Meet The Team | James Bareiss
We’re thrilled to welcome James to our design team as our new Associate Designer! With a passion that spans art, sustainability, technology, and biology, James embodies the unique blend of creativity and science that landscape architecture demands. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey, design philosophy, and what inspires his work.
What drew you to landscape design in the first place?
I’ve always been passionate about art, design, sustainability, technology, and biology. Landscape architecture blends all these disciplines together. It’s recently been designated a STEM profession by the USDHS, which makes sense because it truly merges art and science. That unique intersection is what drew me to this career.
How would you describe your design style or philosophy?
I have a multidisciplinary design background—from graphic design to furniture design, urban planning to landscape design. Across all these fields, one philosophy is consistent: human-centered design. It’s about empathy and collaboration, putting the user’s needs first. I believe that good design fits our needs so well it’s almost invisible, serving us without drawing attention. Bad design, on the other hand, tends to scream out its flaws. I like to quote Don Norman on this because it sums it up perfectly.
What’s one element you think every great outdoor space should have?
The element of discovery. Think about hiking—you stumble upon a waterfall at the bottom of a valley or find a breathtaking view around a corner, and it triggers a real feeling of satisfaction. The same applies to landscape design. When everything is just presented to you at once, it doesn’t feel as timeless as a hidden firepit at the end of a winding path or small design details that you have to seek out.
Where do you find inspiration—any favorite places, books, or designers?
Because of my diverse background, I draw inspiration from many different sources:
Landscape Design: Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s Highline in New York
Architecture: BIG / Bjarke Ingels Group’s CopenHill in Copenhagen
Graphic Design: James Martin (@made.by.james on Instagram)
Industrial Design: Adam Savage (@therealadamsavage on Instagram)
What part of the design process do you enjoy most?
I really enjoy design detailing. That’s when a lot of the design starts to become tangible—choosing materials, figuring out how features will work. It also means construction is coming soon, and seeing the vision come to life is the most rewarding part of being a designer.
How do you approach creating outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable?
I learn from nature and ecosystems. I love hiking around the Bay Area and often take pictures to incorporate native planting principles into my designs. I believe sustainability should rely on natural, passive solutions more than artificial ones like turf. Artificial turf is a useful tool, but a more holistic approach is necessary.
What’s a challenge you love solving in landscape design?
Designing outdoor spaces that emphasize distinct and functional ‘rooms’ tailored to the homeowner’s needs is a challenge I really enjoy. It requires intentional design from consultation through completion, and every project presents a unique challenge.
What’s your dream outdoor space look like?
My dream outdoor space has the “4 P’s”: Planting, Pool, Pergola, and (fire)Pit. I’d also add a pond with a trickling fountain and koi fish.
What’s a plant or material you always find yourself coming back to?
I’m drawn to seating elements that combine metal and wood slats. The contrast between cold, rigid metal and warm, organic wood adds a lot of visual interest.
If you weren’t a landscape designer, what would you be doing?
Probably a lot more pottery, or I’d open a tropical fish store. There’s actually a surprising similarity between landscape design and aquascaping—what I like to call “underwater gardening.”
Coffee order?
Latte, plain and simple.
Favorite way to spend time outside when you’re not working?
I love hiking and exploring new areas, restaurants, and breweries. Being outdoors is a big part of my life both professionally and personally.
