#390 - LUPE MONROY , Founder of Gozo Spaces
SUMMARY
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Landscape Designer Lupe Monroe, Principal of Gozo Spaces to discuss her background; the landscape architecture profession; starting her practice; design-build landscape architecture companies; client collaboration; working with other professionals; different project types; and more. Enjoy!
ABOUT LUPE
A Bay Area Landscape designer who’s been helping clients create gozo-filled outdoor spaces for over 15 years.
(Motto): Having a good outdoor space isn’t enough. You need a space that speaks to who you are. Your outdoor space should be an extension of your home, a space that reflects your personality and lifestyle. A space that sparks GOZO.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Background.
(08:45) Landscape architecture education.
(09:45) The difference between studying landscape architecture and architecture.
“To be honest, if you're outside, you need that balance of hardscape and soft scape. There is no landscape architecture without soft scape.” (12:00)
(14:49) Preconceptions of landscape architects.
(25:45) Post graduation.
(32:06) Working in industry.
(36:07) Scope of landscape architect.
“It’s from once you open the door and touch the floor. So it's the hardscape, all the paving, outdoor kitchens, walls, pergolas, sunken trampolines, infinity pools, outdoor showers, swings, hammocks, all of that.” (36:26)
(39:09) Working with architects on projects.
“I think one of the red flags to listen to is when somebody says our design is free. It just shows a lack of respect to design, a lack of pride. I'm not going to give something for free that I'm prideful for. It just doesn't make sense. There is a client for everyone, so I just think that clients need to just make sure that they understand what they're getting.” (43:10)
(50:37) Design build.
(56:11) Starting own practice.
“I think one of the hard things for me was like, I love working with teams, I love being a part of a team. So it was really hard for me, how do I become a business owner and build a team? And I think I’ve created that team through connecting with other professionals like you guys.” (01:04:39)
(01:09:20) Process.
(01:16:55) Working in other locations as a landscape architect.
(01:18:56) Ideal project types.
(01:22:06) Ideal time to bring on a landscape architect.
(01:24:35) Favorite building.
