College Heights Estates, MD
Job Size: Small
Job Status: In the Ground
Our clients inherited an old brick fireplace (from previous homeowners) that they wanted to give some love. It was clear from initial site visits and design conversations that this fireplace was the center of social gatherings and a treasured feature in the yard. We suggested simple design interventions that would improve functionality and aesthetic quality. The fireplace is now a gorgeous focal point surrounding a large broken flagstone patio that can accommodate all sorts of gatherings. Simple thermal bluestone caps set on brick piers create bench seating while beautifully sheltering and displaying firewood reserves.
Design Tools: AutoCAD, Adobe Suite
Collaborators: Renee LaGue
Installation: Premier Hardscapes
Photographer: Jahnae Neal
Renee LaGue
Renee LagGue has seven seasons of hands-on outdoor field work under her belt. She has managed crews building stone staircases, stepping stones, trails, and drainage structures in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Her knowledge of agriculture and urban gardening comes from her work growing vegetables and raising animals on production farms. And as a gardener for high-end residential clients in the Berkshires, she developed a hands-on familiarity with native and ornamental plants. Renee received a M.A. in landscape design from the Conway School and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland. In addition to her residential design work, she has designed ecological landscapes in California and green stormwater facilities in Maryland. In her designs, Renee reimagines challenging and complex sites to solve multiple problems. Her design education has given her a special love of color in the landscape, unusual plants, and common materials reused in novel ways.
Washington, D.C.
Job Size: Large
Job Status: In the Ground
Washington, D.C. and its neighboring suburbs can meet almost anyone’s daily desires. Our clients realized there was no other place they would rather retire, so they decided to invest in major architectural and site improvements to their existing residence. We created a site master plan along with a series of 3D renderings capturing key locations within the proposed site design. Projects requiring major financial commitment for implementation really benefit from these kinds of preliminary visual tools.
Design Tools: AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Sketchup, Lumion
Collaborators: Renee LaGue, Maya Mulé
Architect:StudioLyew
Renee LaGue
Renee LagGue has seven seasons of hands-on outdoor field work under her belt. She has managed crews building stone staircases, stepping stones, trails, and drainage structures in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Her knowledge of agriculture and urban gardening comes from her work growing vegetables and raising animals on production farms. And as a gardener for high-end residential clients in the Berkshires, she developed a hands-on familiarity with native and ornamental plants. Renee received a M.A. in landscape design from the Conway School and a Master’s of Landscape Architecture from the University of Maryland. In addition to her residential design work, she has designed ecological landscapes in California and green stormwater facilities in Maryland. In her designs, Renee reimagines challenging and complex sites to solve multiple problems. Her design education has given her a special love of color in the landscape, unusual plants, and common materials reused in novel ways.
Maya Mulé
From a young age, I knew that I had a passion for creativity, art, and design. For my freshman year, I attended Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to study architecture in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. SCAD was a great opportunity to experience the artistic perspective of architecture and become more aware of how the landscape interacts with the built environment. After studying for a year at SCAD, I decided to transfer into the architecture program at the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park to be closer to home and pursue the Bachelor of Science/Masters academic path to licensure. Working with Kelley truly sparked my interest in landscape architecture and I feel that it is important to understand and integrate the natural environment while designing a building and its surroundings. Some of my other interests include sustainability, environmental design, drawing, and painting. In my spare time I love to travel, hike, and practice yoga.
Bladensburg, MD
Job Size: Small (but mighty)
Job Status: In the Ground
Amid the global covid-19 pandemic, we reached out to our family at Eco City Farms to find out if there was any way we could put our design skills to use. Leadership identified a need for signage, creative art elements, and public engagement opportunities. We called on co-creator and artist/graphic designer Saba Hamidi of Saba Hamidi Designs to assist. Saba specializes in visual storytelling and has a sophisticated yet gentle graphic style that excites people and encourages human connection. She developed a large farm mural map which was hand painted onto a metal shipping container that Eco uses as a farm classroom. Current seasonal crops will be highlighted as they are being grown so community members, staff, and volunteers can stay informed. Crops will be on magnets that are movable. The mural is intended to be an artful tool that will bring functionality, comfort, and joy to those that use it.
