructed. Inset lighting was also used throughout the deck for safety and ease of use in the evenings. Another inventive feature includes custom hand build doors made from the same deck boards used throughout, an extra touch that showcases the care put into every detail of this project.
Luckily, there were few inherent problems to overcome within the site. The team’s biggest hurdle was getting
the most out of the existing yard space without over-designing it. To keep the space from feeling overwhelmed, they curated a careful balance between openair and covered zones.
The clients were drawn to a simple and beautiful landscape aesthetic with minimal upkeep. For plantings, Collinsgru selected arborvitae to create natural privacy screens and added hydrangeas to incorporate vibrant, seasonal color.
The completed space is one that delivers on the clients’ brief with a modern elegance that is shown not only in the statement elements but down to tiniest details.
ABOUT
Premier Outdoor Living is a South Jersey-based design-build firm that is redefining what it means to live well outdoors. Co-founded by Sean Collinsgru, a Deckorators® Certified Elite contractor, and creative partner Catherine Lippincott, the duo brings a sharp design sensibility and a passion for craftsmanship to every project. From detailed inlays to thoughtfully designed landscaping, they create yards that feel like a natural extension of the home. With an eye for detail and a talent for storytelling through design, Premier Outdoor Living doesn’t just build decks and patios, it crafts experiences that transform how people live and connect.
premieroutdoorlivingllc.com
Carthay Garden Mediterranean
FEROX STUDIO SOUTH CARTHAY RESIDENCE
This small but mighty project, located near the historic Miracle Mile neighborhood in Los Angeles, may only be 1600 sq ft, but every inch is filled to the brim with color and texture.
The clients, who found Ferox Studio through founder Aimee Kirby’s beautifully curated Instagram, were dreaming of replacing their grass lawn with native drought-tolerant plants, and Ferox Studio, which is named for
the Latin word meaning “wild or feral” seemed like a natural fit.
The Spanish Revival style residence is part of a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, or HPOZ, a city program which aims to identify and protect distinctive architectural and cultural LA neighborhoods. New construction in these zones can sometimes be limited in design choice as it must adhere to specific aesthetic standards, but
for landscapes the rules are a little more malleable.
Considering this, the client’s main request was an immersive front façade experience that felt creative and fresh but still reflected the unique architectural elements of the home. Inspired by the neighborhood’s Spanish style, and
Left to right: Soft and ethereal entrance to Spanish revival home; Verbena bonariensis sways in breeze; New Lompoc irregular flagstone pathway with drought-tolerant plants
based on the client’s love for visiting Italy, Kirby created a Mediterranean-inspired design for the exterior.
The team was also eligible to participate in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s lawn rebate program, which incentivizes homeowners to replace their lawns with drought-tolerant or native plants, and a portion of the design was funded through this program.
Once the lawn was demoed, a new flagstone hardscape path was added, and soon the ground was prepped for soft scaping. With a focus on California natives with low water needs, plantings included salvias, artemisia, olive, rosemary and lavender making for a palette that was both visually striking and fragrant. Kirby selected a variety of plants that would flower at different times throughout the year so that the garden could be enjoyed in all seasons.
The project progressed quickly taking just three weeks and challenges were few. However, Kirby did have to prepare a presentation for the HPOZ committee to ensure that the build honored the historic design guidelines for the area.
Because the site sits on a corner lot, the clients were also finding their neighbors using their front yard as a cut through to the street. Kirby strategically placed landscape boulders to discourage the use of the façade as a thoroughfare.
Thanks to Kirby’s careful attention to detail, the final project underscores Ferox’s design ethos. The façade balances an untamed agrestal beauty with soft warm tones and combined with the historic features of the Spanish Revival residence, the site has the timeless lived-in quality of having always been part of the natural scenery.
PLANTING
• Olive wilsonii
• Gaura lindheimeri
• Verbena bonariensis
• Cotinus coggygria
• Westringia fruticose
• Salvia clevelandii
• Rosmarinus officinalis
‘Tuscan Blue’
• Salvia apiana
• Lavandula angustifolia
4K Aluminum is the manufacturer and distributor of outdoor patio structures, motorized louvers, privacy walls, awnings, fencing, and gates.
EUROPEAN Elegance
Brent Freitas shares how Eye of the Day began, the next phase of their business, and why they’re the go-to for authentic European handmade terracotta pottery
In 1995, Brent Freitas was tired of the hustle and bustle of LA and of his work in commercial real estate. Looking for a change, Freitas and his family moved to Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley. A passionate gardener, Freitas had an idea. He asked one of his friends who was the cellar master at Firestone Winery to give him a call if he had any spare oak wine barrels.
