The little business that could

When we entered the landscape architecture program at the University of Idaho the profession was booming. Seniors had jobs lined up six weeks ahead of graduation...it was very exciting! Fast forward to my graduation in 2009 and times had changed. Jon and I found ourselves setting goals for ourselves since we quickly realized that we could not wait for the firms to start hiring. That is how Mosaic Land Design was born and we started out being willing to do anything. One of Jon's first jobs involved trimming rose bushes! Contrary to popular belief this is not something landscape architecture students are taught to do.

Jon is a can-do guy and has managed to balance being a husband, friend, and father to five children while learning the ropes of business ownership and all that entails. You know...the fun stuff. Taxes.

Here we are almost three years later and meeting many of our goals! Jon has recently become a licensed landscape architect and let me tell you those tests are not easy. We are big dreamers and I know that we will be a successful landscape architecture firm someday. Already we are establishing a downtown presence with a location at the Moscow engineering firm Hodge and Associates on Washington St. near the Moscow Food Co-op. Jon is also partnering with Rimrock Consulting on a site design for a commercial building.

I am certain that this is just the beginning of great things for the little business that could.

Bernard Trainor: Simple

‘I see simplicity not so much as a disregard for complexity but as the clarification of the significant.’

Australian architect Glenn Murcutt

After almost a year and a half, we break ground in Pullman.

We finally broke ground on a project in Pullman, WA that we've highly anticipated and that's been a long time in the works. Tim, the homeowner has been very involved in the design process and in the selection of materials and even in the labor and I'm grateful to him for all his input. To be honest, he's a huge reason the project has turned out so well.

From the start, Tim wanted a planting design comprised almost completely of evergreens. In the selection process, I've become very aware of what's available to designers here in the west and have found some favorites that I'll definitely use again including the Low Glow Japanese Red Pine, the Thunderhead Japanese Black Pine, the Joe Kozy Japanese Umbrella Pine and the Motala Norway Spruce.

It's not a surprise that many of these plants bear oriental origins. The low lines of the house readily lend themselves to a zen like landscape with mid-modern accents and industrial hues.

I'll provide updates as the project progresses.

Here's some progress pictures:

Front Stairs

Moscow Water Department is planted!

Jon went down to the City of Moscow Water Department several weeks ago to lay-out the plants for his Water Wise planting design. We are quite pleased with how it turned out!

Palouse Residence

Jefferson St. Residence

This beautiful modernist home which has been renovated to fit Green Building standards faces many of the same exterior challenges that most Palouse residents face: steep slopes, erosion, and storm water mitigation. We have been working on the design for several months and are eager to begin installation of the design in June. Keep coming back for updated pictures!

Graduation!

Mosaic Land Design is offically a family affair! Do you think these kids will want to join in in a few years? I graduated May 2009 from the University of Idaho Landscape Architecture Department. Its amazing how fast three years can go by, and I owe my success to the support of my family. I am thrilled to have learned how to create the places that I love to go, the places that we wish for our children. I am excited to use my skills to create a better world where people and nature can come together in a complimentary fashion.