As we round the corner toward Spring, I suspect most homeowners have already begun considering how to maximize their outdoor space, especially in light of the pandemic. I am thrilled my friend Ted Spores, Landscape Architect and Owner of Terra Nova Design Studio, agreed to share his insights into Landscape Architecture and Design for outdoor spaces of all kinds. Here is what he had to say…

LG: Pretend I know nothing about Landscape Architecture & Design - how would you describe the profession? What’s the difference between the two (architecture vs design)?

TS: There is a commonality among design fields - interiors and exteriors. We are both creating spaces or elements that evoke a mood, feeling, or experience - to connect with the user in some way. We manipulate spaces to create solutions through use of form, texture, color, spatial relationships, etc.

Landscape Design and Architecture, however, require work with ephemeral aspects. The spaces we focus on change daily, seasonally and generationally. Weather interacts differently with materials, spaces, plants, regions, as well as the user. For example, we use plants that vary in color or form - they flower, they lose their leaves, they have motion and create shadows. Landscapes engage with the environment often more than architecture does. Landscapes should act as a compliment or some level of reflection to architecture, not contrary to it.

To be a Landscape Architect, one must have a degree and be licensed. Licensure signifies competency within a jurisdiction and dictates what can legally be designed and built from a plan set. Landscape Architects tend to engage in a broader scope of design that involves technical detailing - including structures, walls, fire pits, pools, water features, outdoor kitchens, drainage, grading, lighting plans, fire management planning, vegetation management plans etc.

Landscape Design and garden designers often focus on smaller garden and outdoor spaces, usually residential in scope and scale. The profession is broad and some provide more in-depth planning work, it just depends on the individual/firm. There are many excellent designers out there creating beautiful spaces of all kinds.

*Courtesy of Terra Nova Design Studio, Photography by Sabine Scherer*

*Terra Nova Design Studio, Photography by Sabine Scherer*

LG: With Interior Design, there are a number of styles with strong characteristics that give them an identity (ie. French country, modern farmhouse, minimalism, etc.) – is the same true for landscape design? Are there defined design styles or aesthetic principles?

TS: Interior design styles can and often do translate to the outdoor design world as well - expressed through choices in materials, planting style, stone, water features, furnishings, fabric colors, and wood tones to name a few. In fact, I feel the connection between interiors and the surrounding exterior can often be overlooked. It is important they relate to one another, visually and texturally. There should be a discussion, a language, a relationship between the two.

For the most part, I believe design principles are the same across disciplines... maybe a slight variation depending on the field or general outdoor perspective. We start with the foundation - the bones and the shapes of the exterior - layering in texture, color and contrast to create visual interest. We often create focal points, with a fountain or a piece of art, a vista, or structure - then craft the rest of the design around that piece (and it can also stand alone).

LG: What are the most important things to consider when first starting out designing an outdoor space?

TS:

Needs, uses and desires (lifestyle considerations)
The Site - terrain, environmental aspects (sun/weather), views, flow of entry points, etc.
The architecture - style and floor plan
Design Style (look inside the house! What is your taste?)
Budget and timelines
Constraints and opportunities
Spaces and circulation

LG: What are a few key questions to ask before hiring a landscape architect/designer?

TS: Ask them about their approach: how do they create their designs? Do they have one aesthetic they work within or is every project different? What is the process? Who builds their projects? Talk to the landscape contractors as well. Get a feeling for their design-to-build process. Also get very clear about budget up front... this tends to be the biggest surprise for clients, especially when anything structural is being done. Referrals are always best. Find someone you know who has a trusted relationship with the landscape architect or designer or ask for references.

LG: What advice do you have for someone wanting to enhance the look of their outdoor space without spending a ton? Best ways to cut corners?

TS: Start by evaluating the number one need. What problem are you trying to solve?

Examples:

Are you looking to make the space more interesting or inviting? Look at the general design principles - consider adding layers or textures to make it more dynamic.
Is it “too hot and kind of boring?" Add a colorful umbrella or shade sail, some pots with layered greenery and colorful plants.
Does the space seem chaotic? Bring in unifying elements - multiple plants that are the same in a space will create a harmonizing calmness and consistency. There can still be some pop too!
Does the space feel too small? Consider fine-textured plants to make the space feel bigger. For example, espaliered plant features (flat, fine-textured, vertical growing elements) draw your eye upward and integrate color and texture without taking up lots of space. Also, white flowering plants, lighter accents, neutral pillows and simple focal elements will help it to feel larger as well.

Conclusion:

The best bang for your buck are new plants. These are the most reasonably priced elements within a garden space and they can do it all - act as an accent or unifying element, adding textural character or a pop of color.

LG: Can you tell me a bit about how you got to where you are now, as a landscape architect and designer?

TS: My introduction to the landscape design profession was from the installation and technical side: irrigation design and construction. While I have always had a creative eye, my foundation was grounded in the very practical aspects of how things are built.

Early on, I often witnessed conflicts between designers and builders - they did not have a means for properly communicating about how to best solve problems and join forces to achieve client goals. This set me on an academic path into Landscape Architecture, to cultivate a skillset to bridge that gap for ultimate project success and client satisfaction.

Since then, my professional experience has spanned residential and commercial properties and large scale corporate developments. I’ve worked on regional & community planning, master planned communities, trail systems, public spaces and resorts.

LG: What does Terra Nova specialize in?

TS: At Terra Nova Design Studio, we focus on custom residential, estates, fine gardens, premier hospitality and smaller corporate properties. Our process is collaborative - incorporating input from the client, designer and builders. Our approach takes into account the setting, spacial elements, and unique environmental demands of the project to create a true sense of place.

Our designs incorporate amenities of all kinds - pools, outdoor structures, kitchens - and all aspects of detailed garden and landscape experiences. We create everything from master plans and landscape conceptual design plans through construction drawings. We seek to fulfill the clients goals by creating outdoor spaces and experiences that are timely, yet timeless.

LG: What is your favorite part about the design process?

TS: This could be a very long and multifaceted answer but I'll keep it short. I love working with clients and developing an understanding of how to translate what they desire into a cohesive plan that they can enjoy and grow with over time. I enjoy creating a concept which turns into a completed landscape, that achieves those goals, fits into the essence of the site and marries beautifully with the architectural style and surrounding environment.

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For more information about working with Ted and Terra Nova Design Studio, please reach out:

E: ted@terranovadesignstudio.com | C: (707) 479-4438

Until next time!

LG