Good Fences & Good Neighbors

In considering the design of a fence for your home; there are many elements and options. Here are my top five key considerations; though whether it be for privacy, security, visual screen, or containment, the priorities may vary. 

Cedar horizontal slatted fence with Valhalla wood preservative

First- Consider the site limitations. There are usually a few. It could be topography, tree roots, etc. If there is any question of property line location; its advisable to get it staked by a licensed surveyor. I also advise to notify your neighbor and even string line or paint the location prior to setting the posts. If the site sloped then the top of the fence should step in even increments each panel (with the change in grade). More often than not, a sloped top on a fence does not look or feel right. If needed, a retaining wall might be necessary to prevent an odd gap at the bottom of the fence. 

Second- How high should the fence be? High enough for your purpose. If that purpose is for screening, most yards do not need a six foot tall fence for the entire perimeter to screen well. Often we design planting to help screen; which creates a much softer and less 'walled-in' feeling so you don't feel as if you're in a box. In most places the code is not to exceed six feet in total height from the top of grade to the top of fence. However it is okay to extend up to two feet more if the top two feet is semi-transparent (as in a lathe or lattice top). Also, adding an arbor top can increase the height and screening capability even more; especially with a vigorous climbing vine added. 

Adding height with lattice & an arbor top

Third- What style is best? In my experience it is best to have the fence pair well with the architecture of the home...i.e. a craftsman style home really looks best with a more traditional or 'arts & crafts' style fence. Often cedar is used for fencing material as its readily available and lends itself to carpentry. Typically most clients prefer a simple style that doesn't draw too much attention to itself and distract from the garden or home's exterior architecture. However to add a bit of 'panache'; I recommend focusing a bit more creativity on the primary gate. This could be metal work, or perhaps include glass elements, or a cut-out of some sort. I also strive to design fences that relate well proportionately and are durable. The design details can prolong the life of the fence, as well as make the impression of the home feel further realized. 

Adding flair with metal (perforated aluminum panel)

Fourth- Transparency.

Every wood fence needs gaps for expansion and wind resistance. Besides the typical either vertical or horizontal fences; the more popular choice these days is a fence of cedar post with cattle or 'hog panel' sections (typically framed by cedar). This is a nice approach since the panels come in a variety of sizes and dimensions of grid size, plus can be left to rust and weather, galvanized aluminum (silvery), or powder-coated black; which is great for appearing to recede. 

There are also more traditional lattice-like style fences that can work well with older homes, as well as wrought iron work. I like to recommend these options if the goal is primarily containment, or if there are views that are worth preserving that the fence would potentially limit. For that matter, even a standard chain-link fence (powder-coated black) could be a good solution for containment at the top of a slope; as planting could also obscure the fence on the viewable side. Additionally, having a transparent fence allows for more sun, airflow, and is in the end less maintenance than wood. Another bonus is that plant material can be seen through it. Metalwork can also be implemented in a more casual, yet modernistic style (like the cattle panel), or traditional ironwork (wrought iron). 

Lastly- Color. I'm not a fan of painting or staining a fence, however if one has a sizeable budget and having regular maintenance is not an issue, a darker fence can really look great. I love the way a darker fence recedes and adds a background contrast; therefore showcasing the plant material in the garden. Most clients prefer the less maintenance approach however. So I recommend treating the fence with a wood preservative like Valhalla (after the wood seasons and dries out thoroughly). This essentially cures the wood and it will turn silvery gray sooner (as cedar does when it ages). This is the product that the national parks use on their wood. It is easily applied by mixing it in water then spraying it onto the dry wood (or by using a brush). To my knowledge it is non toxic and earth friendly; unlike many staining products. 

To read a bit more on the subject, check out the recent article featured in the Seattle Times here. 

