houston landscape design

What do you think is the most underestimated part of nature and design balance?

Impact. I don't think that people fully understand the impact and power of beauty in design and nature. Think of the time you first saw the grand canyon. Think of when you fell in love at first sight with that special person. Think of the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. The feeling of awe and appreciation that you felt in these instances are the impact of beauty. My goal is to surround every client with beauty.

How do you balance more traditional and modern elements in your design?

It was no easy task to pin down Jake Farmer for an in person interview as it involved a photographer, stylists, location scout and public relations over a holiday weekend while his parents were in town. I managed to get fifteen minutes to probe inside his mind.

Tracie Boudreaux

Tell me how you got started in this industry and what was your aha moment. Is anyone in your family in the same industry? Elaborate on the artistic traits in your family growing up.

This industry came somewhat natural to me. I was encouraged as a child, to be creative and to dream. I was also taught the love of the outdoors and gardening. I started in this industry to make some extra money, I stayed in it because I love it.

My "aha" moment was when I realize the gratification which garden design provided both me and my client at the same time. This was early in my career, this was when I felt a peace, a sense of destiny.

Is anyone in your family in the same industry? Elaborate on the artistic traits in your family growing up.

I was not influenced by my family to get in this field. I was, however, influenced to be what I wanted to be.

My mother has always been the creative type, my father the intellectual, practical type. I think that I gleaned a certain amount of these traits from the both of them. They both enjoy the outdoors and garden. They love to see my work.

What inspires you? who do you admire and how does that translate into your conceptualization?

I am inspired by originality, creativity, and design. There are a lot of people which I admire. I would have to say that the people who have influenced me the most are Charles and Ray Eames. They sincerely viewed design as a solution, as a way to improve lives around them. Their process was simple, but effective. They would identify a need, and create a beautiful solution. I feel the same way.

My work is not a means to increase property value or to make neighbors envious. My work is to create beauty, to improve the look of function, and surround people with beauty.

What is the process which you take with clients?

The process which I take with clients varies. Some clients have a vision, but need a builder. Some clients have no vision, just a desire. These are my favorite clients. Projects where I am able to create a dream, and build a masterpiece.

THE ARTISTRY OF MAN...INSPIRED BY NATURE

G A L L E R Y

I balance these elements based on true principles of design. Does a modern coffee table belong in a room full of centuries old antiques...I think not. This is simple, design is the act of using one element to improve upon another element. If all elements complement each other, beautiful design has been achieved.

What shows your technical proficiency best?

I would say my ability to adapt. So many in my field attempt to use their work to change the surroundings. I use the surroundings to influence my work. I feel that this is paramount to good design, to the creation of beautiful gardens. A garden which does not fit into its surroundings is not created by way of design, it is created by way of some odd sense of necessity and of obligation.

What trends are ahead for 2013? Do you plan to follow what is most desired or what you most feel is right?

Emerging trends seem to be gardens which are concise and balanced in scale. I don't view this a trend as much as I do the evolution of design. Landscaping is being replaced by gardens. Curb appeal as a necessity is being replaced with a desire for beauty. Life is short, I will do what every I can to make it more enjoyable, to make it more beautiful.

Which things outside the field of landscape design influence your work?

I am influenced by art, nature, and harmony. I think it is important to understand how elements of life and nature work together. Without and admiration for synergy, harmony, and coexistence; I don't think you can truly understand how to implement design.