The Endless Playground: Why Landscape Architects Should Keep Playing Outside as Adults

As landscape architects, we may think of our profession as one that thrives on blueprints and designs, but our best canvas isn't always on paper or a computer screen. We are the creators of outdoor spaces, the curators of nature's beauty, but how often do we step into those spaces ourselves and truly experience their magic? And just like a child finds wonder in a backyard, we should also venture outside as adults—drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the boundless potential of the natural world.

Reconnecting With Nature in Our Backyards

In the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, it's easy to become disconnected from the very essence of our work—nature. A typical day at work often involves long hours at our desks and in meetings, which can affect our physical well-being. We spend hours crafting intricate designs, poring over blueprints, and collaborating with clients, often forgetting to step outside and immerse ourselves in the landscapes we create.

Reconnecting with nature is essential for our creativity and well-being. Just as a child's first encounter with the outdoors sparks curiosity, our regular forays can reignite our passion for the natural world. When we play outside, we see, hear, and feel the elements that make up the landscapes we design.?

Imagine sitting on a swing under a canopy of trees, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, and suddenly having a breakthrough design concept. Or picture yourself tending to your garden and discovering a unique planting combination that sparks your imagination. These moments of inspiration often occur when we are in direct contact with nature, and they can lead to groundbreaking design solutions and projects that stand out in our portfolios.

When we observe the dance of sunlight and shadow and hear the rustle of leaves in the wind—these experiences are not only inspiring but also grounding, reminding us why we chose this profession in the first place.

The Backyard: Where It All Begins

Imagine a world without backyards, where there's no escape from the concrete jungle, green spaces are scarce, and the soothing touch of nature remains distant. As landscape architects, we understand the importance of outdoor spaces, and we must advocate for them, not only professionally but also in our own lives.

For many of us, the journey into the world of landscape architecture started in our own backyards. It's where we took our first steps into nature's embrace, where we picked our first flower or climbed our first tree.

Our designs reflect our creativity and innovation, and outdoor play provides the perfect playground for exploring new ideas. Just as when we were children building forts and creating imaginary worlds we too can experiment with design concepts, materials, and spatial arrangements.

Whether sketching in a notebook while lounging under a tree or rearranging plantings in a planting bed, our outdoor spaces become like living laboratories for creativity. By actively engaging with our surroundings, we can visualize new design possibilities, refine our concepts, and develop innovative solutions to design challenges—and have fun while doing it.

Playing With Elements

A backyard is a canvas waiting for us to paint it with our creativity and passion. Just as our professional designs reflect our vision, our backyards become a reflection of ourselves and our families. It's a space to experiment, create, and bring our ideas to life.

Whether experimenting with patio designs, playing with plantings, testing new soil compositions, or designing pools, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, lawns, raised planting beds, shade structures, and furniture, our backyards are the perfect place to start. No matter the shape or size, every backyard has the potential to be a unique masterpiece.

Landscape architecture is an art of balance and harmony, where various elements—water, plantings, hardscapes, and more—combine to create a cohesive whole. Playing outside allows us to interact with these elements firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of their dynamics. Give yourself a backyard, and you'll find a source of endless inspiration that will carry over into your professional designs.

For example, imagine the delight of designing a water feature after spending a sunny afternoon wading in a stream or the inspiration that strikes when you witness the play of light and shadow through the leaves of a forest. By actively playing with these elements, we develop an intuitive sense of how they can be manipulated to enhance the beauty and functionality of our designs.

By experimenting in our own spaces, we gain valuable insights into design, construction, and the interplay of elements in the landscape. We can test the products we recommend, cook on the grills we suggest, and gather around the fire pit with friends to truly understand the experience we offer to our clients—imagine the perspective you’ll have to offer your prospects as you help design their custom outdoor space.

Witnessing the Seasons

One of the enchanting aspects of having a backyard is the opportunity to witness the changing seasons up close. Just as we design landscapes that evolve throughout the year, our own landscapes can become living examples of seasonal transformations.

Observe how your plantings bloom in spring, change colors in the fall, and go dormant in the winter. Decorate your property for the holidays and host summer gatherings under the stars. Experience the magic of your lighted landscape at night and the warmth of the outdoors on a summer evening. These firsthand experiences enrich our understanding of nature's rhythms and deepen our connection to the environments we create.

Creating Memorable Spaces

Our professional lives are dedicated to crafting outdoor spaces that inspire, comfort, and delight. Why not apply the same principles to our own backyards? Designing and building our outdoor sanctuaries allow us to infuse them with personal meaning and create spaces that resonate with our families and friends.

Consider the joy of designing and installing a tree swing that becomes a cherished childhood memory for your own children or grandchildren. Your backyard can be a canvas for creativity, where you design fire pits that bring warmth to winter evenings, water features that soothe the soul, and outdoor kitchens that transform outdoor cooking into a culinary adventure.

Strengthening Professional Expertise

Our commitment to lifelong learning extends beyond the confines of our offices and studios. Outdoor play can be a valuable source of ongoing education and professional growth.?

Beyond your backyard, consider the benefits of attending workshops or seminars held in outdoor settings, where you can learn about sustainable landscaping practices, indigenous plant species, or innovative design techniques while surrounded by the very landscapes you aim to transform. Engaging in outdoor play also keeps us attuned to emerging trends and technologies, enhancing our expertise as landscape architects.

Creating Connections

Our backyards are not just personal retreats; they can also be hubs for social engagement. Hosting gatherings and events in our outdoor spaces allows us to connect with our friends, family, and neighbors.

By sharing outdoor spaces, we can gather valuable feedback and insights to inform our professional work, enhancing our ability to create outdoor spaces that truly meet the needs and desires of those who use them.

As landscape architects, we have a unique role in advocating for green spaces in our communities. By actively participating in outdoor activities and showcasing the benefits of well-designed outdoor environments, we become ambassadors for our profession.

Our own backyards can serve as living examples of the positive impact of thoughtful landscape design. When friends and neighbors visit our homes and experience the beauty and functionality of our outdoor spaces, they gain a deeper appreciation for our work. This firsthand exposure can increase support for green initiatives and a greater understanding of preserving and enhancing our natural surroundings.

The next time you find yourself immersed in a design project, don't forget to step outside and play in your own backyard. You'll not only enrich your personal life but also enhance your professional journey as a landscape architect. After all, the endless playground of nature is where our passion for this field truly comes to life.

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Image shows landscape architect Ron Duhamel practicing his golf game on a putting green FireSky built for a client. Ron is an expert within the residential landscape design and build industry.