ABOUT
Courtney Olander
and Exploring the woods and river banks near my childhood home in British Columbia’s Pemberton valley, instilled a lasting connection and appreciation for nature and its affect on the human spirit. That impression carried with me into college where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara. However, it wasn’t all Biology and Geology for me as I couldn’t help but pursue my creative interests as well. My studies in art and photography led me to a rewarding ten year career analyzing visual trends in media as a Creative Researcher for a leading stock photography agency. It’s this background in market research that prompts me to have a particular interest in staying abreast of new trends in the outdoor living and horticultural industries, including; design, products, materials and new plant introductions.
After the birth of my first son, I returned to school to realize my dream of combining my creative and scientific interests once and for all – Landscape Design! While in school I was selected to work as an intern for the internationally recognized Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden. While there, I learned about the care of rare and unusual plants in a carefully curated setting. It proved to be the perfect catalyst for my landscape design career.
I’m particularly interested in creating thoughtful outdoor spaces that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle and interests – all while maintaining a healthy, ecologically-minded environment. It’s my goal with every design to create a space that finds that intersection between timeless and contemporary, modern and organic – the sweet spot.
I maintain memberships in the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, the Northwest Horticultural Society and am recognized as a Certified Professional Horticulturalist through the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association.
I’ve enjoyed writing for Fine Gardening Magazine, the Northwest Horticultural Society’s quarterly publication – Garden Notes and Houzz as a bi-monthly contributor. My client’s gardens have appeared in Fine Gardening Magazine, Garden Gate Magazine, The Seattle Times Sunday Pacific NW Magazine and 1889 Magazine.