GARDENS
“ The clients are models of hands-on participation ; they were collaborators in design and execution at every phase ,” enthuses Rios Clementi Hale Studios . The clients echoed the love of the collaborative process , especially when creating the raised vegetable garden planter . It is clad in corrugated metal panels and painted bright colors that change as you move around the four sides of the planter .
The planter pulls double duty in the form of a vegetable garden while providing a screen between the sports court and the backyard . Its generous size ( 50 x 4 feet ) allows the owners to grow food year-round , with enough room to experiment with different varieties .
The transformation of the 1997 design is an inspiring model of the evolving landscape for residents of Southern California … one can ’ t help but wonder what another 20 years may bring . n
ABOUT THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Rios Clementi Hale Studios has earned an international reputation for its collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach , establishing an awardwinning tradition across an unprecedented range of design disciplines . The firm ’ s principals — Mark Rios , FAIA , FASLA , Julie Smith-Clementi , IDSA , Frank Clementi , AIA , AIGA , Bob Hale , FAIA , and Mark Motonaga — comprise a team involved in every aspect of design , from practice to education . Acknowledging the firm ’ s diverse body of work , the American Institute of Architects California Council gave Rios Clementi Hale Studios its 2007 Firm Award , the organization ’ s highest honor . For its varied landscape work — from civic parks to private gardens — the firm was named a finalist in the 2009 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards . Since 1985 , the architects , landscape architects , planners , and urban , interior , exhibit , graphic and product designers at Rios Clementi Hale Studios have been creating buildings , places , and products that are thoughtful , effective , and beautiful .
PUBLISHER ’ S PICKS 2023 67