PUBLIC GARDEN STUDIES

The Glen

Albuquerque, New Mexico - 1986, UNBUILT

The Glen was originally designed for the Phil Chacon Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico when I worked for Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abey. It is conceived as a lush oasis in the desert that visitors discover off the park path. Anchored by an allée of flowering trees, a granite “well” pours water into a runnel leading to a rough-hewn, square, granite pool. Ferns, hosta, and other shade tolerant plants flourish in the allée. A series of granite seating walls splays away from the allée to eventual become markers flush with the meadow ground plane. Hedges and rows of small trees delineate spatial edges. A high canopy of large cottonwood trees (Populus fremontii) provide shade.

Prayer Garden, Christ Lutheran Church

Las Vegas, Nevada - 1990, Unbuilt

The Prayer Garden provides a quiet place for outdoor worship and memorial services associated with the columbarium. Like a cloister, it offers gentle solemnity and a place for solitary reflection as well as for congregational gathering.

The design is based on the linear basilica form of the adjoining sanctuary. The red granite altar, baptismal font, and gateway columns connect the garden to its Mojave Desert setting.

A cobalt blue crucifix wall flanked by a columbarium and trellis provides a focal point from the side entry. A double row of hackberry trees (celtis reticulata) provides shade while demarcating an arcade of columns and side aisles.

Albuquerque Museum Sculpture Garden Sketch

Albuquerque, New Mexico - 1987, unbuilt

Pavilions mark entrances to the garden. From the northern entry bosque of hackberry trees (celtis reticulata), the visitor looks upon the sculpture lawn enclosed by a trellis/lanai. An allée of small trees with a runnel of water separates the main garden from an outdoor restaurant at the south entry from Albuquerque’s historic Old Town. The allée is anchored at one end by a fountain and pool and at the other end by a low planter of small trees that serves as temporary exhibitions.

RESIDENTIAL GARDENS

Mace Garden

Las Vegas, Nevada - 2004

Hoversten Garden

Las Vegas, Nevada - 1994-2007

The garden anchored the home in the Mojave Desert through use of local sandstone, native plants, and vibrant color.

Sheltered courtyards feature lush landscapes while perimeter gardens highlight the strong desert geometry of the building. 

Abrams Garden Study

Albuquerque, New Mexico - 1986

Designed for art collectors, the garden progresses from an enclosed patio to a series of outdoor rooms set at 45 degrees to the layout of the house. Planting beds and sculpture separate rooms while an overhead trellis and fence screen a dog run.

McCarthy Fehrenback

Las Vegas, Nevada - 2002

Covered patios provide shelter for luxuriant plantings surrounding the living spaces. The backyard features a lap pool and turf area for children recreation. Xeric plantings define the driveway and edges of the lot.

Pierce Residency

Las Vegas, Nevada - 1997

Chowdhry Residency

Las Vegas, Nevada - 1999