Dark stained fence exterior (above) & inside the garden (below)

The Reluctant Entrepreneur

 I often get asked to tell the tale of how I became a business owner. My immediate reaction is a little laugh and the brief response "It was a reluctant journey." In truth, I never wanted to be a business owner, entrepreneur, or what have you. It was merely an act of financial survival-mode, mixed with a healthy dose of curiosity....'what if I tried this?!' 

Though at the core I am very independent minded; at the time (back in early 2010), it felt more of a reactionary decision than instinctual. It was definitely not planned. Prior to my decision to 'give it a go', I was content working for a small design-build firm that really resonated with me. In fact, I felt strongly that I had finally (in my mid 30's) found the right fit for an employer and had visions of staying on indefinitely as a loyal employee, or someday becoming a partner. However, the economy and the universe apparently had other ideas. On one hand, looking back some may say we could see the 'writing on the wall' regarding the housing market bubble crash and its immediate effect on the building industry, but at the time it felt very alien to think things would slow down. When they did slow nearly to a halt, I was consequently laid off for the first time in my life and faced with the reality of very minimal prospects for employment in my chosen career path of landscape design. 

Though it felt at the time a shock to my system and lifestyle; I'm not one to wallow in accepting forced circumstances. So I did what I could which was polish off my resume and look to my network of other design professionals of varying disciplines; in hope that they may have something (even temporary) for me to do. It was during this time a friend from an established local branding firm invited me to collaborate on new 'wayfinding signage' for our local zoo; and especially how it relates to the site and is seen in the landscape. This was appealing to me on several levels since it was a chance to collaborate with a bigger team across disciplines and a chance to practice my illustrative and visual production skills. 

The only catch was that I needed a business a license to be a subcontractor. This was a world all new to me and one I was not prepared for. I had zero background in business, nor did I understand the structures, planning, or accounting practices. Perhaps my lack of business knowledge was in some way an impetus. Afterall; being laid off... 'what did I have to loose'?  I decided to go for it and set myself up as "Studio AB", sole proprietor. 

The first five or so years we're not easy to say the least! Living as a single woman in a more  desirable Seattle neighborhood, I was forced to come to terms with reality and make some decisions and changes due to financial constraints. I was simply not earning enough to sustain my lifestyle. As I wallowed in denial, watching my savings dwindle at an alarming rate; I finally made three 'stop gap' decisions: I found a roommate to help share housing costs (luckily I had a two bedroom apartment), sold my Subaru Forester (living where I could bike commute and use car sharing services), and began working part-time at a nearby health-club (eventually becoming a personal trainer). During the last half of those critical first five years I was also fortunate enough to meet my former romantic partner at the health club I was working at. He happened to be what I call a 'true entrepreneur'. Though our business models were quite different; his influence truly helped shape my way of thinking and operating. After over five years of sacrifice my free time, savings, and 'wearing a few hats'; working as a personal trainer and working part-time for other design and design-build firms; I eventually was able to be sustained by my business full-time by 2016. Since then I've made great strides both professionally and personally, including the serendipitous discovery of 'cross pollinating' between disciplines of fitness, art, and design. I've also become much more more goal-driven, big picture oriented, and relationship focused. Its been a tough road financially and though I feel I've 'made it happen' and feel more resilient and secure than ever; I honestly am not sure that I would choose to do it again. 

Studio AB (now an LLC) has taken on a vibrant life of its own over the past decade. I have scaled it up; employing two assistant designers and continue to collaborate with other firms and disciplines on project basis. The work is consistent, gratifying, and I am proud that it can sustain me both financially and intellectually. I feel fortunate; especially looking back on the early, rougher years when I was filled with much doubt and anxiety. 

What I love most about owning and operating a small design firm is the opportunities for growth, allowing the time to tune into inspiration, and being able to 'steer my own ship'. Where it goes next is always in my sights. I can see a progression towards building a larger creative community of like-minded professionals and more collaboration on projects that resonate with my values and have a conscious, positive impact on the natural environment. Salud!