World Landscape Architecture Month Spotlight - Fine Landscapes
Timeless Beauty & Modern Innovation: Meet Fine Landscapes
This World Landscape Architecture Month, we’re spotlighting Fine Landscapes, a top-tier design firm in Sterling, VA known for its blend of classic elegance and cutting-edge design. From grand estates to intimate garden retreats, their team of landscape architects and designers creates outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.
We sat down with them to talk about their design philosophies, favorite projects, and the materials that bring their visions to life. Read the full interview on our blog!
What inspired you to become a landscape architect/designer
Growing up in Bridgeport, CT I was influenced by the 'father' of Landscape Architecture - Frederick Law Olmstead. He designed Central Park in NYC as his first commission. Seaside Park and Beardsley Park were his 3rd and 5th commissions. These 2 parks are in Bridgeport and I visited them both often with family and friends and as late as last week! Growing up in an urban area in a lower economic class, the parks really gave me motivation to want more out of life and create beauty at home. The parks provided a retreat to us to enjoy with friends and family. I was fascinated with a profession that looked to blend architecture, styling, art, engineering, PLANTS, and could have a positive impact on people, families, everyday people like you and me. That's what drove me to become a landscape architect - to impact people's lives.
How would you describe your design philosophy in one sentence?
Design needs to be timeless and withstand the test of time.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
Many projects but the Capital One Redevlopment project in Tysons. VA. I designed the urban park with one firm and installed the landscapes with Fine.
What elements or materials do you love incorporating into your designs?
Natural Stone and lots and lots of plantings along with more plantings. The garden is never done ... you always have room for more plants.
What trends in landscape architecture/design excite you the most right now?
Material re-use.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your career?
Early Years, Stuart Sachs, PLA
Mid Years, Rob Walker, PLA
Last 10 Years, Charles Owen, founder of Fine Landscapes
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or the field of landscape architecture?
Landscape Architecture is really the best profession in the world, its in the dictionary - Check it out.
What inspired you to become a landscape architect/designer?
I have enjoyed being in the outdoors from a very young age and had many life experiences in nature through traveling and living abroad. In High School I realized that many people don't have the same experiences or opportunities. Since then, it has been my goal to creating outdoors spaces for other to experience and enjoy nature.
How would you describe your design philosophy in one sentence?
By studying the natural environment one can learn to bring it closer to home: adapting, shaping, and molding, it for our enjoyment.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
Langley Fork, it's a small site with a creek and lots of topography making it a fun and challenging property. (pictured above)
What elements or materials do you love incorporating into your designs?
Landscapes should use elements and materials that mimic nature such as natural stone, water, fire, light, and seasonal interest.
What trends in landscape architecture/design excite you the most right now?
Regenerative design techniques such as rainwater harvesting, xeriscapes, native plantings, and passive solar design.
Who has been a major influence or mentor in your career?
Charles Owen, FLL Founder and Taze Fulford, Mississippi State Professor.
Anything else you’d like to share about your journey or the field of landscape architecture?
I spent 3 years in Boliva and 2 years in Haiti using my skills and training to help those in need. I helped build houses, medical clinics, design gardens, install wells and water systems, helped train locals in landscaping and farming techniques. Landscape Architecture can extend to those in need who live on the poverty line. I have always believed in giving back and teaching others.
I include a picture of a garden I designed at an orphanage in Haiti. The garden is watered by rainwater harvesting and provides fresh produce for the orphanage.
The picture of stacked stone walls is to teach the locals about runoff and how to terrace planting beds to retain topsoil, slow the flow of water on the slop. The walls will be backfilled with good soil and then planted. Haiti has only 2% of its forest left after years of deforestation.
To see more projects and current designs, follow Fine Landscapes on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.