You know what’s wild about gardens? They’re like people.
Some are calm and serene, others are chaotic but endearing, and then there are those rare ones—you know, the kind with a perfectly placed apple tree—that bring everyone together. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to share my insights on what makes a garden not just good, but extraordinary. Along the way, I’ve learned that landscape design is more than arranging pretty plants; it’s about shaping environments that evoke emotion, spark conversation, and occasionally leave you wondering why your neighbor keeps stealing your flowers.
In architecture, we often celebrate bold structures, sweeping lines, and innovative forms. But what happens when those masterpieces are surrounded by uninspired outdoor spaces? The truth is, no matter how remarkable the building, the absence of a cohesive landscape diminishes its impact.
This post is for architects, creatives, and anyone who’s ever looked at a yard and thought:
This could be more. Whether you’re designing a private oasis or a collective masterpiece, this first post dives into how outdoor spaces frame and enhance a building’s narrative, how can they become extensions of the buildings they surround, and why is this synergy essential for great design?
What are the core principles of great landscape design?
Great landscape design is built on three core principles: functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. For architects, these principles directly influence how the building interacts with its surroundings. A functional landscape enhances how people move between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating seamless transitions for relaxation, recreation, or striking visual connections. Aesthetics, achieved through intentional design—open spaces, curved lines, and vibrant plant palettes—enhance the building's architectural language. Sustainability ensures that both the landscape and the structure coexist harmoniously with the environment, thriving in the long term.
One design element that we believe is underutilized is the thoughtful use of open spaces. Too often, patios, gardens, and pathways are clustered near the house, leaving the rest of the yard unused and uninspired.
Open spaces, when designed with intention, offer versatility and breathing room, allowing for various experiences within the landscape. These areas can become opportunities for personal reflection, wildlife habitats, or outdoor activity zones that adapt to the changing needs of the family. Curved lines and dynamic planting guide users through the space, creating intentional moments that mirror the flow of architectural interiors, making the landscape feel more like an organic extension of the home rather than just an attachment to it. The result is a landscape that isn't just aesthetically pleasing, but one that also gives back to nature, promoting biodiversity and environmental resilience.
By breaking free from the tendency to crowd everything close to the house, users can experience a dynamic, engaging landscape that evolves with them, offering new and exciting ways to connect with the outdoors while providing a sense of serenity and pride in their home environment.
Pro tip: Design isn’t just about filling space; it’s about making spaces feel alive, connected, and resilient, complementing the architecture itself.
How can climate change shape landscape design choices?
Climate change isn’t the future; it’s now. Excessive rainfall, rising temperatures, and unpredictable weather demand adaptive designs. It's already reshaping how we live, how we design, and how we engage with the world around us. It's altering how plants behave, how landscapes perform, and ultimately, how we need to approach design moving forward. It's not just a matter of too much water—it's about how plants are now responding to these extreme conditions, and it requires a strategic shift in how we approach plant.
Our approach? Imagine landscapes that don't just manage water but harness it. By collecting, storing, and reusing water efficiently, we're not just reacting to climate change, we're integrating sustainable solutions that anticipate it. This approach scales beautifully, from urban environments to private gardens, creating ecosystems that support both the environment and the people living in it. Thoughtful outdoor systems can protect the building while enhancing its surroundings, ensuring the site works as a cohesive whole. It's about designing for what's coming, not for what we've always known.
Quick takeaway: Think of the landscape as an extension of the architecture. When every element supports each other—plants, water, soil, and structure—you create a design that’s both beautiful and resilient.
What makes a garden captivating all year round?
The secret to year-round appeal lies in designing a living tapestry that complements the architecture it surrounds. Ornamental grasses provide structure and movement, their golden hues swaying gently even in winter. These grasses anchor the space, offering visual interest that enhances views from within the building. Seasonal foliage—from vibrant spring blooms to fiery fall colors—brings dynamic layers that shift and surprise as the months pass, framing the architecture in ever-changing beauty. Thoughtful lighting adds the final touch, highlighting textures, casting enchanting shadows on walls, and creating warmth even on the coldest evenings.
By combining these elements, a garden becomes an extension of the building’s narrative. Each season tells its own story, whether it’s the renewal of spring, the abundance of summer, the drama of autumn, or the quiet elegance of winter. A year-round garden doesn’t just engage the eye—it engages the soul, drawing people back again and again to discover what’s new. Pro tip: Use lighting and seasonal plantings to create a garden that evolves alongside the architecture, ensuring every season brings a new story to life.
Why are outdoor spaces essential for great architecture?
Think about it—a breathtaking building surrounded by a lackluster yard feels incomplete. Thoughtful outdoor spaces bridge the gap between the built environment and the natural world, elevating the experience of the entire project. These spaces create a harmonious flow, transforming gardens and pathways into dialogue between the landscape and the architecture.
A relaxing and inviting garden isn’t just a collection of plants; it’s an experience that complements the home. By transforming the garden into an "outdoor room", seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, architects can offer clients more than functional beauty—they can provide emotional connection and moments of tranquility.
From lighting pathways to crafting lush gardens, landscape architecture elevates architecture itself, offering emotional connection, and endless inspiration. Ultimately, a garden isn't just a space—it's an experience. Done right, it can transport you to a place of tranquility every time you step outside. The result is a dynamic interaction between architecture and its surroundings, offering inspiration and a deeper sense of place.
Architect’s cheat sheet: If you’re not thinking about outdoor spaces, you’re missing half the story your project could tell.
Whenever I'm asked for advice or opinions, I begin with a question: "What's the one thing people overlook but truly need?" The response can be practical or somewhat philosophical, but it always aims to add value. Every garden, every path, every tree has a story to tell. Architecture provides the structure, while landscape design brings the soul. Together, they craft environments where life naturally evolves. You don’t just create buildings or landscapes—you create experiences. And isn’t that what great design is all about? This is just the beginning. Part 2 is where we delve even deeper into actionable strategies, uncommon insights, and the design secrets that redefine how architecture and landscapes coexist. For now, take these ideas and start imagining the possibilities. The next chapter will take your designs to a whole new level. Stay tuned.
