Farmhouse Retreat

Farmhouse Retreat Private Garden – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin This charming Lake Geneva home was originally constructed as the carriage house of the former Black Point Lakefront Estate in 1901. It was lovingly restored by the current homeowner into a quiet getaway from their California residence. The garden balances a formal layout with casual fieldstone walls…

Lake Michigan Home

Lake Michigan Home Private Garden – Wilmette, Illinois Sitting on approximately 1.34 acres of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, this unique property walks right out to the beach without a bluff, which is seldom seen in the Chicago area. With its proximity to the lake, the house and outdoor spaces are placed to maximize and frame…

Formal Property

Formal Property Private Garden – Winnetka, Illinois Sitting on a prominent corner property in Indian Hill golf course, this white brick Georgian celebrates symmetry and balance; balconies with Chippendale railings embrace views to the landscape beyond. To maintain these sweeping vistas, the front yard was largely designed as open lawn to flow into the fairway.…

Lake Geneva Property

Lake Geneva Property  Private Garden – Linn, Wisconsin Overlooking scenic Geneva Lake, this sprawling home makes for a great summer respite. A long gravel driveway winding through mature shade trees makes for a relaxing approach to the home. As the woodland opens up, a drive court and stone entry walls invite visitors into the front…

North Pond Rooftop

North Pond Rooftop Private Garden – Chicago, Illinois From the 17th floor, this Lincoln Park rooftop terrace offers striking views to the city’s skyline and lakefront. The existing space was completely undeveloped, making it a blank slate for some exciting design work. Raised ipe planters surround the large space to add as much vegetation as…

Historic Wicker Park Mansion

Historic Wicker Park Mansion Private Garden – Chicago, Illinois Sitting on four city lots in historic Wicker Park, this 1879 Victorian home could accommodate a generous program.  Project goals included designing two front entries with corresponding gardens, creating a private sitting space within this very prominent location, and integrating traditional Victorian garden elements into the…

Urban Modern

Urban Modern  Private Garden – Chicago, Illinois  The expansive windows and clean lines of this new home set it apart on the active neighborhood street.  A small front garden is enclosed with an artistic corten fence that will fully rust over, further enhancing its beauty with time.  The garden’s interior has a soft palette of…

Morrill Math and Science School

Donald L. Morrill Math and Science School Public Work – Chicago Public School Learning Garden Morrill School organized a design committee to work with Openlands and together they developed a program focusing on storm water management and outdoor instruction. The classroom space evolved into amphitheater-style seating with lawn panels for learning in a relaxed environment.…

UChicago Swift Hall Cloister Garden

Swift Hall Cloister Garden Public Work – University of Chicago The Divinity School sought to create a cloister garden deserving of the lovely setting created by Swift Hall and Bond Chapel. While based on traditional cloister designs of highly organized, intimate spaces, this cloister garden is uniquely open on one side to a large quad…

City Formal

City Formal Private Garden – Chicago, Illinois At the start of the project, the landscape surrounding this historic home was largely a dust patch.  The client wanted a garden that suited the antique nature of the home, and also functioned as a place for play and family gathering.  The design creates unique garden spaces, each…