Learning to See the Land Before Changing It
Growing up in Tennessee, I never thought of the landscape as something separate from everyday life. It was just there. The trees along the roads, the changing colors of the seasons, the creek beds hidden behind neighborhoods, and the patches of wild growth that appeared wherever nature was left alone were all part of the background.
It was not until I started working in landscape design that I realized how much those early experiences shaped the way I approach a project. Before I ever studied landscape architecture or created a design plan for a client, I was already learning from the places around me.
Tennessee has a certain character that is hard to replicate. The land is not perfectly predictable. We have rolling hills, humid summers, heavy rains, rocky areas, and a wide variety of plant life. A landscape here has to work with those conditions. You cannot simply copy an idea from another region and expect it to feel right.
That has been one of the biggest lessons throughout my career. The best landscapes are not always the ones that force a vision onto a property. They are the ones that understand what the land is already trying to become.
Designing With Tennessee, Not Against It
One of the first things I consider when approaching a property is what already exists. I look at the trees, the patterns of sunlight, the way water moves across the land, and even the areas where plants naturally seem to thrive.
There have been plenty of times when a client has a specific idea in mind, and I understand why. They may have seen a landscape online or visited a place that inspired them. The challenge is figuring out how to bring that inspiration into their property while still respecting the environment they actually have.
That balance is not always easy.
Sometimes the most beautiful choice is not adding something new. Sometimes it is protecting what is already there. A mature tree that provides shade, a natural slope that creates interest, or native plants that have adapted to the area can become the foundation of a design.
I have had moments where I questioned whether leaving something alone would feel like I was not doing enough. As a designer, there is always a temptation to make a noticeable change. People expect a transformation. But over time, I have learned that restraint can be just as valuable as creativity.
A good landscape does not need to announce itself. Sometimes it simply feels like it belongs.
The Influence of Native Plants
Native plants have become a bigger part of the way I think about design. Growing up, I appreciated plants because of how they looked. Now I appreciate them because of how they interact with everything around them.
A plant is not just a visual element. It is connected to the soil, the weather, wildlife, and the long-term health of the space.
When selecting plants for a project, I often think about questions that go beyond appearance. Will this plant handle Tennessee summers? Will it require constant maintenance? Will it support the natural environment? Will it still look good years from now?
Those questions matter because a landscape is not finished the day the installation is complete. In many ways, that is when the landscape begins.
There is always a tradeoff. Some plants may create an immediate impact but require more attention over time. Others may take longer to establish but create a more sustainable and natural environment. Helping clients understand those differences is part of my job.
I want people to love their outdoor spaces, but I also want them to enjoy living with them.
Learning From Tennessee’s Seasons
One of the things I love about designing in Tennessee is that the landscape is constantly changing. Every season tells a different story.
Spring brings new growth and color. Summer tests the strength of plants through heat and humidity. Fall creates some of the most beautiful changes in the landscape, and winter reveals the structure that is often hidden during the rest of the year.
Early in my career, I think I focused more on creating a beautiful final picture. I wanted everything to look complete. Over time, I started appreciating the importance of designing for change.
A landscape should not only look good on one day in May when everything is blooming. It should have character throughout the year.
That requires thinking differently. It means considering how plants mature, how spaces will be used in different seasons, and how the landscape will continue to develop after my work is done.
The Responsibility of Designing Places That Last
The biggest influence Tennessee has had on my work is teaching me patience. Nature does not rush, and good landscapes should not either.
A tree takes years to become established. A garden changes over time. A space that feels ordinary today may become someone’s favorite place years from now.
That long-term perspective is something I carry into every project. I do not just think about what a landscape looks like when the project is complete. I think about what it will feel like five, ten, or twenty years later.
The landscapes around Tennessee have always reminded me that design is about more than creating something attractive. It is about creating something that fits, something that feels connected to its surroundings, and something that becomes part of people’s lives.
For me, that is what makes landscape architecture so rewarding. I am not just designing outdoor spaces. I am helping shape the places where people will gather, relax, make memories, and experience the beauty that has always been part of Tennessee.