Left to right: Garden architect David Pfeiffer, landscape architect Linda Attaway and garden designer Brandon Peterson share their inspirations with SH&L readers.
Design Report
What's Inspiring
With spring in full bloom, many in the Pacific Northwest look to the garden as a place for renewal, entertainment and beauty. In the spirit of the season, we asked local garden architect David Pfeiffer, landscape architect Linda Attaway (both SH&L Seattle Design 100+ honorees) and garden designer Brandon Peterson what inspires them. From highly conceptual ideas to memories from childhood, their answers were thoughtful, intriguing—and certainly inspiring

David Pfeiffer Garden Architecture, Inc.
P.O. Box 9013, Vashon, (206) 463-5400

“Beauty and harmony are inspiring. That’s what we try to do as designers.”

David Pfeiffer

Though what inspires him is “essentially indefinable,” garden architect David Pfeiffer includes Taoism as the foundation from which his work and creativity flow. Striving to “live in balance—with compassion, awareness and truthfulness—and bringing nature into life is an approach that keeps me focused and centered,” he says. Currently designing a 17-acre project on Vashon with strong gestures toward classic Japanese and Chinese scholar gardens, such as the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan. Pfeiffer admires these gardens for the “vital connections they create between architecture and nature.” For Pfeiffer, the dynamic part of gardening is where these connections are made. The noted garden architect also enjoys the “potential of transformation,” which includes helping clients to discover gardens with new possibilities and options.


Linda Attaway Landscape Architecture
1425 Fourth Ave., Ste. 700, (206) 838-4110

“It’s inspiring when you have a group of good designers who can put a whole piece together rather than individual elements that are not related.”

Linda Attaway

Linda Attaway’s fundamental philosophy can be summed up in three words: “Less is more—and a not-so-big attitude,” she says. “Architect Sarah Susanka’s book Outside the Not So Big House expresses the concept really well. I’m so inspired by architects and clients who embrace the idea of not overdoing.” Attaway believes strongly in a unified approach: working closely with the site, the architect and the clients to understand their needs. “I really enjoy a project where I can interact and get to know the people who are going to use the space.”

She is also inspired by light—and by its ability to invite people into a space and create a mood. “I love places in the evening when they are illuminated from within or lighting in outdoor rooms that creates a party atmosphere,” she says.

Brandon Peterson, The Palm Room
5336 Ballard Ave. N.W., (206) 782-7256

"My inspiration is the present — with the resources at hand."

Brandon Peterson

Don't be fooled by the name of this garden designer's popular Ballard Avenue store: There are no palms at The Palm Room. "Well, like I always say, the Pottery Barn's not a barn, either," he quips. Clients call Peterson an artist, but he shrugs off the title. "I'm actually just a very resourceful person." He starts every project by taking inventory, excavating and considering how to repurpose elements. Today, Peterson's projects range from multi-acre undertakings to tiny potted realms. Whatever the scope, there's a common thread. "We all want the hidden garden," he says. At his store, wall-mounted "air boxes" represent his latest evolution of thought. Despite their popularity, Peterson won't rest on his laurels. He'll soon be moving ahead to the next big thing.