Greg MarettBayview Landscape Architecture
Landscape architects have to design with elements that will completely change over time. When placing a tree or designing near a shoreline, they need to have an understanding of what that tree or shoreline will look like in 25 years. We sat down with Greg Marett of Bayview Landscape Architecture in his Long Island City studio to discover more about his process.
Greg’s love and appreciation for the splendor of nature was forged early in his life. He spent summers exploring many of the great national parks and diverse natural landscapes throughout the US: from Yosemite to the Grand Canyon, the Blue Ridge Mountains to Carlsbad Caverns, and the Redwood National Forest to the Great Plains. Landscape architecture provided Greg the opportunity to marry his passions for nature, architecture and engineering and willingly adopt the role of "steward of the land" that is inherent in the job description.
He began his own practice after ten years of working for a great firm and gaining a solid foundation of experience. Greg set out with the goal of fine tuning some of the things he felt could be executed better in the field of landscape architecture. Bayview Landscape Architecture has grown a legion of faithful clients and collaborators over the years through Greg’s simple formula of exceptional approachable design combined with a “client first” attitude.
Bayview Landscape Architecture and THE UP STUDIO worked together on our Free Float project. Greg knew that this modern pool cabana was special and the turning point was realizing that the poolside structure did not need to be a miniature version of the main residence but rather an opportunity for a special architectural element. Our teamwork on this project showcases the importance of bringing in a landscape architect early on the project. We both have the strong belief that exterior landscapes are an extension of the indoor environment. This made for an ideal working relationship.
Our working relationship on Free Float made Bayview Landscape Architecture the easy choice to collaborate with on our first self-initiated project. West Beech is a sustainable, modern beach house in Long Beach, NY where we served as developer, architect, interior design and brand designer. Everything from land acquisition to sale of the home was coordinated by THE UP STUDIO, so it was important that we worked with subcontractors who we trusted.
Successful landscape architecture balances many things and can be found in many places. Ultimately the human experience in each environment is either a success or a failure and determines if you have a yearning to return or it is a forgettable experience.
When asking Greg about his favorite landscape architecture, it was hard for him to pin down just one example
of perfect project. When pressed, he does find NYC’s The High Line to exemplify all the elements of great
landscape design. He says that, "Successful landscape architecture balances many things and can be found in
many places. Ultimately the human experience in each environment is either a success or a failure and
determines if you have a yearning to return or it is a forgettable experience."
The High Line’s collaboration between community activists, landscape architects and other allied design
professionals to repurpose a derelict overhead rail line resulted in a 1.45 mile stretch of so many diverse
opportunities for enjoyment that returning and again and again never gets old.