Two weeks later, the friend called. There were 65 barrels waiting for him. “I cut them in half and had 130 planters. I sold them about 15 minutes to local nursery,” Freitas says.
Soon, he was driving all over the state buying used wine barrels. “I had a dairy barn in Santa Rita hills, and I maybe had 30,000 barrels at one point. I cut them myself, and I took them all over Southern California, everywhere, and sold the half wine barrels to nurseries for planters.”
After a few years of this, Freitas and his wife Suzi opened a small retail shop called Eye of the Day to sell their barrel planters, and began adding other garden décor items including fountains, tables and benches, statuary and garden gift items.
“I started to recognize that everybody in California lives outside. You know, we’re a sunshine state. People are spending money putting in barbecues and swimming pools and kitchens outside. I thought, hey I bet we can get a little place to sell the barrels.”
But just two years later, El Niño destroyed the business. Months earlier, Freitas had spotted a garden center down the freeway in Carpinteria. It hadn’t been for sale, but he’d told a salesman that if they owners ever wanted to sell to let him know.
That day arrived just as Freitas was losing everything. “We got a FEMA loan for our loss, and I didn’t want to give up on my idea. We bought their business right when we were getting wiped out. Within about six months, I paid everybody back.”
At first, Freitas and his wife focused on liquidating the previous owner’s stock. But Freitas had his sights set on a more premium product. Freitas’ interest in finding the highest quality products for his customers led him to the Paris Gift Show, where he began to build relationships with some of the leading manufacturers of terra cotta pottery.
“That first show, I met who would become my main manufacturer of Italian terra cotta pottery. I just knew, “Wow, this is what I want to do”. I bought my first container. That was 24 or 25 years ago, and we’ve never, ever looked back,” Freitas says.
Today, Eye of the Day Garden Design Center is a leading purveyor of European garden furnishings, including Italian terracotta pottery, French planters, traditional Greek pottery and one-of-a-kind antique pieces. Its service department can also customize products in a variety of ways. This includes drilling or filling drainage holes in pots, sealing containers, creating custom finishes, colors, and antique treatments, and an especially popular service–converting pots and other containers into custom fountains. Eye of the Day offers delivery throughout California and can freight products to any destination.
Recently, Eye of the Day has moved locations, selling their space in Carpinteria and buying a warehouse in Camarillo. Freitas wants to focus less on running a retail operation and more on sourcing products and providing for his loyal clientele.
Eye of the Day has become the go-to for designers working on high-end hotels, restaurants, and for selective clients. “Our biggest client for our vintage pottery is Restoration Hardware. We’ve done almost every single store. I recently got a call from Gucci for their new store they’re building in Tampa in the mall,” says Freitas.
You can find Eye of the Day planters at William Sonoma, MGM Resorts, and Tommy Bahama to name a few.
With his products found at the homes of tech giants, movie stars, and sports franchise owners, Freitas has no shortage of LA stories. But no matter who the client is, Freitas’ commitment to quality and service stays the same.
With offers from private equity to scale their business, Freitas has remained steadfast in his commitment to staying small. They don’t have enough product to open stores across the country, and Freitas isn’t interested in compromising on quality. “We’re the Rolex of the pottery business,” he says. Working with designers, Eye of the Day can provide their products in a variety of colors and finishes, and for those who are able to order in advance there’s a discount.
“I like working with landscape architects. For example, they know they want these pots in these shapes. They’ve already specified our product and have shown it to the client and gotten their approval. They can order it and within three to six months we have it here, and we can get it to them at a discount. They’ll have everything that they need.”
For more information, check out eyeofthedaygdc.com/ services or contact sales@eyeofthedaygdc.com
DESIGNING BEAUTIFUL WATER-WISE GARDENS
Debby Dunn’s essential to-dos, for a healthy, water-wise design
Tip 1: Select the right plants I recommend water-wise plants. Native plants are wonderful, but also plants from Mediterranean climates, like Australia and South Africa are fabulous.
My favorite is Grevillea ‘Superb.’ She’s got a three-toned flower that goes from yellow to orange to red. Grevillea ‘Superb’ hosts amazing hummingbird parties, plus they are fabulous pollinators for bees.
A beautiful waterwise landscape is also going to have a lot of color. While green is a color, you want lots of different colors and flower shapes in your garden if you want to bring in the pollinators like birds, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and beetles. It is also important to make sure that things are blooming throughout the year, so you always have something for your pollinating visitors to nibble on.
on what you’re planting. The answer to “what kind of irrigation should I put in?” is always the same: “It depends.”
