The largest religious monument in the world, originally a Hindu temple then becoming a Buddhist temple.  The temple was built with the classical style of Khmer architecture, only temples and religious buildings were made of stone during the Angkor period.  During my visit, the new Khmer Architecture was found throughout Cambodia, blending the modern movement with the classic Angkor traditions.  

Experiencing “social landscape” the connection of people gathering in outdoor spaces and enjoying the mild climate of the Mediterranean. Admiring the art of Gaudi and Picasso and the influence art has on their community.

Inspired by the growth of a simple lumber community into a vibrant urban community.  A well developed city centered around the Deschutes River, its lush surroundings and organic materials all weaved into the architecture enhancing the natural landscape. We often visit to get a quick inspiration!

A masonry inspired trip…the use of natural stone weaved through the streets, buildings and town center…the cobblestones are timeless.

Amazing architecture, shape, details and lots of European cultures in one huge city! Lots of arts! Hillside Vineyards to be explored on bike, Malbec wines, expansive area to raise cattle, hiking through huge mountain ranges and taking in the natural beauty of Argentina.  Heart- felt people opening themselves up to the community and other cultures.

The detailed layout of the camellias, leaves are used for tea production, an agricultural inspiration. 

The 75-mile long complex of tunnels at Cu Chi has been preserved by the government of Vietnam and turned into a memorial park.  Crawling through this impressive network of tunnels to witness survival in such small spaces, some tunnels have been made larger to accommodate the larger size of Western tourists.  

Took a day to visit Greg's (the principal landscape architect) alma mater! Walking through UCDavis campus was inspiring, looking at senior architectural projects on display. As a teacher, Greg was inspired by the creative, quality of work coming from UCD students.

Perfectly manicured everything…a design inspiration!

Research of the renaissance and the some of the most artistic churches, museums and palaces.  Truly admired the architectural wonders of the Ponte Vecchio and Michelangelo’s artistic influence on the city.

The 2,000 islands of Ha Long Bay are made from limestone, the bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. One of the most impressive landscapes in the world!

Inspired by the Baroque buildings rebuilt in the 18^thcentury, Heidelberg was hit hard during the 17th-century wars. The Heidelberg castle was by far the most impressive of all the castles I visited through Europe. The Alte Brucke Bridge, destroyed in WW11 was rebuilt to perfection preserving the original details and its history.

Extraordinary mountain and lake formations, high-mountain snow peaks, cold hardy plantings, connection to nature, mushroom hunting, natural herbs, a true inspiration.

Magical! Incredible caves naturally formed into cliff sides, cozy coves tucked into miles and miles or pristine beach, I could have stayed forever!

Ancient thinking, clarity, the spiritual essence of the community came to life in Machu Picchu.  The invention of a city functioning on top of an ice peak and the precision of their architecture left me breathless.

Ultra-chic, art deco, use of art in the landscape. Photo courtesy of: www.miamicatalog.info

Drought tolerant plants, natural earth construction, gabion walls, progressive environmental design. Photo courtesy of: Moab Tourism

Napa- Researching wine caves in Napa Valley! Enjoying our vacation at Vino Bello and feeling inspired by the beautiful grounds.  Photo courtesy of: www.flipkey.com

Walking the Highline to experience the URBAN approach!

From any design perspective The Louvre is a sight to appreciate. Of course, it was inspiring to see the Mona Lisa, but for me more than that was the architecture of the Louvre Pyramid, its modern contrast to the classical design of the surrounding buildings is an architectural achievement. 

Admiring the construction of the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Bridge which is the first cable-stayed bridge for the region, extending over the Willamette River. This unique bridge will carry transit, cyclists and pedestrians but no private vehicles. Photo Courtesy of: www.trimet.org

One of my favorite places in Europe, walking The Charles Bridge in the evening was magical.  The bridge is lined with many famous statues, artists, and glowing lights from old town and the Left Bank connecting the towns together. From the bridge you have amazing views over Prague’s many medieval towers, churches and palaces.

Inspired by the history of the castles lining the Rhine River, the agriculture feeding off the river and the expansive countryside views. 

Experiencing Agritourism from “Farm to Table” at The Preserve in Winters, CA. Creatively designed, raw materials, gabion walls, and large scaled wooden tables offered for community dining. Photo courtesy of:www.preservepublichouse.com

Near the crest of the Andes Mountains the Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni or Salar de Tunupa) is the world's largest salt flat at 4,086 square miles. Elevation of 11,995 ft above sea level, the salt flats were formed as a result of transformations between several prehistoric lakes.  The salt flats  are a natural wonder and an incredible inspiration of landscape formation.

The Riverwalk…outdoor cafes…creation of a manmade space that offers the outdoor experience, with incredible revenue for the city.  Photo courtesy of:http://www.panoramio.com

Rooftop Gardens! Rooftop Gardens!  Photo courtesy of: Apartment Therapy

Majestic views, the use of timeless terracing to experience a 360 degree view of the Aegean Sea.  Black and red sand beaches, whitewashed buildings, a unique and one-of-a-kind landscape that is the backdrop for perfection.

Visiting the Public Market and admiring the well constructed open market and the ability to move large numbers of people through this space. Lush landscapes and weather tolerant plantings were inspiring. Photo Courtesy of:http://www.seattlesrestaurants.info

Visiting “Cornerstone” a Landscape Architecture marvel…the individual artist has the opportunity to express a story through Landscape. Inspired by Jack London and his pioneering architecture nestled in the natural wonder of Jack London Park. 

Inspired by how the Arch is anchored by acres and acres of open space and the impressiveness of its connectivity to the city! Photo courtesy of: www.visitingdc.com

Last weekend our principal landscape architect, Greg, took a road trip to the quaint, little town of Ketchum, Idaho. He spent most of his time in Sun Valley, a famous tourist town. Amazing views of the Sawtooth Mountains surround the town which offers a massive amount of outdoor activities. Beautifully landscaped, it's hard not to walk away with the images of Sun Valley in the fall! Enjoy some great, inspirational photos from the trip!

Buddhist temples and the spiritual connection to the planet, the massiveness, the exceptional details that embody these architectural structures! 

Besides being one of the most romantic cities in the world, we were inspired how a city operates on a lagoon. Life in a vaporetti (water-taxi or water-bus) is a crucial role in transportation in Venice.  Experiencing the Grand Canal in an authentic gondola is something right out of the movies! Let’s not forget about the food!