Designing Connection: Cultivating Relationships Through Landscape Architecture
2 MINUTE READ
At Donohoe Living Landscapes, connection is more than a word, it’s a cornerstone of how we work, how we relate, and how we design. It guides everything from how we treat one another in the studio to how we shape outdoor spaces that feel alive, intentional, and deeply personal. In landscape architecture, connection is what elevates a plan into an experience.
As one of our studio’s core values, connection is the foundation of a team-driven, collaborative environment. We believe relationships are the heart of our work—whether that’s among colleagues, clients, or our community. That means showing up with respect, generosity, and support. And sometimes with a little humour! One summer at a beach BBQ with the team, we pulled our chairs into a circle and, with paper and pens in hand, tried to draw each other’s portraits without looking down. The results were predictably absurd (and highly entertaining!) but what mattered wasn’t the art. It was the laughter, the shared vulnerability, and the unique way we see each other. In that moment, connection wasn’t about perfect execution, it was about being present, and building the trust and openness that lets great work happen. Here’s a link to the icebreaker exercise for designers, and our work is proudly displayed here:
Connection Throughout the Design Process
That same spirit shapes the way we work with clients. From the very first conversation, we approach each relationship as a partnership. Our discovery process is intentionally deep and collaborative. We don’t just ask what a client wants in a landscape, we get curious about who they are, what inspires them, and how they imagine moving through their space. These insights inform every decision we make, and what makes our approach to landscape architecture personal and responsive.
Connection doesn’t end after the design phase. We stay highly accessible throughout all stages of a project, keeping our clients involved, informed, and excited as their space takes shape. Whether it’s a shared sketch, a site walk, or a quick check-in, we believe strong communication leads to stronger outcomes. That ongoing dialogue is one of the things that sets our landscape architecture process apart.
Designing Connection in Landscape Architecture
Connection also lives in the spaces we design. We aim to create places that feel like they belong—to the client, to the site, and to the natural rhythms of the landscape. Our goal is to weave a thread between indoors and out, between daily life and the land itself. We want every space to feel like it knows you. That’s one of the most powerful outcomes of thoughtful landscape architecture. A strong example of this approach is shown in the first photograph above, from a Vancouver client originally from Europe who longed for the charm of the ‘Old World’ she grew up with. During our discovery process, it became clear that contemporary styles – often characterized by trendy descriptions such as minimalism or ‘clean lines’ – did not align with her vision of her landscape. Instead, we focused on creating a cozy outdoor space adjacent to the kitchen that offered a sense of flow and continuity. We ensured the design incorporated cobblestone surfaces, a custom-cut stone fireplace with integrated seating, wrought-iron furniture, and a Mediterranean-inspired plant palette to reflect the character and atmosphere she was seeking.
Spatial flow is part of that intention. How someone moves through a space—what they see, feel, and experience along the way—is just as important as where they’re going. Each element, from a secluded meditation space to an active gathering area, is thoughtfully placed and connected to the next, thus striking a balance between distinct moments and seamless transitions, and crafting an experience that feels effortless and intuitive. This design approach was thoughtfully applied to a project in Vancouver’s prestigious Shaughnessy neighbourhood (see second photograph above). These clients have a large and growing extended family, including many grandchildren, and lots of dogs! To support their dynamic lifestyle, we incorporated a generous pool deck ideal for entertaining, a very well-equipped outdoor kitchen with the most prestigious appliances, a spacious lawn area for unstructured play and pets, and a long dining table under the shade of a custom pergola. We feel (and the clients agree!) this space will be perfect for hosting frequent family meals and gatherings. We can’t wait to see it constructed!
This approach extends to the ecosystems we design within. We look for ways to integrate native plants, support seasonal change, and encourage ecological relationships. Pollinators, water cycles, sun patterns—these aren’t afterthoughts; they’re part of the story we’re telling through the language of landscape architecture. Every design decision is an opportunity to foster a deeper connection with the land.
Whether we’re talking about team culture, client experience, or the flow of a garden path, connection is the thread that ties everything together. It’s what transforms a good project into something lasting. It turns a backyard into a sanctuary, a courtyard into a conversation, a pathway into a journey.
At its best, landscape architecture doesn’t just shape the land, it deepens the bond between people and place, and that’s the kind of connection we’re always working to create.