If you’re putting in plants that are going to be large and full, then pop-up, overhead sprinklers are going to be more challenging to get good coverage over some of the larger plants. In cases like that, drip irrigation has its benefits.
“I ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL WATER-WISE LANDSCAPES THAT HOST A VARIETY OF COLORS AND INVITE POLLINATORS!”
However, drip irrigation can also have a variety of challenges, including critters chewing through it, improper installation, and the inability to spray in the air to clean off the leaves. You have to be aware of what you’re planting and the challenges of that area.
Tip 3: Group plants by water needs
same amount of water—somebody’s either going to get dehydrated or somebody’s going to get super, duper bloated. Proper planting helps to create efficient irrigation and healthier plants. Another important tip is to water infrequently but deep. The deeper the water goes, the deeper opportunity the roots have to grow. The deeper the roots grow, the less evaporation deeper in the soil. If your choice is watering every day for 14 minutes or twice a week for four minutes, the second choice is going to create healthier, smarter, more water-wise plants.
Tip 4: Mulch, mulch, mulch!
Mulch is a must. Mulch helps reduce evaporation and weed growth. With two to four inches of mulch, there is no sunlight to the soil and no photosynthesis for weeds to grow. Plus, it’s decorative and slowly decomposes, thereby feeding the soil.
Tip 2: Irrigation isn’t one-size-fits-all For irrigation, the best strategy depends
It’s important to group your plants with the same water needs on the same valve so that everybody gets just the right amount of water. Otherwise, it would be like giving a baby and a sumo wrestler the
As for the type of mulch, it depends on what is aesthetically pleasing to you. I like a nice organic forest floor look, but if you’re putting in all natives, you might want to consider gorilla hair.
Irrigation solutions for every site
Explore top irrigation solutions, engineered for coverage, control, and water efficiency across residential, commercial, and large-scale landscapes
The Firebird
HPC 4-Station Base Controller
The HPC combines the power of Wi-Fi-based irrigation management and the convenience of modular functionality into one next-generation controller. HPC helps contractors save time, save water, protect landscapes, and meet the demands of customers who want smart home solutions. In addition, it lets contractors continue using their Roam and Roam XL remotes for quick on-site management.
thefirebird.com/products/pro-chydrawise-hpc400
Irrigation King
1.5” Rain Gun & Tripod Kit
Effortlessly irrigate large areas with this 1.5” Rain Gun Sprinkler Kit, featuring a sturdy tripod, 300 ft of 2” lay-flat hose, and quick-connect camlock fittings. Ready to connect to a high-pressure water pump. Throws water up to 95ft. Perfect for farms, pastures, dust control, or any large area. irrigationking.com/rain-gun-kit
DripWorks
Garden Bed
Irrigation Kit
DripWorks carries a selection of raised garden bed drip irrigation kits. These kits combine two effective gardening methods—raised beds and drip irrigation. They are ideal for watering 4ft x 8ft raised beds or similar sizes. The Garden Bed Irrigation Kit will conserve water while helping your veggies and flowers thrive. dripworks.com/dripirrigation/irrigation-kits/ garden-bed
Dig Corp
Universal NUTLOC ™ Drip Fittings
DIG’s Universal NUTLOC™ Drip Fittings connect several sizes of blank drip tubing or dripline ranging from 1/2” to 5/8” in size (16 to 18 mm). The NUTLOC™ fittings are reusable, heavy-duty drip irrigation fittings that provide a practical and easy solution when there is uncertainty about the precise size of the drip tubing or dripline installed.
digcorp.com/homeowner-drip-irrigationproducts/universal-nutloc-fittings
DripWorks
Drip Tape Row Crop Kit
The Drip Tape Row Crop Kits are perfect for watering long straight rows and garden beds. The kit includes Drip Tape, a low-pressure drip line designed to be clog-resistant and great for extensive gardens. These row crop kits provide a one-stop solution for irrigating your garden. dripworks.com/dripirrigation/irrigation-kits/ drip-tape-row-crop
THE BENEFITS OF Selling Spaces, Not Products
Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG shares his tips for creating beautiful, cohesive projects
Since the pandemic, landscapes and outdoor living spaces have become full extensions of the home, with all the comforts and features of an indoor space. Full kitchens, dining areas and outdoor living rooms are becoming the norm, complete with shade structures, lighting systems, plantings and more. However, designers, contractors, and homeowners can fall into the conundrum of fixating on products for a project versus the actual design. This can lead to issues that affect the design and build of the space.
