Landscape Design is so much more then plants and flowers

When you hear the word "landscape" you probably think of someone who mows your yard or maintains your flowerbeds.

But Landscape Design is so much more.  

A Landscape Designer can help design a space that
fits your space, lifestyle and budget

A landscape designer, sometimes called a landscape architect, creates attractive, functional outdoor spaces for homeowners, businesses, schools and other organizations.   It is an independent profession and a design and art tradition, practiced by landscape designers, combining nature and culture.

Landscape design typically involves artistic composition and artisanship, horticultural finesse and expertise, and emphasis on detailed site involvement from conceptual stages through to final construction.

While landscape design sometimes involves plants and gardens, they also focus on hardscape which include rock pathways, retaining walls, outdoor living spaces, swimming pools, lighting, irrigation and more.  

So the next time you are flipping through a magazine or you google outdoor living spaces, contact a professional Landscape Design Firm that can help you create an area that fits your space, lifestyle and budget.  

For more information, contact Studio W.  Specializing in commercial and high-end residential Landscape Design.  Info@thestudiow.com or 405.285.5610

Looking Ahead: Landscape Architecture and Design

Being outside has ben linked to better moods and better outlooks on life.  According to the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, they found that getting outside and moving for as little as five minutes at a time improved both mood and self-esteem.

Today's landscape is lush with native plants
and hardscape features to fit your space

Being outside has ben linked to better moods and better outlooks on life.  According to the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, they found that getting outside and moving for as little as five minutes at a time improved both mood and self-esteem.

So what does the future of landscape look like?  In this series, today we will look at residential landscape.

Residential Landscapes:
Across the country people use their backyard as a place to relax and get away from the stress of their busy life.  Whether that be work, running the kids to sporting events or activities, having a space to "get-away" has become the trend. 

With the ever changing world of technology, LED lighting, wireless audio, wi-fi access and the many water features to choose from, people have more choices now then ever before.  And depending on the area they live, outdoors is where they seem to spend their

But what's on the horizon?  As we see the world becoming more dependent on electronics and technologies to do it for them, i.e. robotic vacuums, your landscape won't be left out.  

As the population works more, they crave a low-maintenance lifestyle.  Where we once spent hours outside in the garden, got dirty, and as we sometimes call it "labor of love" - we don't want to give up our gardens and beautiful landscaped areas, but we may see more technology doing it for us.  

What's in the future of landscape architecture and design?  Maybe self driving lawnmowers and other outdoor lawn equipment.  Low maintenance is the keyword - keep it simple.  People will still want their beautiful yard, entertainment areas and pools with all the bells and whistles.  But studies show today's generation doesn't want to "do it themselves" they want to hire a professional landscape firm to do it for them.  And they don't want to spare any expense.

Swimming pools are becoming more elaborate with rock waterfalls and LED lighting.  Stone walking pathways lead to a complete outdoor kitchen and entertainment area - and don't forget the water features or beautiful outdoor fireplaces where friends and family spend hours.

Whether you want an outdoor living space with all native plants, homemade raised garden and all the simplicity of the past, or you want new technology with an elaborate outdoor space with a putting green and futuristic features, a professional landscape design firm can help you plan and build your space.

The professionals at Studio W work with high-end residential clients daily to help create a backyard paradise they can enjoy for years to come.

Contact Studio W at info@thestudiow.com or (405) 285-5610

Outdoor Lighting Highlights Pool and Landscape

Outdoor lighting can add a certain ambiance to your backyard.  When placed around a swimming pool, it also adds an element of safety.

Lighting adds a beautiful focal point to your
pool and surrounding landscape

There are many ways and areas you can highlight outdoor features with lighting.  You can add LED lights that change colors to add a dramatic look, or soft white lights to highlight plants and ensure safety when walking around a swimming pool at night.

Lighting is also a great way to light pathways or entertainment areas.

When entertaining outdoors, task lighting is essential.  Whether you are grilling or doing outdoor activities after dark, the proper lighting will help make your party a success.

Soft white lighting can be added to pergola's or around a bar top to give it a sense of relaxation and tranquility.  While color changing lights around a pool or hot tub changes the whole environment making it more fun and playful.

It's important where you add lighting and how much lighting is added to each area so they aren't competing with each other.  That's where a professional landscape design firm can help.  They will help you design the space, help add plants that are native to your area, and add the appropriate lighting in the right places.

Investing in a beautiful backyard space will last for years to come and add to the value of your property if you ever decide to sell it.

For more information on outdoor living space design, swimming pools, or outdoor lighting, contact Studio W at info@thestudiow.com or 405.285.5610

Landscape Design: Hardscape Ideas

Hardscape refers to the heavier elements in landscape design, such as stones, rocks, outdoor kitchens, water features, walkways and swimming pools.

A brick pergola with outdoor kitchen
is a great addition to your outdoor living space

Once you are ready to create an outdoor living area, it is important to plan carefully to make sure you consider the space.  Hardscape is solid and unchanging and should last for years to come.  It can be the focal point of your area, but must be planned carefully.

It is important to hire an experienced Landscape Designer.   They will help you find the right balance between hardscape and softscape for a cohesive design that will be functional and beautiful.  

Before you hire a professional Landscape Designer, it might be helpful to have an idea what you are wanting.  How the area fits your needs and what your budget will be.  Then a Landscape Designer can sit down with you and help with the planning process.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact:  

The Studio W 

info@thestudiow.com

www.thestudiow.com

405.285.5610

Friday Focus on Landscape Design

Each Friday Studio W will post new and relevant information regarding Landscape Design and Architecture.  We hope you will find this useful and share with family and friends.  Please feel free to reach out to us at info@thestudiow.com or 405.285.5610.

