World Landscape Architecture Month Spotlight - Enchanted Garden Landscape
Designing Desert Dreams: Enchanted Garden Landscape’s Approach to the Southwest
The desert landscape is both challenging and inspiring, and no one knows that better than the team at Enchanted Garden Landscape in Phoenix, AZ. Their experts craft breathtaking outdoor spaces that embrace sustainability, water efficiency, and desert beauty.
For World Landscape Architecture Month, we asked their designers about their biggest inspirations, favorite projects, and what’s trending in desert landscape design. Check out their full interviews below
What inspired you to become a landscape architect/designer?
I grew up on a farm. We lived a life of sustainability. I always knew the importance of being a steward of the land. I am lucky to live my dram. I grew in the nursery industry which helped my professional degree in landscape architecture.
How would you describe your design philosophy in one sentence?
Practice sustainable/responsible landscape development.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why? (Feel free to include a photo below or link!)
My favorite project was a job where the clients challenged me to immerse myself in nature for healing and reflection. We also created many different venues for the family embracing the different qualities of each area for enjoyment all times of the day.
What elements or materials do you love incorporating into your designs?
We always draw from our surroundings. I like using boulders to ground and connect us to nature. I love specimen trees and cacti to bend positive/negative space. I love boulders and Saguaros - our sentinels of the Sonoran Desert. I love embracing nature
What trends in landscape architecture/design excite you the most right now?
The trends inspire contemporary architecture where everything is completely transparent. This natural response requires us to be in sync with the inside/outside continuity of response.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your career?
My parents taught me to live self-dependent on the land to take care of this precious resource. My professor William Larson was responsible for my intellectual growth and development. Phil Hebets made native salvage a possibility. He taught me a respect for our special native resources.
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or the field of landscape architecture?
Be authentic. Respect our resources. Use your skills to be responsible to design principles of a bigger picture of how to draw from your surroundings.
What inspired you to become a landscape architect/designer?
My years in architecture and my love of creative outdoor spaces.
How would you describe your design philosophy in one sentence?
I let the specific architecture and layout of the space move me in the direction of form, function, and beauty.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
I have been lucky enough to have been part of so many great projects, it would be difficult to narrow it down to just one.
What elements or materials do you love incorporating into your designs?
I like to use impactful vertical tiles and finishes to make the design stand out from others.
What trends in landscape architecture/design excite you the most right now?
The use of deco tiles and mosaics are a trend that I am seeing currently. Incorporating these elements in my designs has been fun and challenging.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your career?
Twenty-three years ago, I started a job as a CAD manager at a landscape design firm. I have met many great designers over the years, however, Celia Vandermolen of Sketch Landscape Architecture has been a friend and mentor from the beginning.
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or the field of landscape architecture?
I truly feel I have the heart of a teacher. I enjoy designing landscapes and outdoor spaces and coming up with high-impact designs. I feel like I am growing if I share that knowledge with the younger generation.
What inspired you to become a landscape architect/designer?
There is so much beauty in the world, I love being outside and working with plants! After I relocated to Arizona, I wanted to learn more about it the plants and environment.
How would you describe your design philosophy in one sentence?
Keep it simple, accessible and dynamic.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
I don't have a favorite project. I love that every project is different and brings not only different perspectives but challenges as well.
What elements or materials do you love incorporating into your designs?
Sculptural or artistic pieces provided by clients that we are incorporated into the design.
What trends in landscape architecture/design excite you the most right now?
Low Voltage Lighting has changed so much in recent years thanks to new technologies.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your career?
My Grandmother instilled a love for plants and gardening in me from the time I was a young child. And Donna Winters inspired me to keep learning and growing my knowledge.
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or the field of landscape architecture?
I approach every project with an open mind and understanding of the clients wants, needs and desires. Then work with them to achieve their goals. I believe it is important to remember to keep the focus on the client.
To see more projects and current designs, follow Enchanted Garden on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.