Brent Reid is the founder of Candeo Design, a landscape design company passionate about creating stunning gardens and outdoor spaces, working from Australia. Brent established the company back in 2006, but has worked in the industry for over 20 years, working at Semken Landscaping whilst studying Horticulture at Burnley College and Holmesglen College. He has worked on some amazing show gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, collaborating with amazing Landscape Designers, some of the best in Melbourne, and even Australia. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Brent Reid.
Image Credit: 1-5) Brent Reid
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
User friendly, practical, stripped down in terms of materials, heavy on plants with foliage textures and colours. Even that is being stripped down a bit recently.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
The first thing I do is get on site and spend time discussing and LISTENING to the client’s wishes and requirements. Inspiration often comes from the architecture of the home and art in the house.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I love listening to all types of people not just creative people. Some of the best lessons come from listening to analytical people as that is definitely the Achilles heel of a lot of creative people. Ultimately I do this for a living so sooner or later the creative has to be mixed with analytical.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
We design gardens for clients, connecting with the client and listening is very important for the start of the inspiration process. In general I find inspiration in architecture, nature – I enjoy watching how things grow, react, and move in the elements nature, general design, I LOVE looking at non garden products and seeing how different theories can be implemented into a garden setting with traditional landscape materials.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
A very inquisitive mind has helped so far. Building relationships with people and companies is a must and you have to work at those relationships continuously. Being a designer takes time. Learn from someone experienced. Learn your craft and hone your craft before you start on your own. It is a very hard road to earn a living from designing gardens. Nobody tells you how hard... Very hard.
