Design Philosophy (updated 01/15/13)

Muse Design Inc. approaches each new project with a thoughtful exploration of the site and a meaningful conversation with the client(s) about goals and expectations.   Inspiration comes from the sites unique context;  historical, cultural, ecological and philosophical. Understanding the client and context assures manmade and natural elements are integrated perfectly.  No compromise to either is the target outcome.  Today Muse Design Inc. proudly offers residential and corporate landowners inspired conservation development planning, and landscape design.

It’s been almost 30 years that I’ve been designing and building landscapes, working in the field of ecologically restoration.  I’m a very lucky man because I have always had a deep passion for ecology and art. My life work in landscape design has been a fantastic journey into both.

The philosophy behind my work is as important as the work itself.  Thoughts I have about man’s interdependent relationship with nature have been refined again and again by lessons I have learned from the many rural people and remote cultures I have encountered and studied.  There is a truth about the human condition expressed in the art work of historic painters, sculptors and architects.  This same truth can be found in the contrast between today’s modern and indigenous cultures; especially indigenous cultures fortunate enough to still have their native language.  My search for the nature and character of this common truth, this human theme if you will, has been a fascination of mine since childhood.

Generalizations should be avoided, but here it goes: Man’s profound preoccupation with nature’s many mysteries is a universal phenomenon in human history.

Today change and innovation move quickly and most of us are witnessing a shift in our modern society away from the wonders of the natural world towards an interior environment supported by technological innovation.  Along with this shift there is a decisive ‘green’ movement firmly in place. More so now than ever people are realizing that a productive and healthy society must constantly support, create new ways to keep the environment healthy and nature relevant in our lives.

Plainly put, there is no digital equal to the feeling one gets awakening to a clear blue sky or watching a full moon rising over the summer ocean. We are  human! And we are still drawn to natural spaces that are peaceful, beautiful, eagerly internalizing their balance and harmony.