Interview: Jean-Marc Daigle BLA MES OALA CSLA Genus Loci Ecological Landscapes Inc

Ian
I always hear in the news Green this and Green that! Now very few people or corporations that I know actually practice and enforce a green policy. After reading your Genus Loci website it's apparent you folks work and live for the Ecological Solution. How important is the ecologically sustainable approach to landscape design been to the success of your company?
Jean-Marc
In a nutshell, our mission to design and construct ecologically sustainable landscapes is the single most important factor underlying our company's growth and success, even during these recessionary times. The large majority of our current projects have a strong ecological focus, and we were hired specifically because of our ecological landscaping expertise.

It was only a few years ago that I'd elicit either quizzical or dismissive looks from clients when proposing "radical" concepts such as native plants, xeriscapes, natural swimming pools, green roofs or rain gardens. I spent many years in the trenches trying to generate interest in ecological landscaping, with only sporadic and limited success. There wasn't much interest, and we found ourselves doing a fair bit of conventional landscape work to pay the bills.

Times certainly have changed... now, the majority of inquiries and contracts coming through our office as specifically from people who are demanding ecological alternatives. We are evidently at a major economic and environmental crossroads, and all signs are pointing at a hopeful new economy driven by environmental innovation on all fronts, in all aspects of our lives, including how we envision and "landscape" our homes, parks, factories and communities. Clearly, there is now consensus that we must reduce our ecological footprint, that we must become better at developing land in a manner that protects and restores nature, that we must be resource-efficient and conservation-minded. Ecologically sustainable landscaping - and land development in general - must, and will, become the norm, and judging from our workload for the coming summer (knock on wood), its time may have arrived.

Ian
I was delighted to see that you design and construct Natural Swimming Pools. I have to admit I think this is one of the industries best kept secrets. With the high cost of fuel for the family car and homeowners now embracing their backyard environment I can see that the next evolution is the recreation of the Old Swimming Hole in your backyard. How do you address maintenance and water quality concerns from homeowners contemplating a Natural Swimming Pool?
Jean-Marc
Best kept secret is right! Only last month, a large Canadian gardening magazine stated, in an article on landscape eco-trends, that the salt-water pool was the up-and-coming eco-alternative to chlorinated pools. I obviously beg to differ, but won't engage in that debate here. That being said, it really is quite incredible how a concept that has gained so much popularity in Britain and across Europe can still be such an obscure novelty here in Canada.

Water quality is obviously the central concern when it comes to natural swimming pools. There is some serious science to explain how natural swimming pools maintain water quality without chlorine or salts, and I won't get into all the details. Suffice to say that several key factors are integral to the water quality. It begins with proper aeration, usually a waterfall, to keep the water well oxygenated. This, in turn, helps to sustain healthy and vigorous populations of beneficial bacteria that are introduced into the pool to help combat algae. Aquatic plantings around the pool perimeter provide additional filtration by removing nutrients from the water that would otherwise stimulate algae growth. Ultimately, once the plants have matured and the pool finds its "balance" and functions as a natural, well-balanced ecosystem.

Now, it must be mentioned that the biological filters are not effective at removing potentially harmful pathogens such as e-coli. It is debateable as to whether or not e-coli is actually a concern with swimming pool. Unless the pool receives surface runoff from surrounding areas (a big "no-no") or otherwise is contaminated by bird, animal or human feces, the likelihood of harmful pathogens is actually quite small. And, you need to drink the contaminated water to be affected. That being said, UV filters can be installed to deal with pathogens, though these will destroy beneficial microorganisms along with the harmful ones. In Europe, UV filters are generally not included, whereas they are common in North American installations.

Finally, natural swimming pools do require some on-going maintenance. Bacterial inputs are required on a periodic basis to help maintain healthy populations. Skimmers and biofilters must be regularly checked and cleaned. String algae may be an issue, and there may be a need to periodically scrape some off walls and rocks, though not everyone considers string algae to be a nuisance. For people who really want to eradicate string algae, there are now some effective ultrasonic control devices on the market. If the pool is surrounded by trees, you may want to install leaf nets in the fall to prevent the accumulation of organic matter in the pool. Finally, the pool bottom can be vacuumed to prevent sediment build-up.

Ian
There is so much communication required between the Landscape Architect and installation contractors to see a project thru, from a brief phone conversation with Jean-Marc it is apparent he is a Landscape Architect with teeth and is involved in all stages from design to installation. Do you consider this an advantage for the consumer in using your Design-Build services?
Jean-Marc
Yes, there is a definite advantage as a builder to having a landscape architectural background. On most of our projects, there are inevitably some design revisions required as the construction work progresses, and we can make those changes "on the fly", usually without any delays. This means things can get a little frantic at times, but this is better than the alternative - i.e., going on standby while an outside designer processes changes, reviews revisions with the client, and processes change orders. With our model, we are in constant communication with both the client and our construction crew, which helps us run a tight ship.

As well, our clients are assured that we, as landscape architects, will bring a strong design sensibility to our projects, and that we place a great deal of emphasis on design excellence. There is no question that for the discerning client, our design background gives us an edge over other contractors.

The flip side of the coin is that we are less likely to get the smaller jobs. Many potential clients simply do not recognize the value of good design, which is often taken for granted. We have had more than our share of rejections because we incorporated professional design fees as part of our quotes. It can be a tough sell to convince a client that its worth spending a couple thousand dollars on a design when the local garden centre offers $50 landscape plans.

Sure, on small jobs involving simple plantings and minor hardscape installations, professional design fees may be overkill, and if I think so, I'll say so.

However, if you are contemplating a project involving earthworks and grading, structural elements, extensive plantings and other major elements, it really is essential to get your designs and working drawings in order before you start. Spending 5-10% of your total project budget on a good design will go a long way to ensuring the long-term project success.