Having a design plan allows the project to be completed in phases if needed, ensures a cohesive look and feel, and makes it much easier to budget. Piecemealing together a landscape can work but oftentimes can be frustrating and result in a disjointed finished product that takes away from curb appeal and the return on investment.
“PRODUCT-FIRST OUTDOOR SPACES ARE EASY TO SPOT, AS THEY LOOK MISMATCHED”
Product-first outdoor spaces are easy to spot, as they look mismatched, and portions of previously finished work may even have to be redone if the project as a whole is not considered from the beginning.
When we only think about products, we miss the bigger picture of creating spaces where people can truly unwind and enjoy being outside.
The pitfalls of a product-first strategy
A product-focused approach creates challenges that can affect the functionality of the space and overall aesthetic. Homeowners might purchase beautiful individual items that simply don’t work well together in the broader context of their property. The proportions might be off, the styles might clash, or the materials might not complement each other. Even more problematic, installations completed without consideration for future
additions often need costly modifications later, leading to wasted resources and unnecessary disruption.
It’s important to begin selling a space as a whole from the very beginning of your relationship with your clients. Homeowners may fixate on a certain product they feel is a must-have rather than envisioning the complete outdoor living experience. They often believe that simply by installing a new deck, fire pit, or water feature, their outdoor space will automatically become more attractive and inviting. However, this product-first mindset overlooks crucial factors like traffic flow, seasonal usability, maintenance requirements, how different elements work together and more.
How to sell spaces instead of products
To sell a cohesive outdoor living project, you need to understand the homeowner’s long-term plan. It’s important to know how your client plans to use their space, what they want to get out of it, if they plan to entertain in the space, and any non-negotiables. Through thoughtful conversations and targeted questions, designers and contractors can uncover the true motivations behind a project and create a successful design. Once you have these details, you can break down how to build it out. Depending on budget, this may require a phased approach over several months or years. That’s common in today’s
economic landscape, and planning on the front end can alleviate missteps along the way. Understanding the fundamental goals allows professionals to align design decision with what truly matters to the client.
You have a plan – now what?
Once a plan and general budget are in place, it’s time to decide what aspects of the plan are the most critical and, therefore, must be done first. If the project involves a large outdoor living space, start with the hardscapes or decking materials first, as that is the foundation on which the rest of the landscape is built. You should also determine if you will need to add conduit, plumbing, electrical, and even foundations for project phases in the future. If, for instance, you plan to add a pergola in a future phase, put the footings in now so that you won’t need to excavate later. On the other hand, should a homeowner be looking for extra privacy or security, suggest low-maintenance fence options such as vinyl and consider putting the fence in last so as not to disrupt access to the yard during earlier phases of the project and to minimize the risk of damage. By working off a master plan, you will save time, money, and headaches down the road.
Setting yourself apart
You can set yourself apart from most other contracts if you are able to handle the entire installation. If you can assist
with permitting, engineering, and product selections to make the process as seamless as possible, you can take advantage of unlimited opportunities. Homeowners value simplified processes and single points of responsibility, and the complexity of modern outdoor living spaces means that coordination between multiple specialized trades can become overwhelming for clients. Contractors who develop broad capabilities or establish reliable networks of complementary professionals can deliver a more streamlined experience. Transforming your business from selling labor/service to selling a complete lifestyle is game-changing.
For professionals in the industry, the shift from product-focused to spacefocused approaches represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Many factors can help convince a homeowner to invest in a design: long-term cost savings, efficiency, ability to phase, better design cohesion, and better ROI. If you can position yourself with great design and resources, the sky is the limit.
ABOUT
With over 30 years’ experience, Joe Raboine began as a masonry and outdoor living contractor. He founded Harmony Outdoor Living in 2008, pioneering modular outdoor Elements that led to the company’s acquisition by Oldcastle APG. Now vice president of design, he drives tools and strategies that support sales, contractors, and dealers. oldcastleapg.com
DESIGN • BUILD
Get involved in our July 2025 issue
Our July issue will spotlight all things Outdoor Living and there are lots of ways to get involved!
Articles on fire resilient landscaping, covers and canopies, “Meet the Supplier,” and more.
Plus, don’t miss out on our product round-up showcasing the best and most exciting offerings in the outdoor living space.
Want to see yourself in the magazine? Write to us!