Design Tools: AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, Procreate
Collaborators: Saba Hamidi
Materials: TW Perry donated $500 in implementation supplies
Installation: Volunteers
https://www.ecoffshoots.org/
Saba Hamidi
An experienced designer for over ten years in the creative industry – from landscape architecture to graphic design – Saba leverages her strong visual communication skills and a lifelong commitment to the creative arts to effectively share ideas. With a human-centered approach, her focus lies in driving an idea from conceptualization to implementation through storytelling, installations, exhibits, digital graphics, and print collateral. Saba is skilled in design strategy, conceptualization, and visual storytelling, with expertise in digital renderings, illustration, and medium to large scale mural installation. As a ‘Visual Storyteller,’ Saba gravitates toward media & subject matter that can be used as tools to heal, unite, inspire and bridge divides. For her, the most important works are those that, through collaboration and listening, generate dialogue, enhance a sense of community, and tell stories that need to be heard (and seen).
See Saba’s work at www.sabahamidi.com and follow her on IG @madebysaba
District Heights, MD
Job Size: Large
Job Status: In the Ground
As part of a volunteer design team for the Neighborhood Design Center’s Community Desig Works program, we worked with veterans and community members in the City of District Heights to develop concept designs for a new veterans memorial. NDC facilitated a series of community engagement events that included design activities focused on capturing the core desires and needs of the community. Our volunteer team’s final concept ideas were used to attract additional local and state funding. Once sufficient resources were secured, the City implemented the project with help from local engineering/design firms. We celebrated at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Veterans Day 2021.
Design Tools: AutoCAD
Collaborators: Kontessa Roebuck, Nohely Alvarez, Kontessa Roebuck
Photographer: Jahnae Neal
https://www.pexels.com/@jahnae-neal-614113
Wasington, DC
Job Size: Small
Job Status: In the Works
Storytelling through accessible and compelling imagery is how we prefer to share design ideas. Thanks to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we designed graphics for interpretive signs to be constructed, and installed at (3) public sites across the District that demonstrate green infrastructure techniques in action.
Design Tools: Adobe Suite
Design Team: Ian Kisakye and Kelley Oklesson
Baltimore, MD
Job Size: Large
Job Status: In the Works
This exciting project is the first of many to come for the DCMDVA Chapter of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. As the Director of Public Relations, Kelley Oklesson took the lead on identifying a local community project in need of design assistance. She teamed up with the Neighborhood Design Center (a previous employer) who had been contacted by the Bolton Hill Community Association(BHCA) looking to renovate Contee Parago Triangle Park. The park is one of the first park spaces in Baltimore to commemorate an African American Baltimore resident, and was dedicated in honor of Mr. Contee and Mr. Parago in 1971. NDC guided the community design and community consensus phase of the project and the APLD design team will help BHCA in organizing fundraiser efforts for the major park renovation. The goal is to have the renovations completed in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the park’s establishment in May 2021.
Design Tools: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Lumion, & Hand sketches
Collaborators: Neighborhood Design Center, Association of Professional Landscape Designers DCMDVA Chapter, Bolton Hill Community Association, Midtown Baltimore
Design Team: Edy Osorio, Kelley Oklesson, Maya Mule, Maureen Robinson, Tony Kostreski, Lynley Ogilvie, Karen Weaver, Linda Carney, Eric Gilbey, Roger Clapp, Kevin O’Neill, Todd Krellner
NW Washington, D.C.
Job Size: Medium
Job Status: On the shelf
When not working as a full time nurse, our client is loving on and caring for two champion show dogs. We were brought in to offer creative and effective design solutions for the rear yard which had symptoms of land overuse from the doggos. After thoroughly analyzing the site we realized that the heavily compacted areas were due to the dog’s desire lines which went from the back door diagonally to the fence corner and along the fence where they could view and sniff passerbys. Good designers know to always work with the desire lines, never against. Our concept turned the rear yard into a micro dog park and edible garden haven. We used a raised planter to enclose a dog tunnel running from the back door to the fence corner along the horizontal desire line. A series of raised planter beds stem off of the dog tunnel planter creating a maze for the dogs to navigate and ample growing space for the client. Going vertical opened up many opportunities for accessibility, protection from doggos, and the ability to easily achieve and maintain optimal soil health. We were mindful of the stormwater runoff challenges so hardscaping was a mix of permeable gravel and pavers with planted seams. These dogs are going to love this backyard, plus no more muddy paws!
