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Damian Holmes

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Tag: Site analysis

Creating Better Designs using Fundamental Landscape Design Principles

June 1, 2025June 23, 2025

In today’s world of international design, artificial intelligence, social media, and various design trends, applying fundamental design principles in any landscape architecture project is crucial. Landscape architects effectively integrate design, art, and science to craft landscapes that are both visually appealing and ecologically sound. Employing these fundamental principles can significantly improve a landscape project’s quality […]

Posted in Concepts, Design, Landscape, Landscape Architecture, Thinker, WritingTagged Client objectives, Climate responsive design, Community engagement, Concept development, Constructability, Cultural context, Design aesthetics, Design critique, Design documentation, Design objectives, Design process, Design refinement, Design success, Ecological design, Ecological resilience, Empathy in design, Evidence based design, Form and scale, Fundamental design principles, holistic design, Hydrology, Inclusive design, landscape architecture, Landscape performance, Landscape strategy, Landscape sustainability, Light and shadow, Long term landscape management, Maintenance planning, Material selection, Movement and circulation, peer review, Plant selection, Post occupancy evaluation, Site analysis, Sustainable design, Technical skills, Texture and pattern, user experience, Visual impact

Understanding Constraints and Opportunities when designing urban spaces

April 15, 2025June 23, 2025

Urban spaces are under pressure due to the increasing density within cities, which aims to address the lack of housing. Designers strive to create welcoming spaces that meet the client’s design objectives, encompassing environmental, social, and economic considerations. However, many issues need to be considered. The following tips can help designers understand the opportunities and […]

Posted in Blog, Design, Landscape, Landscape Architecture, Management, Opinion, Urban, WritingTagged Adaptive reuse, Budget management, Climate adaptation, Community engagement, Community participation, Construction challenges, Cultural context, Design Collaboration, Design opportunities, Design process, Design resilience, Environmental constraints, Environmental planning, Green infrastructure, landscape architecture, Landscape strategy, Liveability, Local materials, Maintenance planning, Mixed ownership, Nature based solutions, Post occupancy evaluation, Public realm, Public space, Regulatory planning, Site analysis, Smart city design, Social impact, Sustainable cities, Technological innovation, Time constraints, Urban biodiversity, Urban constraints, urban design, Urban ecology, Urban mobility, urban planning, Urban policy, Urban redevelopment, Urban regeneration

Recent Writing

  • Expanding your design firm beyond your market
    As design firms grow, their ambitions also expand. Initially, they focus on local projects and specific types of design. However, over time, they begin to explore new markets, take on… Read more: Expanding your design firm beyond your market
  • Comprehensive Guide to Design Reviews in Landscape Architecture: Types, Strategies, and Best Practices
    Design reviews are an effective way to enhance design quality and develop the best possible solution for a given problem. Different reviews can be conducted throughout the design process, including… Read more: Comprehensive Guide to Design Reviews in Landscape Architecture: Types, Strategies, and Best Practices
  • Creating Better Designs using Fundamental Landscape Design Principles
    In today’s world of international design, artificial intelligence, social media, and various design trends, applying fundamental design principles in any landscape architecture project is crucial. Landscape architects effectively integrate design,… Read more: Creating Better Designs using Fundamental Landscape Design Principles
  • How electric vehicles are changing the sounds of Shanghai Streets
    Over the past fifteen years, there has been a concerted effort by the Shanghai and Chinese National governments to improve air quality by encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles, including… Read more: How electric vehicles are changing the sounds of Shanghai Streets
  • What do landscape architects do?
    Landscape architects design the outdoor spaces between buildings and sometimes the interior planting within buildings. Although many people mistakenly think that landscape architects construct or maintain landscapes, they, in fact,… Read more: What do landscape architects do?
© 2025 Damian Holmes