Interview: Cheryl Thompson from Poolehouse Designs

You meet people everyday at industry trade shows, educational seminars and communicate daily thru email or on the phone. But rarely do you get a chance to investigate what they actually do or their impact on the industry that you are involved in. I meet Cheryl a number of years ago when she was investigating landscape design software offerings at the Landscape Ontario Congress. So we do meet on an annual basis at Congress each year to update each other how we see the new season shaping up. After reading the question and answer portion below you will also be informed on Cheryl and her contribution to the industry.

Ian
I must admit I had no idea what requirements were involved in the re-creation of a Historical Garden until I visited your website. Most times as designers we make dramatic changes to the landscape for the sole purpose to satisfy the client whom has become bored with the present offering. This is an interesting area of design and I could see the rewarding feeling of re-commissioning the present landscape to its former glory. How big is the Historical element to the success of Poolehouse Design?
Cheryl
I think the historical aspect is very important to Poolehouse Designs. Whether I'm creating an historical design or not, I draw from the past.
The historical designs themselves are extremely satisfying. I love doing the research and recreating a moment in time, but it's not just about that, I think it's important to tie the landscape to the style of the house in order to create a harmonious environment.
 

Ian
Most designers draw on certain personal strengths when in discussions with prospective clients and in preparing concept plans. When reading about your young daughters confinement to a wheelchair on your website. I cannot help to believe this Personal trauma makes you a better designer in respects to accessibility for the disabled. What major change would you like to see corporations, architects and landscapers make to accommodate the disabled?
Cheryl
Don't get me started...There have been many times where we became stuck because of poor design and planning. I think it's important to look at the whole of the design and understand how the traffic will flow through the space rather than breaking it down into small elements of accessibility. The design has to functional and has to make sense. I also think that the minimum requirements are just that: the minimum. Wheelchairs come in many sizes, so it would be great if designers and architects allowed for the largest size wheelchair rather than the smallest. All these elements; functionality, looking at the whole design, flow of traffic, and space are essential parts of any landscape design.
 

Ian
Now you have had a very busy year! First was your attendance at the Chealsea Flower Show in England last year. As a person whom would love to attend this leading event I am interested in what it was like be an active participant in this World class event?
Cheryl
The once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Chelsea Flower Show did not disappoint. The planting and the workmanship was exceptional. For instance, there was a mosaic path depicting New York City; that's a lot of work for a five day show! The designs were softer as there was much more emphasis placed on plants and water than on stone. I did see a marking sheet for the judges and a third of the mark is based on the plants, which suggests that some of the North American designs would not do well here. The gardens were a riot of colour and texture, but they also told a story, and it was interesting to me to see where each idea had come from and what each element was representing. Perhaps it is very English to think of a garden as having a meaning, but I like it.

Ian
Spring is fast approaching and I realize Poolehouse Design has designed and will soon to be constructing their feature garden for Canada Blooms. So as a person that attends the show each year to be inspired. Can you give us readers a hint to what you are planning and why you consider your garden will inspire us?
Cheryl
This year's garden at Canada Blooms is designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. In the past this has generally referred to outdoor kitchens and dining areas, but I created a cozy area around a fireplace. It's a modular design with very clean lines and minimal colour. This is a design that is easy on the eye, creating a quiet sanctuary from our chaotic lives. I'm a big advocate of Green living, so the furniture is manufactured from recycled and reclaimed material, the stone is reused, and the decorative piece at the back is made from environmentally friendly products.

More information at:
Cheryl Thompson
Poolehouse Designs
cheryl_thompson@poolehousedesigns.com
www.poolehousedesigns.com