Design Tools: Hand rendering, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Lumion
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Job Size: Medium
Job Status: In the ground
Exterior spaces are conceptualized similarly to architecture of buildings. Gardens are rooms with transitional hallways that guide people from one room to the next. The Carroll family had a few key outdoor rooms and hallways that were ready for reinvention. Incorporating flexible design elements for future additions/changes became an important design goal for the larger, open activity spaces. Other site challenges included making narrow side yard areas feel spacious while also screening, greening, and maintaining comfortable walking access. A tall and narrow deciduous row of fastigiate Beech trees were added to create a green veil between the house and the busy neighborhood street. Color and texture of all sorts were included throughout the garden rooms and hallways which make for an exquisite experience. We anticipate that some of the gardens will change when our client’s kids get older, as they totally should.
Design Tools: Hand renderings & Google Sketchup & AutoCAD
Materials: Merrifield Garden Center (Plants) & Tri-State (Stone)
Installation: Hughes Landscaping
Washington, DC
Job Size: Large
Job Status: In the Works & In the Ground
This super modern and edgy condo building was really lacking a creative and thoughtful landscape. What tends to happen on development projects like this is that a builder will blow the budget on the architecture and have a slim budget left for landscaping. We call the resulting landscaping choices “builder-grade” material which is essentially the same 10 plants used by all of the builders (plants that are cheap and grow fas)t. We were contracted by the amazing local company Love and Carrots to help develop the full site design and detailed planting plan. Due to the stark colors of the building, all of the residents desired color, texture, and all season interest. Lucky for them, that’s what we gave them. The most visible and possibly the most important garden has been installed to date. Can’t wait for the rest of the project to get in the ground.
Design Tools: Google Sketchup, AutoCAD, and Adobe InDesign
Installation: Love and Carrots
Alexandria, VA
Job Size: Medium
Job Status: In the Ground
Word got around about our design services on the Delray Neighborhood Listserv and we were soon approached to offer creative stormwater solutions for these awesome clients. They were frustrated with a few low-lying areas that would collect and hold stormwater for days after large storms. Their sweet golden retriever would become a muddy mess and the family would track mud into the house. After two failed perc tests (dig a hole 2’ deep and 1’ wide, then fill it with water to see how quickly it completely drains) we ditched our initial idea to propose linear rain gardens along the property lines. The perc test results told us that the soil did not have the capacity to hold additional water so our next best option was to convey the stormwater, or move it through the sight in a beautiful and functional way. There were two important existing design features on site that gave us inspiration for pitching a deck concept that would include a boardwalk. One was a beautiful existing river birch and the other was a charming potting shed (hand-built by our client). The deck would feel like an extension of the shed, while avoiding the root system of the birch tree. We designed a two channel dry riverbed that would capture surface water runoff from the neighboring property and move it through the site, under the deck and across the edge of the lawn. The elevation change from one side to the other was a matter of inches so attention to the swale depth along the way was essential for conveyance success. Native perennial plantings soften the stone river bed and offer habitat for local species. While working on this project our client became a Master Naturalist and has been really enjoying the learning process. The most impressive piece of this project was that the entire project (except for the new sod) was implemented by our client! We offered guidance and support as needed throughout the entire implementation process which was the coolest!
