“AROUND THE CAMPFIRE”
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WITH DHARA OZA
March 20, 2024
1. You grew up in India, what is best known in your country for fine examples of landscape architecture?
India boasts numerous architectural marvels, each with its own unique historical and cultural significance. A few of my historical favorites are Taj Mahal, Agra – Known for symmetrical gardens, marble domes, and intricate inlay work. Chandigarh Capitol Complex, Chandigarh: Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, known for geometric planning. My childhood memory takes me back to Nek Chand’s Rock Garden, Chandigarh - intricate sculptures, waterfalls, and meandering pathways. Last but not the least Lodhi and Mughal Gardens, Delhi – seamlessly integrate with their natural surroundings, incorporating elements like courtyards, gardens, and water bodies, reflecting the principle of harmony between human and nature. India today is developing towards Smart Cities, Sustainable Urban Parks, and Riverfront Projects. Sabarmati River Front, Ahmedabad- integrating green spaces and cultural attractions.
2. How did you start your career in landscape architecture & design?
Growing up I was surrounded by plans and drawings, with my family business being in Real Estate. This exposure fueled my fascination with how individuals and communities utilize space, motivating me to delve deeper into the fields of architecture and planning. During my college studies, I encountered landscape architecture as an elective, and it instantly resonated with me. The concept of seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces struck a chord, ultimately guiding my decision to pursue a career in landscape architecture.
3. When you tell people about your job, what is one thing that surprises them, or gets them excited about the work you do?
Wow you can do that?? Is what I get in response from most of them. I think its often surprising for many to discover that landscape architects have a much broader scope than merely designing gardens or parks. They are excited to hear more about how our work integrates to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, resilient, and environmentally responsible. Moreover, many are fascinated by the collaborative nature of landscape architecture, as we often work closely with architects, urban planners, engineers, ecologists, and community stakeholders to bring projects to life.
4. As a landscape architect and urban planner, what is the greatest impact or contribution you make in this field or in the community?
In my role as a landscape architect, I find immense fulfillment in fostering the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive environments that elevate the quality of life for both current and future generations. My primary focus lies in adopting a forward-looking perspective in all my projects, ensuring that they not only meet the needs of clients but also contribute positively to the well-being of the wider community.
5. Of all the landscapes in the world, what is your favorite scene or place to be?
South Africa – is incredibly diverse, featuring a wide range of geographical features, ecosystems, and natural wonders. Mountains, Plateaus, savannas, Deserts, Coastlines, Beaches, Culture and Community - it has it all. Cape Town, SA is and will always be my place to be.
6. Where do you draw inspiration that you bring into your work?
My main sources of inspiration stem from observing people and nature, particularly how individuals interact in different settings—be it public or private. I'm fascinated by the ways in which environments, both built and natural, can influence people's emotions and behaviors. My love for travel allows me to gather inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes worldwide. You could say I'm a keen observer of human behavior, and I find joy in collaborating with both nature and fellow humans in all my endeavors.
7. What do you enjoy most about working with Camp & Camp?
At Camp and Camp, autonomy, and the ability to organize one's own work schedule and tasks are highly valued. The team thrives on collaboration, regularly sharing ideas and collectively tackling challenges. This collaborative spirit is fostered by Mr. Terrence Camp's extensive 50 years of industry experience, making Camp and Camp an exceptional workplace.
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WITH ROCKY AVITIA, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
June 27, 2019
Coming up on his one-year anniversary as a Landscape Designer with the firm, Rocky Avitia has a wide range of duties at Camp & Camp, including design meetings, site inventory, 3D rendering, producing construction documents, and construction administration. This perspective gives him the ability to see projects from start to finish.
Growing up in Lodi, Calif., and later a student of Architecture at San Joaquin Delta College, Rocky continues to advance his educational learning at Merritt College in Oakland where he is obtaining an Associates Degree in Landscape Architecture. He has been married for nine years to his wife, Daisy, and together they have one son, eight-year-old Charlie.
We sat down with Rocky to learn more about his ideas and inspiration, and what thrills him outside of his career in landscape design.
1. You grew up in Lodi which is best known for being a center of wine grape production, also known as the "Zinfandel Capital of the World." As a landscape designer, any advice for wine enthusiasts looking to grow vines on their property?
