The Power of Curiosity for New Landscape Designers
By Laura Kleppe
As a retired soccer mom, I’ve always been a Ted Lasso fan. So many pearls of wisdom in that show! My favorite is, “Be curious, not judgmental.” With that mindset, I often wonder—how can curiosity help me up my game?
For entrepreneurs and creative designers, curiosity has the power to transform your business. The craft of landscape design—where natural beauty meets smart business moves—is always changing, and curiosity isn’t just an asset—it’s your secret weapon.
What would happen if you got genuinely curious about your clients’ wildest dreams, about next-level design techniques, about dialing up your brand, boosting your network, or even just discovering the coolest new plants for our region? Let’s explore how curiosity can fuel your landscape design journey and help you thrive in today’s fast-moving industry.
Curiosity Builds Stronger Client Connections
Curiosity lets you connect with clients in a real way. By asking smart questions and tuning in to them, you get to the heart of what they truly want for their outdoor spaces. This means you’re not just making something that you think looks good, you’re creating a lasting space that fits their lifestyle and story. When your designs feel personal and meaningful, clients become your biggest fans, sharing your work with friends and coming back for more.
Curiosity Drives Innovation
Curiosity is the driver behind all innovation. When you keep asking “Why?” and “How can we do this better?” you spot new ways to improve your design process and streamline your workflow.
Hand drawing in Morpholio Trace. Credit: Dana Niblack
Maybe that’s experimenting with eco-friendly materials, trying out smart tech like Morpholio Trace or Vectorworks or other digital tools. Or maybe curiosity leads to adopting fresh project management tools to stay on track with your clients and offer updates as the project progresses. Staying curious means, you’re always learning, improving, and keeping your business practices on the leading edge.
Curiosity Fuels Creativity
Curiosity is the spark behind seriously creative design. Dive into different styles, global trends, and art history—let your imagination roam. The more you explore, the more unique and memorable your landscapes you create become. I often use vacations to refresh and discover different ways of doing things—maybe you will find that perfect plant or paver. Follow travel blogs or try a bold new planting scheme you saw on Instagram. Curiosity helps you break the stagnant mold and design spaces that get people talking (and sharing on social media).
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. Photo Credit: Laura Kleppe
Curiosity Strengthens Your Network
Networking doesn’t have to be a drag. When you show up curious—ready to learn, share, and connect—you’ll attract fellow innovators and collaborators. Whether you’re active on our Google groups, DMing colleagues and pros on Instagram or LinkedIn, joining a cool association (in addition to APLD), or showing up at that must-attend annual conference, your curiosity opens doors to partnerships, inspiration, and fresh knowledge. Plus, it’s just more fun when you’re genuinely excited to meet new people.
APLDWA members enjoy connecting at a summer garden tour. Photo credit: Laura Kleppe
Engage Through Volunteering and Skill Building
Curiosity is not just about seeking new ideas within your studio walls—it thrives when you step into the wider world. Volunteering in your community and investing in skill development, for yourself and your team, are dynamic ways to channel curiosity into action. By getting involved in one of our committees, on the Board or helping our program committee with one of our programs, you satisfy your curiosity about new challenges, people, and approaches, while actively expanding your network.
Pursuing our APLD trainings, other industry seminars, symposiums and certifications, or cross-disciplinary learning fosters a culture of curiosity and continuous growth within your business.
These experiences spark fresh inspiration, open doors to unexpected collaborations, and help you build meaningful professional relationships that can elevate both your personal journey and your company’s long-term success.
Stay Curious
At the end of the day, curiosity makes your business future-proof and your work way more enjoyable. It keeps ideas flowing, clients thrilled, and your network growing. Stay curious, experiment boldly, and don’t be afraid to chase what inspires you—you’ll not only level up your landscape design business, you’ll also build a brand that stands out and a career that you love.