Design Tools: Hand renderings & AutoCAD
Materials: Robi Decking (Decking), Irwin Stone (Hardscape), North Creek Nursery (Plants), Merrifield (Plants), Gro-Getters (Plants)
Sod Installation: Hughes Landscaping
Hardscape, Decking, Plant Installation: Client
Kill Devil Hills, NC
Job Size: Medium
Job Status: On the shelf
Coastal environments are unique landscapes defined by the sun, saltwater, and ocean air. This cute beach bungalow property belongs to an active young environmentally engaged family who wanted to explore ideas to maximize the functionality of their sandy backyard space. They desired landscape features that fit into the context of the coastal environment and complemented their desired lifestyle. We utilized horizontally stacked wood piers to create an artificial dune wall. The dune will offer protection from the powerful coastal winds while creating a feeling of privacy and enclosure for a fun family fire pit space. Native coastal grasses and perennial flowers will cover the dune to anchor the new feature and provide habitat for local wildlife. A lower deck protects feet from hot sand and offers a comfortable space for an outdoor shower. Raised vegetable beds with drip irrigation make for a fun and easy growing experience. Wood boardwalks with strategically placed landings guide you through the property while offering respite. This concept embraced the sandy landscape and other natural offerings to make for a truly special spot.
Design Tools: AutoCAD, Adobe InDesign, Sketchup, Lumion
Alexandria, VA
Job Size: Medium
Job Status: In the Ground
This cute house backs up to a naturally forested stream buffer where wildlife is thriving in a peri-urban environment. Our clients both work full time and operate a successful Airbnb out of their ground unit. They were interested in seeking design solutions for the front yard where an additional parking space was desired as well as a new welcoming new entrance to the front door. Edible shrubs and trees border the new parking space, while native perennials hug a neat trio of colorful statement planters. Special attention was given to artfully manage stormwater and offer additional habitat amenities. We called for a simple recirculating boulder fountain to create peaceful ambient sounds as well as a drinking spot for wildlife including our client’s schnauzer pup. The stacked wood walls make a strong architectural statement while encouraging local critters to make a home out of this modern woodland wonderland. Our client’s trust, curiosity, and passion for nature really made this experience unforgettable.
Design Tools: Hand renderings & AutoCAD
Materials: Various local nurseries
Installation: Great American Landscapes
NW Washington, D.C.
Job Size: Medium
Status: In the Ground
Most people inherit garden and hardscaping decisions from previous homeowners when they buy or rent a property. These inherited decisions are usually rooted in very practical reasoning, stemming from budget or site constraints. As designers, we oftentimes find ourselves giving clients permission to alter inherited decisions. Why not think out of the outdoor box, right? This fun project involved a patio that was an inherited design constrained by an angled brick retaining wall which at one time held back a large mature oak tree. Our client wanted ideas on how to reimagine the patio area as a gathering, dining, grilling, and play space. We elevated the south patio creating one continuous plane and created the feeling of two separate rooms with thoughtful paving patterns while utilizing all existing bricks. New planting beds soften the hardscaping while also allowing us to create a nice little grill nook. We added a few flowering understory trees and shrubs to the upper garden area which added new layers of visual and environmental interest. Every feature of this design was intentional and considerate of the client’s budget and lifestyle.
Design Tools: Hand renderings & AutoCAD
Materials: Various local nurseries & Tri-State (Stone)
Installation: Hughes Landscaping
Gaithersburg, MD
Job Size: Large
Status: On the shelf
We were so thrilled with the opportunity to design a cutting garden for a real professional florist. In preparation for the project, we attended two local workshops on how to start and manage your own cutting garden. We had three major design criteria for the planting palette: bloom time (early spring bloomers & late summer bloomers), stem length (18” or longer), and as many natives as possible. The layout of the design focused on creating a beautiful learning environment where visitors/clients taking workshops with our client would be inspired and comfortable. We pulled together an incredible list of native plants that would offer beauty and and abundance of environmental services. Can’t get better than that.
Design Tools: Digital rendering, AutoCAD, and Adobe InDesign
Kensington, MD
Job size: Large
Status: In the Ground
The Town of Kensington Maryland is known for its charming and historic architecture. We came in at the end of a massive renovation and addition to a traditional four square home built in the early 1900s. The landscape was a near clean slate so we were able to pitch some exciting ideas. We added as many new native trees as we could fit into the new plans, conservation landscapes to help slow stormwater surface runoff, a cutting garden, a custom made firewood storage sculpture and more. We were lucky to have such great clients that trusted our input and were open to thinking outside of the box.
Design Tools: Hand rendering and AutoCAD
Iron work: Robinson Forged Metals
Installation: Great American Landscapes, Outdoor Illuminations