College Attended: Ohio State University
Degree: Bachelors of science in Landscape Architecture
Year Graduated from College: 1983
Internships: Yardmaster in Perry, Ohio
Hometown Area: I grew up east of Cleveland, Ohio in a small town of Madison on the shores of Lake Erie
Awards / Accomplishments: Spending time touring Italy through wine country and a number of spectacular estates has always been a highlight that will never be forgotten. I specialize in upscale residential design and have had the opportunity to create and install landscapes throughout the Kansas City area over the last 30 years with a number of award winning projects.
Family / Interests / Hobbies: My wife Lori and I enjoy vintage wines and dining with friends. Skiing, hiking, and exploring nature are all passions. My daughter is a K-State grad, my oldest son from KU, and my wife is MU…which has always lead to spirited discussions!
My favorite thing about Landcaping / Designing / Outdoors: Landscape, when done correctly, creates a private space that evokes an emotion and takes you away from the everyday routine. It becomes an oasis that draws you in to explore and relax. Envisioning and creating these spaces for people has always been my passion.
My Inspiration: My father was an Artist and Master Rosarian with over 400 roses on his property, he also judges rose shows throughout Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. I grew up around beautiful landscapes and have been involved in the business all of my life.
Who taught me my most valuable lesson and what it was? One of the most valuable lessons pertaining to landscape design taught to me was “Form follows function”. Good design is dictated by the function that it serves.
My ideal outdoor space: A private enclosed fountain courtyard surrounded by evergreens, overflowing with pots full of summer annuals and sweeps of seasonal color, enjoyed as the sun sets on the horizon. All enhanced with candle light, jazz softly playing in the background, and a glass of wine in my hand.
What inspires me: The estate gardens of Italy and France with the grandeur and formality.
My favorite landscape style: I am partial to a formal and balanced style of landscape. My favorite shrub is boxwood, and it pares spectacularly with azaleas, hydrangeas, and flowering dogwoods. Seasonal color provides the final touch to provide long lasting impact and beauty to brighten the landscape. The goal is to have changing colors and bloom throughout the year, as this keeps the landscape fresh and inviting even during the long winter months.