Design Philosophy

At Lakamas Landscape Design, our first priority is to create landscapes that are deeply beautiful—places that evoke emotion, celebrate light and texture, and feel timeless. But beauty alone isn’t enough. Every landscape we design is also ecologically sound, grounded in science, and thoughtfully planned for longevity.

 

All gardens require maintenance—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise—but with the right design choices, that work can be minimized. 

 

Our goal is to create gardens that age gracefully, becoming easier and more rewarding to care for over time through smart plant selection, layered planting structure, and attention to how each space will grow and change.

 

Our work is science-based and function-driven, rooted in an understanding of how plants, soil, and habitat interconnect. We design with purpose: How useful is this garden to pollinators, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife? Each element serves an ecological role as well as an aesthetic one.

 

Stylistically, my landscapes are contemporary naturalistic—a synthesis of the artistry of the Impressionist painters with the scientific and modern principles of naturalistic planting design. The result is a balance of order and spontaneity, where structure meets movement, and beauty coexists with resilience.

 

Design Influences

 

Our work is shaped by some of the leading voices in naturalistic and ecological design. We draw particular inspiration from the Sheffield School of Landscape Design in England, known for its research-based approach to sustainable planting design; from Piet Oudolf, whose naturalistic style transformed public perceptions of designed landscapes through projects like the High Line in New York; and from Kelly D. Norris, whose American perspective merges ecological function with contemporary artistry.

 

These influences, combined with my own years of horticultural and design experience in the Pacific Northwest, have led me to a style that merges scientific understanding with expressive, painterly design—gardens that are both resilient and deeply beautiful.

 

Our Goals

 

• Create visually dramatic and uplifting gardens with strong design impact

• Offer year-round visual interest through texture, structure, and seasonal rhythm

• Support biodiversity and invite pollinators, birds, and beneficial wildlife

• Reduce resource use—water, fertilizers, and time—through efficient, science-based design

• Unite beauty and purpose, so each landscape feels alive, authentic, and sustainable

 

Our aim is to design landscapes that are highly sustainable and profoundly beautiful—gardens that enrich your home, nurture the environment, and offer joy in every season.

 

“As a proud member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), I am committed to advancing the practice of sustainable and artful landscape design through continuing education, collaboration, and adherence to the highest professional standards.” – Jonna Semke