Charles McClure - Professional Site Planning

Charles McClure grew up in Southern California in the 60s and 70s. When he was young, his family hired a landscape architect to design their residential grounds that included indoor/outdoor patio living and swimming. He spent many hours at the famous Descanso and Huntington Gardens. His mother introduced him to the concept that some outdoor spaces are actually designed by people and that often makes them much more enjoyable live in and look at. McClure went on to study at Cal Poly SLO, receiving a BS in Landscape Architecture and he was the first in his class to obtain licensure in 1989. He has worked in Beverly Hills, Palm Springs, Westlake Village and Santa Barbara. When we refer to landscape, we are referring to outdoor space and all of the elements contained in it, not just plantings. The landscape architect is responsible for the well being of everyone who enters his designed spaces. Elements are selected with this in mind. Vertical elements can excite, horizontals calm. Color draws attention. Ever consider why the Japanese garden is associated with calm and relaxation? It's because these gardens are filled with horizontal lines, some cut into the tree canopies, and color is limited or non existent. Interest is gained by contrasting shades of green together as well as varying textures. Water is used in a very natural way. Contrast that with a Las Vegas-style fountain. It is fascinating to consider that design has the power to effect people’s lives so profoundly.When we refer to landscape, we are referring to outdoor space and all of the elements contained in it, not just plantings.