For editorial inquiries:
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WHAT’S GOING ON
Show Gardens – UK vs. USA
Designers from the UK and the USA will be competing for the Ryder Cup of landscaping with their own show gardens.
Pro Landscape International Awards – USA and South America
Celebrating excellence in landscaping design across five categories, the Futurescape USA Awards spotlight standout projects in residential, commercial, and urban development.
Nursery Zone
The Nursery Zone highlights the plants and living material which are at the heart of every project. Here you’ll find a curated selection of top U.S. nurseries showcasing both staple and specialty stock suitable for commercial, municipal, and high-end residential applications.
An exclusive space with high-value purpose, the VIP Lounge is designed for senior professionals to meet, reflect, and connect in an environment curated for meaningful conversation.
Rising Stars
Within this space, the Rising Stars showcase highlights emerging leaders and next-generation professionals who are shaping the future of landscape design, construction, and care.
Interactive Zone
The Interactive Zone is a hub for expert-led insight, editorial access, and strategic conversation, all delivered in a casual, lounge-style environment.
Outdoor Living and Catering Zone
As demand for lifestyle-driven landscapes grows, the Outdoor Living Zone becomes essential for anyone designing or building multifunctional outdoor spaces.
WITH Boosting Jobsite Efficiency Swappable Battery Tech
Swappable battery technology is transforming uptime and efficiency for landscape professionals.
Evolving battery technology is bringing new levels of efficiency to the demanding landscape industry. Ongoing advancements promise greater energy density, faster charging and lower costs, offering a compelling alternative to traditional power sources. Leading the way in innovative battery technology are swappable packs that are poised to streamline operations on the jobsite. For professionals who rely on consistent uptime, incorporating swappable packs into their operations is transformative. Imagine a workday where, instead of tethering equipment to chargers during crucial hours, operators swiftly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones. This simple yet profound shift minimizes downtime, enabling the continuous operation of essential tools—a critical advantage for landscaping tasks. Whether powering aerators across expansive lawns or keeping blowers running for efficient cleanup, this capability translates directly to increased productivity and smoother workdays.
The compelling case for electric power in landscaping
for the landscape industry. A key advantage lies in the elimination of operating emissions. This offers tangible improvements, particularly in enclosed environments such as indoor plantscaping or maintenance of covered public spaces, contributing to better air quality and a more comfortable workspace for operators and surrounding communities. The reduced noise footprint of electric equipment also helps to reduce overall fatigue and minimizes disruption, while improving communication and safety on the jobsite too.
Electric power delivers notable performance enhancements as well. The instant torque and smooth power delivery of electric motors improve equipment responsiveness and control, critical for tasks requiring precision, such as careful lawn aeration or consistent blower airflow.
“WHILE THE ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC POWER ARE CLEAR, THE INDUSTRY HAS FACED PRACTICAL HURDLES IN ITS WIDESPREAD ADOPTION”
Beyond the immediate advantages that swappable battery technology brings to jobsite efficiency, the underlying shift to electric power offers an array of benefits
From a longterm operational standpoint, batterypowered equipment offers significant advantages. With fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines, there are fewer maintenance points which leads to less downtime and expenses associated with equipment servicing. This reliability directly contributes to increased
productivity and a lower total cost of ownership.
Addressing adoption hurdles: The power of swappability
While the advantages of electric power are clear, the industry has faced practical hurdles in its widespread adoption. Concerns surrounding run time and the logistics of charging infrastructure have been significant considerations for landscape professionals. It is these challenges that swappable battery technology is uniquely positioned to address. Swappable technology eliminates downtime and logistics that come with
tying a piece of equipment to a charging station. Instead, operators utilizing swappable batteries can keep a supply of charged battery packs and perform quick swaps as needed. This ensures the continuous operation of essential equipment throughout the workday. Another benefit of a well-designed swappable battery is that it can be leveraged across several types of equipment. For example, Vanguard™ Lithium-Ion 1.5kWh1 Commercial Battery (Si1.5)’s standard interface is designed to work across multiple product platforms, simplifying charging logistics and reducing the need to manage lengthy charging cycles. With a standard recharge time of only 75 minutes², the Si1.5 keeps equipment readily powered for continuous use operation. Manufacturers like Vanguard are also working to enable multiple swappable battery packs to be used together to meet greater energy demands, offering scalable power for various applications in the near future.
Maximizing operational flexibility and productivity
Beyond immediate jobsite efficiencies, swappable battery technology also offers significant advantages for optimizing equipment utilization. Landscape
equipment can be extremely seasonal, which means certain equipment may sit idle for months at a time. With a swappable battery system, landscapers have greater operational flexibility and boost overall productivity.
