Philosophy

We strive to create designs that are rooted in their natural surroundings, with strong indoor-outdoor connections, clean lines and a clear focus on design intent. Our hope is create tranquil spaces that are beautiful, durable & practical.

Our responsibility to our clients is to deliver successful projects that not only respect budget, needs and desires but are also creative, unique works that enhance & respect their surroundings. We aspire to create lasting, meaningful relationships.

Design Process

In the design process we aggregate and distill inspiration & ideas, needs & desires, site constraints & opportunities, codes & regulations. We start with information gathering and client communication, then work from the abstract to the concrete as the project moves forward:

Pre-Design: We will talk with you to gather ideas, program, inspiration & budget. Site and code study help us create a base map to show existing conditions. We aggregate this information to create site analysis diagrams. This initial work helps guide the design toward a practical, buildable project.

Conceptual Design: Quick study drawings synthesize ideas, program & site analysis into multiple options. We refine these studies through client feedback, then often create 3d massing models to explore the chosen concepts. When a final design is chosen, we can strategize how to move forward. We discuss whether the project will be phased, fees & consultants in order to logically plan the subsequent stages of work.

Design Development: To further develop the design, the chosen concept is refined to create more accurate drawings. Finishes & details are added to the 3d model. We find it is helpful to bring in other design team members at this stage, as their insight often helps enhance the design and reduce costs. We look deeper into how the design fits into the site; studying topography, views, water flow, vegetation, etc. and how they relate to the concept. We revisit initial ideas to ensure the design reinforces & improves upon the concepts.

Planning Submittal: Most projects require a planning or design review submittal prior to building department approval. We discuss the project with planning officials, create the planning submittal, present the project to officials as required, and make revisions as necessary.

Construction Documents (CDs): Here we create detailed plans and specifications, including existing & proposed plan & elevation views, section views, landscape & site plans, lighting & electrical plans, schedules for doors, windows & finishes, and code compliance plans as required for building permit.

Bidding & Contractor Selection: A bid form is prepared and sent with the CDs to contractors for pricing. We respond to contractors' questions and assist in the selection of a contractor based on price, quality, personality & timeframes.

Construction Administration: Regular site visits help us to make critical design decisions, work out contractor questions & issues, review materials and refine details. We strive for constant improvement & refinement as the project is underway. This helps the project progress in a way that reinforces rather than drifts away from the original design ideas.

About

Vine Maple Design is based in Bandon, Oregon, Mexico City & Ensenada, Mexico. We work in three areas: home design, consulting for other landscape architects, and landscape architectural design for commercial projects.

Matt Reilly

Education: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, University of Oregon, 1993
Professional Registration: California #4637 Arizona #59728

Matt started Vine Maple Design in 2006 after 13 years working for other firms. He worked as a homebuilder, mason & landscaper through his college years. He has served as a project manager for residences in Florida & California, master-planned communities in the Desert Southwest, parks, streetscapes, and commercial projects. He brings skills and experience in all phases of project design and documentation, from preliminary concepts through construction drawings. Matt enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, Pueblos Mágicos, street tacos, and cycling.

Luis Socci

Education: School of Architecture, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City

Luis promotes a cleaner, greener Mexico City by serving on the Street Tree Committee for the Metrobus expansion and other committees. He brings a keen eye to design, 3D modeling and rendering. He has expertise in construction drawings & detailing and an interest in architectural history.

Paola Rios

Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City

Paola brings expertise in 3d modeling using various programs. She likes to travel to new places to learn about the architecture & landscape of each site to apply it in new designs. She likes to read, loves museums and dogs, and enjoys learning languages.

Saúl Ramírez

Education: School of Design, Universidad Insurgentes, Mexico City

Saúl is a graphic designer with a long career in project management. He has 7 years of experience in a full-service agency and a design showroom, and experience in areas of display, community management, content creation and marketing strategies. In his spare time he enjoys crafting, discovering new music and playing tabletop games.