Roderick Wyllie and James Lord, Principals at Surfacedesign Inc., revealed during January’s Third Thursday Presentation why their landscape designs are successful time and time again: they rest on the coupling of moments of inspiration and years of experience.
Surfacedesign’s impressive portfolio ranges from parks, airports, visitor centers, and waterfronts to private residences, hotels, and museums, and FA staff members were excited to pick out a few notable spots they recognized from biking and walking around the city: Fort Point Overlook, Lands End Visitor Center, and even one of our own projects.
At the close of their presentation, Roderick and James told the story of a project in Hawaii that used the symbols and traditional narratives of the island’s indigenous people in the landscape design. Much to their relief, the community leaders who met with SurfaceDesign after the project’s completion embraced the design, appreciative of the designer’s sensitivity to local culture and the value it placed on honoring the earth. It was made clear through the narrative that this was, perhaps, the most important approval of all.
Fort Point Overlook
Fort Point Overlook
Smithsonian Master Plan
Smithsonian Master Plan
Auckland International Airport
Auckland International Airport