Here’s how it works: batteries from equipment with lower off-season demand can be readily transferred to power machinery experiencing peak usage. This means professionals can get the most out of their batteries by using them across different applications and times of the year, instead of them sitting idle.
Building a robust ecosystem through collaboration
While the advantages of swappable battery technology are clear, its widespread adoption hinges on overcoming a critical barrier: standardization. A swappable battery system is only as effective as the ecosystem of compatible equipment it supports.
Recognizing this critical need, solutions providers like Vanguard are actively engaging with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to broaden the compatibility of swappable battery systems. The goal is to create an environment where
landscape professionals have access to a diverse selection of tools and equipment all powered by a standardized swappable interface. By fostering these collaborations and working towards greater industry-wide compatibility, Vanguard is helping to pave the way for a more efficient and productive future for landscape operations.
The ability for professionals to easily interchange batteries across their equipment fleet represents more than just convenience; it’s a fundamental shift that will redefine how landscape professionals work. The future of landscape equipment is electric, and swappable battery technology is a key that will unlock its full potential across a diverse range of applications.
1 Total energy measured using a 0.2C discharge per IEC 61960-3:2017
2 When the battery temperature is <30°C at the start of charging with the Vanguard 1425W Battery Charger
is product manager for commercial Lithium-ion batteries at Vanguard®.
Athan Tsokolas
Little The
Interviews
Pro Landscaper USA asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part email celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com
Jeff Parker
OceanScape Design Inc. oceanscapedesign.com
Abby Denning
Landscape Design Services landscapeds.com
Jay Worth
Outdoor Environments Group oeggroup.com
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?
Japan. The intentionality behind every garden space, from Zen rock gardens to hillside forests, is both artistic and spiritual—blending nature and design in a way that feels timeless.
You’re on vacation—lounge on the beach or explore a city? Explore a new city. I love getting inspired by architecture, local design styles, and the energy of a place I’ve never been. Bonus points if it has great food and beverages.
Best piece of advice?
Stay curious and keep learning. The moment you think you’ve mastered your craft, you stop growing.
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? France.
You’re on vacation—lounge on the beach or explore a city? Lounge on the beach.
Best piece of advice?
Be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Karaoke song? Sweet Caroline
Dream project?
English Garden—it is fun to create specific rooms/spaces
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most?
Other than the US, I’d have to say Italy’s landscapes inspire me the most. I lived outside of Venice for a couple of years, and I’ve come to appreciate their private gardens and public green spaces.
You’re on vacation—lounge on the beach or explore a city? Both! I love exploring new cities, but my truly happy places are in nature by water (beach, river, lake—doesn’t matter).
Best piece of advice?
Stay humble, ask lots of questions, and listen to the answers with an open mind. If you go into ANY situation believing you have nothing to learn, you’re in trouble.
Karaoke song?
Anything Dave Matthews. Whether it’s “Crash Into Me” or “Ants Marching,” I’m all in.
Dream project?
A cliffside retreat that integrates natural terrain, water features, and modern architecture. A place where nature and design are in perfect balance.
engineers, designers, and builders are truly aligned from day one.
Trend you’re tired of?
Fake grass everywhere. It has a place—but it’s overused. I’d love to see more creative, sustainable groundcover solutions.
Couldn’t get through the week without…
One thing that you think would make the industry better?
More collaboration across disciplines. Great landscapes happen when architects,
One thing that you think would make the industry better?
Having a more ecological mindset. How can we provide for wildlife?
Trend you’re tired of?
Having a lot of empty space between plantings.
Couldn’t get through the week without…
I couldn’t get through the week without a hike with my dog on Lake Michigan.
Karaoke song?
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. I spent a spring break in Key West in college, and the whole bar at Sloppy Joe’s sang it together!
Dream project?
My co-worker and I began to dream about a checkerboard pattern mixing coolseason and warm-season turf. It would be noticeable in summer but in winter, that difference would really pop.
Trend you’re tired of?
TikTok. Just... all of it, haha!
My iPad and Apple Pencil. They’ve become essential tools for sketching, organizing, and bringing ideas to life on the fly.
One thing that you think would make the industry better?
If we acted with more strategic thinking and intentionality. Green industry professionals are some of the hardest working people, but we’re mostly in reactive mode instead of proactive mode in spring and fall. If we learned to anticipate those bottlenecks and plan better, we’d have lower stress, attract more qualified candidates, and run more profitable businesses.
