Some landscapes have a presence that lingers, shaping how we experience space, nature and design. They don’t just exist; they tell a story, evoke emotion, and define the relationship between people and their surroundings. For those who appreciate well-designed spaces, certain landscapes around the globe resonate with a timeless quality, offering lessons and inspiration for contemporary design.
Other landscapes are classic works of art, shaped by visionaries who understand how to craft spaces that inspire, soothe and endure. We spoke with two leading Phoenix landscape designers, Phil Shearon of Shearon Design Collective and Charlie Ray of The Green Room Landscape Architecture, and Jay Plocher of Desert Foothills Landscape to explore what they think makes a landscape truly ICONIC.
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Phil Shearon | Shearon Design Collective
Phil Shearon, principal designer and founder of Shearon Design Collective, approaches landscape design with a philosophy of intentionality and emotional impact. Specializing in landscapes for custom homes and high-end residential projects, Shearon believes that outdoor spaces should be as thoughtfully considered as a home’s architecture so that they complement it. His background in design and construction oversight allows him to foster close collaborations with architects, interior designers, contractors and homeowners, resulting in personalized outdoor environments that enhance daily life and reflect the architectural narrative.
Regarding truly ICONIC landscape architecture, Shearon’s first thought is Italy’s Villa d’Este in Tivoli. “What makes it timeless isn’t just the scale or artistry—it’s the way it stirs emotion and immerses you in a completely designed world,” he says. Shearon emphasizes the dynamic experience of moving through the landscape, where “every turn offers a new perspective, an unexpected sound or a shift in pace.” This interplay of the theatrical and the contemplative is inspiring to him and a quality he strives to incorporate into his own work.
Shearon also highlights the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, for its masterful use of water, shade and proportion. “The courtyards and gardens are deeply human in scale and beautifully orchestrated to celebrate both light and stillness,” he says. The Palace of Versailles is another example of landscape design that is at its most structured and visually commanding. “The underlying structure and narrative design principles remain incredibly influential in contemporary work.”
What unites these landscapes is their clarity of vision and emotional intent. “Each element has a purpose. The water features aren’t just decorative; they frame movement, create atmosphere and interact with the environment,” he remarks. “That sense of intention—when nothing feels arbitrary—is what makes a landscape ICONIC.”
For Shearon, these historical landscapes serve as a reminder that outdoor spaces should be experiential. “It’s not just about placing plants or laying hardscape; it’s about creating feeling, procession, rhythm and pause.” His firm integrates these principles by designing with a strong sense of place and progression, ensuring every project enhances the natural and built environments. “The most ICONIC landscapes don’t compete with their surroundings—they heighten them.”
Charlie Ray | The Green Room
Charlie Ray, founder of The Green Room, approaches landscape architecture as a conduit for profound sensory engagement, crafting environments that transcend mere visual appeal. As the studio’s design lead, he is renowned for his imaginative vision, weaving together “big nature” and architectural forms to cultivate immersive experiences that foster a deep, visceral connection with the natural world.
Ray cites more contemporary examples of ICONIC landscape architecture, highlighting innovative projects like Little Island in New York City and Deep Forest Art Land in Denmark. He describes these as “experiential and innovative.”
Little Island, a marvel of engineering and design, rises from the Hudson River, presenting a sculpted landscape atop concrete supports. Its wavy pathways and varied plantings create a sense of discovery, offering visitors diverse vantage points of the city and the river. The project’s intentional layering of plant life from native grasses to flowering shrubs fosters a dynamic ecosystem, blurring the lines between urban parks and nature. This unique structure, a reclaimed pier, invites exploration and contemplation, offering a respite from the city’s fast pace.
Deep Forest Art Land in Denmark, a sculpture park nestled within a diverse landscape, seamlessly blends art and nature, creating an immersive cultural experience. The park’s expansive grounds, featuring forests, meadows and lakes, serve as a living canvas for contemporary sculptures.
Each installation engages with the surrounding environment, prompting visitors to consider the interplay between human creativity and the natural world. The park’s design encourages a slow, meandering journey, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and unexpected encounters with art. The carefully curated selection of artworks, ranging from monumental structures to subtle pieces meticulously placed, enhances the landscape’s inherent beauty, fostering a dialogue between art, nature and the viewer.
When considering the design principles that elevate these landscapes, Ray emphasizes “site-specific design and native habitat restoration combined with re-wilding of sites” as key elements. He also values immersive landscapes that highlight seasonality, suggesting a design approach that embraces the natural cycles and nuances of a particular place.
Ray notes the thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture in a harmonious and elevated way as a key influence on the designs he admires. This principle of “sympathetic harmony with the built environment” is evident in his work, which strives to create a flawless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ray believes the most enduring landscapes possess a quality of enhancing their surroundings rather than competing with them.
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Through his distinct perspective and appreciation for thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, Ray illuminates the power of ICONIC landscape architecture. His insights remind us that the most successful landscapes are those that not only captivate the eye but also engage the senses, stir emotions and create a lasting connection between people and place.
These global examples serve as a continuous source of inspiration, guiding contemporary designers as they strive to create harmonious and meaningful outdoor experiences for others to enjoy.
Jake Plocher | Desert Foothills Landscape
Desert Foothills Landscape has been mastering the art of desert design since 1990. They are known for channeling the artistry of nature itself in their work. Jake Plocher, designer at Desert Foothills Landscape, believes that landscapes should be timeless, transcending your day-to-day and enhancing the quality of life.
To Plocher, ICONIC landscapes have a balance of history, diversity and the common goal of creating tranquil oasis.
“The Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou, Chin and the Jungle Gardens of Avery Island are two landscapes that are ICONIC to be because they effortlessly marry beautiful natural surroundings into residential abodes,” Plocher says.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden is a sprawling 864 acres amidst a metropolis. It was bequeathed initially as a residence and developed over centuries by multiple residents. The garden currently show-cases 1500 cherry trees reflecting on the ponds, crape myrtle trees, Himalayan cedars and cypress trees is one of the most visited gardens in the world.
Another ICONIC landscape that fosters tranquility and peace and is considered a work of art is the Jungle Gardens of Avery Island. Founded in 1872 by the Avery “Tabasco” family, the garden was developed over decades with a dedication to preserving and bringing in Spanish and French culture and designs, including azaleas, irises, papyrus and bamboo. A 900-year-old Buddha statue, which was introduced in 1895, has a traditional temple constructed around it to add tranquility to the gardens.
“The innovation of the designers to bring in unknown and magnificent species to these areas with a focus on building tranquil and breathtaking landscapes that have left a legacy is what inspires my own designs,” Plocher says.
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