PAGE OCR 8 – April 2009 – The Ontario Construction Report
BRYDGES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Building natural landscapes with
creative flair
MATTHEW DESROSIERS – The OCR Construction Report Special Feature
Working with only one intern and client.
himself in the office, Paul Brydges of “I have contractors who don’t do cer-
Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc. also tain elements, but excel in others,” he
works closely with a team of trusted con- said. “Most of these guys I have been
tractors, architects and sub-trades to de- working with for a least three years, some
sign and construct his unique, of them five now. We have more coming
award-winning landscapes. on board each year.”
“Most of the companies we work with The contractors are brought in to meet
are small, so we can keep an eye on all with the client before the job gets started,
the fine details,” he said. “We’d all rather because it’s critical for the client to have
do a few really unique projects than a absolute trust in the contractor, said Bry-
thousand average jobs.” dges. Clients also want to know that the
Working with Brydges is almost al- contractor is looking forward to the proj-
ways guaranteed to be a unique experi- ect.
ence. As a bit of purist who prefers to use “Most of the time, the contractors be-
natural stone and other natural products, come excited,” he said. “They really want
his designs blend with the natural land- to do the job because it’s different (and)
scape while integrating various elements it showcases them. They want to be cre-
into dazzling design features. Because his ative. This gives them that ability to be
projects are demanding, Brydges only creative and do something that not every-
works with like-minded individuals. one else is doing.”
“We definitely have to mesh,” he said. Once the contractor gets started on the
“They have to have some vision, and trust project, Brydges likes to visit the site on
what I’m doing. A lot of the designs are a regular basis. If there are specialty items
different, but they understand what I’m that need to be constructed, or if an idea
trying to create and are willing to work needs to change to suit conditions, he
along with me to get there.” wants to be there.
After speaking with his clients and de- “Landscape architecture is not a true
signing the project, Brydges selects his science in some aspects,” he said. “Nat-
contractors based on the different design ural stone has its own character. Every
elements and geographic location of the piece of stone is different, so we have to
Congratulations
Paul Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc.
From your industry partner
Orchid Gardenscapes
Property Revitalization
Soft & Hard Scapes
Water Features
43 Kortright Road East,
Guelph, ON N1G 4M6
Tel: 519-577-8244
www.orchidgardenscapes.ca
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