Susan Reed, Landscape Architect: About Susan Reed - Landscape Architecture in the Pioneer Valley, Western Massachusetts

Professional qualifications
Design philosophy
Ecological approach
Background

Bunchberry
Cornus canadensis

Ecological approach

I treat every landscape project as an opportunity to contribute to the health of the natural world. In my plans, I aim to minimize harm and protect each site's valuable features while incorporating:

habitat that supports local wildlife
vegetation that requires minimal maintenance
drainage patterns that encourage percolation rather than runoff
proper placement of buildings and trees to make the most of solar gain
well-built, long-lasting components that reduce demand on natural resources

Each residential landscape that I design is planned to be a resilient, diverse, self-sustaining, and resource-recycling environment that nourishes all its inhabitants, both human and nonhuman.