Beyond Trends: How Placemaking Design Shapes Authentic Identity

When designing outdoor spaces, it’s important to think about more than how things look.

Great landscape design should feel like it belongs to the place – and last for many years.

That’s why using local materials, native plants, and timeless design is so important.

Using Local Materials

Local materials are things like stone, wood, or gravel that come from nearby areas.

Using local materials is smart because:

• They match the natural look of the area.

• They support local businesses.

• They last longer in the local weather.

• They help the space feel like it belongs there.

For example, using limestone in Texas makes more sense than shipping in a material, like a Pennsylvania blue stone, from far away. The limestone looks right and works well with the climate.

Planting Native Plants

Native plants are plants that naturally grow in the area. They’re great choices because:

• They need less water and care.

• They benefit local animals and insects.

• They’re stronger against bugs and diseases.

• They make the space feel natural and

  connected to the region.

Plus, the seasonal changes that native plants undergo are a beautiful site to see. 

Avoiding Trends: Why Timeless Design is Better

Trendy design(s) might look great now, but they can go out of style quick. They can make a space feel old or out of place in a few years.

Timeless design means creating spaces that always feel good to be in. These designs:

• Focus on comfort and usefulness.

• Use simple shapes and natural materials.

• Fit in with the environment.

• Can change and grow with the community.

Think of a quiet bench under a big tree or a stone path that gets smoother over time. These things don’t go out of style – they get better with age!

Design for the Future

Good landscape design isn’t about what looks good today. It’s about creating places that people will love for many years.

How do we achieve this? Using local sourced materials, native plants, and the timeless design principles mentioned above. This allows us to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, useful, and built to last!