Rethinking Beauty: Transforming Landscape Design with Ecological Wisdom with Hannah Pae and Kasey Toomey, TERREMOTO

Rethinking Beauty: Transforming Landscape Design with Ecological WisdomIn this episode, landscape architects Kasey Toomey and Hannah Pae of TERREMOTO challenge traditional notions of garden design, emphasizing a living, evolving ecosystem that integrates native species, wildlife, and community. They share their approach to designing with humility, patience, and respect for the land, advocating for spaces that foster deep connections between humans and nature.Key TopicsGardens as storytelling and memory-making moments that connect past and futureThe importance of listening and observing before acting in landscape designThinking of the land and non-human species as true clientsEmbracing seasonality, metamorphosis, and ecological relationships in designUsing indigenous and local materials to support native ecosystemsThe concept of "no final drawing" — gardens as ongoing, process-driven projectsDesigning public spaces that incorporate habitat and promote ecological successBuilding resilience to climate change and ecological disasters, like wildfiresChallenging client expectations and shifting aesthetics towards ecological intelligenceThe role of patience, humility, and adaptability in sustainable landscape practicesChapters00:00 - Gardens as moments for storytelling and connection02:09 - Supporting artists and literature highlighting our relationship with nature03:31 - Introduction to TERREMOTO and their ecological landscape approach04:46 - The non-separateness of humans and nature in design philosophy07:12 - Approaching projects with patience and listening to existing ecosystems09:48 - Working with native plants and understanding ecological imbalances11:52 - Wildlife observation logs and seasonality in native species15:05 - Rethinking beauty and the aesthetic of gardens through ecological relationships17:03 - The significance of avoiding final renderings in garden design18:20 - Designing public spaces that serve both humans and wildlife harmoniously19:38 - The ecological success indicator: seeing predators like hawks in the space21:17 - Eco-friendly water management and creating habitat with water features22:22 - Communicating the value of living, process-driven landscapes to clients23:50 - Initiating conversations around native species and ecological context26:40 - Integrating wildlife presence (like herons) into landscape design27:47 - Building gardens 'not for this civilization, but for the next'29:00 - Balancing client desires with ecological integrity and material choices30:20 - The ongoing relationship with projects and monitoring ecological health31:34 - Planning for resilience amid wildfires and climate disasters34:45 - Selecting non-toxic, locally sourced materials for ecological safety36:17 - Building systems that adapt and respond to climate change and disasters37:11 - Favorite projects and the importance of gardens as ever-evolving processes40:49 - The LA office garden as a living experiment and continuous learning space42:49 - Final thoughts on embracing process, humility, and interconnectedness in landscape architectureResources & LinksTERREMOTO⁠ - Landscape architecture firm based in LA & SF⁠David Benjamin Sherry - Sunrise on Mesquite Flat Dunes⁠ - Artist supporting new perspectives on nature⁠Terry Tempest Williams - The Glorians⁠ - Upcoming book exploring natural presences⁠Get Birding Podcast with Sean Bean⁠ - Birding insights from the Game of Thrones actor