A Holistic Approach To Luxury Landscape Design By Hollander Design

Amid the global upheaval caused by Covid-19, the idea of home has gained new significance, emphasizing safety and sanctuary. Recognizing this, Hollander Design‘s latest book, “The Landscape of Home,” from Rizzoli, delves into the essence of creating harmonious living spaces. Focusing on projects completed in recent years, this volume explores entire properties, highlighting the intricate relationship between interior and exterior environments. Edmund Hollander, alongside principals Stephen Eich, Geoff Valentino, and Melissa Reavis, discusses the themes and processes that define their holistic approach to landscape architecture, ensuring each design remains visually engaging and functional year-round. From countryside estates to urban rooftops, Hollander Design tailors each project to its unique setting, reflecting its commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. We spoke with award-winning and legendary landscape architect Edmund Hollander about his vision for his firm and his responsibilities as a steward of terrain sustainability.

What inspired you to create “The Landscape of Home,” and how did you approach selecting projects to feature in the book?

During Covid-19, we realized how important the concept of home was to all people. It conveyed a sense of place, a sense of safety, and a place where families could gather. All of the projects in the book were completed within the last few years, as we did not want to have any repetition from our previous books. This was our first volume that looked at an entire property together as opposed to “areas in the landscape.”

The book covers a variety of settings, from countryside estates to rooftop gardens. What are the common themes or principles that tie these diverse projects together?

The concept of home. Whether by the sea, in the country, or the city, each had landscape spaces that complimented the interiors of the buildings and the site itself.

Can you elaborate on “the procession of entry” and how it influences your design approach?

The entry to any property is the front door to your home. We think of home as not just the building but the entire site. There should be a sense of invitation and orientation. It should introduce you to the site and the landscape. It should invite one to explore further.

How do you ensure that the gardens and landscapes you design remain visually engaging and functional throughout the different seasons?

We listen to the land, and we listen to our clients to determine when they will be using their homes. We then design the landscape to maximize the seasonality for when they will be there, whether it’s a house for summer, a house for the winter, or year-round.

Your firm emphasizes a holistic approach to landscape design. Can you share more about how this philosophy is reflected in your projects?

All of our projects focus on what we refer to as the three ecologies. The natural ecology of the site and the area, the architectural ecology of the buildings, and the human ecology of the residents. By following these tenets, each project develops individually and holistically.

Over the past 30 years, you’ve collaborated with many notable architects and interior designers. Can you share a memorable collaboration and what made it special?

There are really too many to name, but most importantly it is by working collaboratively not only with the architects and designers but also the builders and craftspeople that we can create such magical places.

Hollander Design works on a wide range of projects, from country estates to urban rooftops. How do you tailor your approach to suit the unique needs of each project type?

We have three additional partners in the firm, each with areas of special talents and experience. Stephen Eich runs our urban studio and leads most of our city projects. Geoff Valentino runs our Chicago office and handles much of our international and institutional work. Melissa Reavis is the director of our residential studio. There is also a good deal of cross-pollination across studios, which allows each of our 40-member team to share their knowledge and talents with others as needed.

Your projects span from the Hamptons to Hong Kong. How do regional and cultural differences influence your design process?

By following the guidelines of our three ecologies, by following the information developed from these analyses, each project is tailored to its location and client. In addition, we always try to collaborate with local landscape experts to provide detailed ecological and horticultural knowledge so important for a successful project.

How do you and your co-founder, Maryanne Connelly, balance your roles within the firm, and what makes your partnership successful?

Maryanne has peacefully retired after 30-plus years and is quietly raising chickens and painting watercolors at her home on the East End of Long Island. With Maryanne, as with my new partners, we collaborate on all decisions.

Good for Maryanne! What recent innovations or trends in landscape architecture are you most excited about, and how are they influencing your work?

Within the office, there are new technologies, including AI, to assist in developing renderings that help explain our design intent to clients.

What upcoming projects or initiatives can we look forward to from Hollander Design Landscape Architects?

With our three new partners, we will be bringing their vision into the firm, expanding even more into the world of hospitality while still focusing on the work that has made us so successful to date.

How do you hope your new book will impact readers, particularly those who are passionate about landscape design and gardening?

We hope it provides inspiration and allows them to share in the joy involved with creating and living in one of these landscapes.

Can you tell us more about how your early experiences and education shaped your career in landscape architecture?

I came into the field with a BA in History from Vassar, followed by two years at the New York Botanical Garden before I got my masters at Penn. This gave me a great background in plants, plant communities, and the living landscape. Penn was led by Ian McHarg, who was one of the founders and champions of the ecological movement, so everything we do works with the earth as a living organism. This has had a great influence on all of our work.

How does sustainability factor into your design decisions, and can you share an example of a project where sustainable practices were a key focus?

We want to make sure that every landscape we create provides a home for the birds, butterflies, and bees as well as our clients.

What do you hope will be your work’s and your firm’s lasting impact on landscape architecture?

I hope we have shown that great design and environmental sensitivity are not mutually exclusive.

How do you see the field of landscape architecture evolving in the next decade, and what role do you hope Hollander Design will play in that evolution?

Our designs and all of our work will have to focus on sustainability while understanding and working with the changes that are occurring due to climate change.

What is your long-term vision for Hollander Design Landscape Architects, and how do you plan to continue innovating and leading in the industry?

With our three new partners, Stephen Eich, Geoff Valentino, and Melissa Reavis, I think we are in a good position to continue being leaders in our field for many decades to come.

What advice would you give young landscape architects just starting their careers and looking to make an impact in the field?

Be passionate, work hard, and learn everything you can, particularly about our roles as stewards of the earth.

To learn more, visit www.hollanderdesign.com. To purchase the book, visit Rizzoli.

Ty Wenzel

Co-Publisher & Contributor

Ty Wenzel, a recent breast cancer survivor, started her career as a fashion coordinator for Bloomingdale’s followed by fashion editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. She was also a writer for countless publications, including having published a memoir (St. Martin's Press) and written features for The New York Times. She is an award-winning writer and designer who covers lifestyle, real estate, architecture and interiors for James Lane Post. She previously worked as a writer and marketing director for The Independent. She has won multiple PCLI and NYPA awards for journalism, social media and design, including best website design and best magazine for James Lane Post, which she co-founded in 2020. Wenzel is also a co-founder of the meditation app for kids, DreamyKid, and the Hamptons social media agency, TWM Hamptons Social Media.