What exactly does Mosaic mean?

When coming up with a name for our business we knew we wanted to choose a name that represented the art and science of landscape architecture.

I found a website that does a good job of describing the complexity of a mosaic in landscape ecology.

5. 2. Patch and mosaic

See also: Patch dynamics

Patch, a term fundamental to landscape ecology, is defined as a relatively homogeneous area that differs from its surroundings. ^[5] Patches are the basic unit of the landscape that change and fluctuate, a process called patch dynamics. Patches have a definite shape and spatial configuration, and can be described compositionally by internal variables such as number of trees, number of tree species, height of trees, or other similar measurements. ^[5]

Matrix is the “background ecological system” of a landscape with a high degree of connectivity. Connectivity is the measure of how connected or spatially continuous a corridor, network, or matrix is. ^[5] For example, a forested landscape (matrix) with fewer gaps in forest cover (open patches) will have higher connectivity. Corridors have important functions as strips of a particular type of landscape differing from adjacent land on both sides. ^[5] A network is an interconnected system of corridors while mosaic describes the pattern of patches, corridors and matrix that form a landscape in its entirety. ^[5]

^{http://wapedia.mobi/en/Landscape_Ecology}

As our business matures we hope to be more involved in landscape ecology,  as we believe landscape architects should be providing leadership in wetland rehabilitation, brownfield restoration and sustainable development. Landscape architects are trained to look at landscapes holistically, using inventory and analysis to determine the design while working with various professionals to solve today's complex environmental and social issues.

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!