Barely graduated from university and recently transplanted to New York, I was 24 years old when this project first landed on my desk at Hollander Design. I suspect it was a test of my talents—can she design, or should she be relegated to computer work? As it turned out, I could do both. And more.
A schematic design drafted with the mandate of “no curves” led to almost-daily hour-long phone conversations with the client, fostered further by a constant flow of email-exchanged images and ideas. We developed a relationship based on common aesthetic interest and cultivated by his faith in me and my respect for him. The design process continued for more than a year as we honed and refined every detail— the view of each axis, the selection and location of every tree, the width of each path, the height of every hedge and the
color and texture of each material. As construction began, my role expanded from designer (and garden confidante) to project manager. A testament to both Ed Hollander and the client’s trust in me, I was sent to the site on a weekly basis to supervise installation, ensuring that each carefully considered detail was in place exactly as we had designed. It was the project that has defined my way of working—a deep understanding of my client, a thoughtful design reflective of his desires and a consistent presence during construction.
My relationship with the client and his family has continued now for over ten years, as I advise them on the maintenance of this garden and they request my expertise with other projects. And though we speak now only a few times a year, our mutual respect grows along with the garden.