I’m an advocate for edibles in the landscape. Being from the Lodi area, grapes in particular are often used in the landscape and they don’t necessarily need to be a planted as a vineyard. Grapes are vines, so they need to have some structure to climb on. This could be in the form of either a trellis, arbor, or a fence. Surprisingly, grapes do not require too much care other than annual pruning which make them easy to grow. They add seasonal interest to the garden throughout the year and attract beneficial insects. There’s a grapevine for every climate; as long as you have sun, air circulation, and well-drained soil you can grow grapes!
2. From a lifestyle perspective, when designing for residential, are there certain exterior features you see families enjoying the most in their outdoor spaces, time and time again?
The ability to have an area to gather to cook, eat, and talk to each other is important. Areas such as a fire pit, dining areas and outdoor kitchens bring everyone together and is where we can create lasting memories.
3. When you tell people about your job, what’s one thing that surprises them, or gets them excited about the work you do?
People love the visual stuff. They get a kick from the 3D Animations we can create for Clients.
4. What do you enjoy most about working for Camp & Camp?
I enjoy the ability to express my creativity in our Landscape Designs. We are a collaborative team and because we work closely together, with a mutual respect of ideas, the design always evolves further.
5. As our resident Dad on the Camp & Camp team, tell us about your son and your favorite family outing in the Bay Area?
Our 8-year-old son Charlie is a smart kid who loves to draw, play sports, and video games. Like myself, he enjoys everything having to do with plants. As a family we love to travel and get out as much as we can. Watching a baseball game or an outdoor concert would be an ideal family outing.
6. If you wanted to surprise us with something about you, like a hobby or hidden talent, what would that be?
I’m pretty good at the saxophone. I also love to ride motorcycles. On the road or off road, if it has two wheels I’ll ride it.
7. Of all the landscapes in the world, what’s your favorite scene?
Have yet to visit the gardens in Granada, Spain. From my personal experience I would say the garden at The Getty Villa in Malibu. Particularly beautiful in the evening hours during sunset.
8. Where do you draw inspiration that you bring into your work?
My inspiration comes from all around me. Our families, our communities, our culture, and our country.
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE WITH PAMELA C.A. WINTHER
April 23, 2019
Camp and Camp is fortunate to have Pamela as a Senior Design Director for the last 8 years, and she was recently promoted to Principal in the firm. Pamela’s extensive experience—including landscape architectural design of public and institutional projects, hospitality sites, residential estates, hospitals, public parks, recreational facilities and schools—allows her to serve as a highly creative, competent and careful guide to Camp and Camp’s associates and projects.
Having previously worked for leading urban design firms throughout the SF Bay Area, a consultant for the City of Walnut Creek, a landscape architect with the U.S. Forest Service in Lake Tahoe, and even a former adjunct college professor—Pamela approaches each project with a holistic perspective. She believes it’s the degree of customer service that Camp and Camp brings to its clients that differentiates them from other firms.
Her career in landscape architecture came about very organically. A lifetime nature lover and hiking and camping enthusiast, Pamela has always been interested in art and the outdoors. In our first “Around the Campfire” chat, Pamela shares what inspires her work.
1. How did you start your career in landscape architecture & design?
My mother was a very talented, knowledgeable and creative gardener so I had an appreciation for exterior spaces from an early age. Art was my initial college major, but I had a friend in the Architecture Program at UC Berkeley who introduced me to Landscape Architecture. It was a nice mix of both interests.
2. As a landscape architect and urban planner, what’s the greatest impact or contribution you make in this field or in the community?
Educating the community on the importance of bringing nature into the urban environment, as well as being a steward for the existing open space and natural areas that we have.
3. When you tell people about your job, what’s something that usually surprises them?
That planting design is very small part of what’s involved with a landscape architectural project.
4. Of all the landscapes in the world, what’s your favorite scene or place to be?
I can always find some interesting landscape wherever I travel to. Some of my favorite destinations are California Redwoods, Desolation Valley in Tahoe, Europe and Hawaii. It’s hard to pick just one!
5. Where do you draw inspiration that you bring into your work?
I draw inspiration from patterns and shapes in nature and the built environment; ideas from beautiful images in a magazine; or from trying to find a solution to a client’s specific challenge or desire. I am interested in how people use spaces and try to approach my design from that functional point of view.