Projects & Process

The projects I have worked on are primarily residential in nature  with occasional opportunities with larger scale planning, master planning, project management and consultations. Most of the work has been in Chapel Hill, Durham and Pittsboro/Chatham County NC. Early on I was a one-man show doing all aspects of the design build process by myself. I soon made connections with other area professionals and crafts(wo)men and learned the value and fun of collaboration. I have always understood the importance the role of plants play in the success of creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. Finding and working with local plant experts has been key in combining the program needs of the client/homeowner with the natural outside world. Working with top-notch architects and builders has also been exciting and rewarding. Each new project was a learning experience that provided the opportunity to practice the art of design build, while creating wonderful structures,spaces and gardens for the clients that entrusted me with the work.  

The process that I use to create outdoor spaces and structures is rooted in the design fundamentals I learned while at NCSU School of Design. Understanding the scope of the project and identifying the opportunities and limitations of the site is the starting point. Talking and listening to the people who will be using the site is the basis for creating a program that will govern the design build process. The end goal should be to create places that reflect and enhance the lives and dreams of the people who use it. Site assessment, surveying and analysis provide the information for the generation of site plans and drawings. A major influence on my process has been Christopher Alexander's - A Pattern Language. Recognizing and working with  natural, architectural and social patterns has helped me give order and structure to my design build process. Conceptual bubble diagrams turn into idea sketches which turn into functional working drawings. One of the exciting aspects of design build is that I can figure out construction details as I move along in the design process. The whole process is very detail oriented with the understanding that I will be the one building the design. The communication of the design to the clients is done with plan, elevation and sectional drawings, along with occasional models.

BRICK PATIO IN THE ROUND IN DOWNTOWN CHAPEL HILL NC.

This beautiful backyard patio and gardens is in an old historic neighborhood off Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. This was a collaboration with Meadowsweet Gardens providing the plant magic.

POOL COURTYARD COLLABORATION IN RURAL WEST CHAPEL HILL NC. 

This is a Micheal Chandler house and Birdsong Garden Design landscape project. I worked closely with Pete Lucey on the stone work and drainage around the pool courtyard. Pete and I have done many projects together.

MOJO MOM FRONT STONE TERRACES AND GARDENS IN SOUTHERN VILLAGE NC.

Getting the entrance right with a small front yard space on a slope can be tricky. This tight, cut stone terraced wall and strong architectural staircase is bold and the perfect accent for a front entry garden. Plants and garden design by Meadowsweet Gardens.

deck and river jack gravel path project WITH MEADOWSWEET GARDENS IN DURHAM NC.

A clean lined ground level deck with a simple steel edged river jack path create a very livable area in this private fenced in back space. Simplicity in small spaces works. 

HONEYSUCKle Teahouse - pickards mtn. chapel hill nc.

This is the creative tour de force from Giles Blunden and was conceived during workday lunches while working on the community kitchen project at Pickard Mtn. Eco Institute. Being intimately involved from the beginning creative brainstorming, through all aspects of construction and site design has definitely been a highlight of my career.