Water has been an important component of gardens for centuries, it was a visual feature and then became a recreational facility. These functions are still the main purposes for developing a water feature in your garden. They are investments that add value and delight. We have a short season in Quebec so the water feature must be designed to generate the maximum benefits to the home owner.
The swimming pool environment must be designed considering size, location, orientation, shape, ambiance and fencing. Landscape architects take all of these factors into consideration and create a special environment. Contemporary landscape architectural design will create the most impact for your investment.
I have included some representative projects that include both contemporary swimming pools, water features and a major fountain at Toronto’s SkyDome (Rogers Centre) completed in collaboration with artist Susan Schelle while a partner in Moore George Associates inc.
I love doing both country and city houses because they are special personal retreats that present unique design challenges. The house environment must be respectively integrated with the landscape environment. A key question to be resolved is: Where does the architectural environment end and the natural one start? Careful location of the house, entrance, parking, and the outdoor recreation areas is an important first step. I pay particular attention to drainage and grading right from the beginning.
I work with the owners to develop an understanding of the distinguishing features of the site, their design style, the development program and how they intend to use the outdoor spaces of their home. Country and city houses both need strong distinctive entrances, great outdoor terraces, decks and pools. With urban homes minimum maintenance is desired, with country homes there needs to be a careful and deliberate balance between the maintained landscape and the more natural one.
I have included projects that I have been responsible for.
In other "chapters “of my career I have worked with multi disciplinary firms and as a principle landscape architect when operating my own consulting firm. I have had the privilege of undertaking many different projects in Quebec, Ontario, Sultanate of Oman and Dubai. I still provide this service for public and private sector projects. This work has included waterfront development, campus design, hospitals, health care centres, public parks and residential and urban developments.
These are the heart of the garden, the focus of family activities. To me, the terrace is one of the most important "places" that you can create. They can be large or small, contemporary or natural but they must have character - one that suits your individual style and taste. I love to design and then see them being used by family and friends. Design issues including scale, size, circulation and microclimate must be considered. Outdoor kitchens, BBQ areas, shade structures, screens, paving and interesting planting are key components. Lighting makes these spaces come alive even in winter months. The addition of sculptural elements brings them to a new level.
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