How much value does landscaping add to the value of your home or commercial real estate?

Investing in your property, can add value to
to your home

Residential:

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recommends that homeowners invest 10 percent of the home’s value in landscaping. Landscape architecture goes beyond plantings, or softscaping, to include structural features like lighting, fences, garden paths, fire pits, swimming pools, and ponds. Outdoor rooms, terraces, and decks are also high-yield structural or hardscaping investments. A landscape architect can work with the client to generate a detailed plan. 

Landscape design can do more then just add value to your home, just three trees in the right location can save up to $250 a year in heating and cooling costs, says the source for energy-saving stats: the U.S. Department of Energy.

Commercial:

Oklahoma Farm Bureau Plaza Design
Designed by Studio W

Commercial real estate can be a lucrative investment.  But in order to get the most out of our investment, it is vital to enhance and maintain the property to attract tenants or customers.  This will protect your long-term investment of your property.

By having well maintained landscape and mature well-groomed trees, this can improve and protect your commercial property for years to come.  

Commercial property owners can also gain respect and admiration from their community by offering water features or unique stonework or landscape designs.  Adding these features to your commercial property will not only increase its property value, it can help make your property a focal point in the community and a place families want to gather.

Studies show commercial office space with a high quality landscape design have up to 7% higher rental rates.  

Investing in your home or commercial real estate will add value, increase community involvement and yield a return on your investment for years to come.

For more information on commercial or high-end residential landscape design, contact:  Studio W at info@thestudiow.com or 405.285.5610.

Landscape Design: Hardscape or Softscape?

Are you planning a landscape project?  Do you know the difference between hardscape and softscape?

Adding hardscape and softscape elements to your project
will help add balance and harmony to your area.

Whether you are planning a residential or commercial landscape project, it is good to know what your project will include.

Hardscape is normally what landscape designers start with.  It refers to heavier elements such as patios, stones, swimming pools and can even include sprinkler systems.   

Once the hardscape or border of the project is complete, it is time to add the softscape such as trees, soil, plants and flowers.  Some elements of the softscape will be permanent like evergreens.  While others are seasonal flowers that are ever changing and add color to the project.  

No project is complete without a little of both.  That's why hiring a professional landscape design firm is important.  They can help you design your project and add balance, functionality and an elegant focal point to the area.

Even though softscape features may be more affordable, they also require more maintenance.  On the other hand, hardscape is more expensive, but it is permanent.  A professional design team will help you determine just the right amount of both to fit your need and living style.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with one of the Studio W landscape designers, contact us at info@thestudiow.com or 405.285.5610.

Planning Your Outdoor Living Space - What Is The Best Time of Year?

So, you've decided to invest in a backyard living space.  You will be adding a pool, kitchen and sitting area.  But when should you start planning?

The answer isn't black and white.  A lot of factors come into play - but we can tell you one thing... don't wait until summer.  The ideal time is August through April if you want to get your space completed before the warm spring/summer months arrive.

OuterLiving / Outdoor Construction

When the weather starts to heat up in the spring, so do sales for outdoor actives.  Starting a project in spring means you will probably be able to enjoy it throughout the summer months.  You do have to take into account it is the rainy season so schedules may need to be adjusted.

Mid-early summer is usually the busiest time to start a pool or outdoor kitchen project.  Most contractors have already set their schedule and you may be pushed back to July or August before construction can begin.

If it is just an in-ground pool you are wanting, fall through early spring is the best time to start planning and to get it on the schedule.  That way, you will be able to enjoy your pool when the weather turns warm.

Studio W can help you design your space and landscaping.   For more information or to schedule an appointment to discuss your outdoor living space, contact:  info@outerlivingok.com

Meet Jason Wilke - Owner, Designer, Professional

Beginning in 2009, Studio W created a niche in functional high end residential design. The high standard of function was a result of taking each project small or big and looking at it with a broad lens. Starting with a true site plan/ master plan, the firm would then develop ideas and concepts that involved not just plant material but hardscape as well. Incorporating elements such as water and fire, the development of high profile pool and outdoor living designs have maximum aesthetic appeal. The result is a built environment that truly engages all 5 senses.

Prior to beginning the firm, Jason Wilke was mentored by accomplished landscape architect Warren Edwards in Oklahoma City, OK. This experience cultivated a respect for the existing architecture and a site’s natural attributes. Here also, a trademark for sophisticated design and consideration of all design elements with high attention to detail were formulated. Studio W‘s portfolio is innovative yet timeless. Jason believes the power is in the details. Therefore, hardscape elements of each design are clean and very detailed.

The firm’s design priorities are generated by the scale and functionality of a space.  Jason’s design principles - integrity, relevance and honoring nature - create landscapes and built environments that harmonize with the existing site and the client. The firm’s site planning efforts strive to tread lightly on the land, provide habitat and incorporate elements of interest.  

Today, Studio W has expanded their focus and expertise to not only work on high-end residential projects, but commercial projects as well.  Whether it is a community play area with pool, city parks, commercial landscape, or anything that deals with architectural landscaping, our professional team can help make your ideas, a reality.

Studio W is a professional design firm offering creative solutions while relying on our formal training as landscape architects to maximize function and durability in our projects. We pride ourselves on being able to provide production for larger projects while not getting lost in the size and mechanics of a "corporate" office.

We value working intimately with our clients and having a very strong bond with each and every project we undertake. Located in the rapidly growing Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area, Studio W is fortunate to have access to virtually limitless opportunity. With that in mind, we are driven to influence our clientele, our professional design community, and our civic community as well.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment to discuss your upcoming project, contact:  
Studio W, info@thestudiow.com or 405-285-5610