This quarter we meet Kevin Monohan, president of APLDWA. Kevin brings hands-on construction experience to our organization, installing the designs of several members. We put these questions in front of Kevin…let’s find out about him and his company, Avalon NW.
Why / how did you become interested in Landscape Design?
This has been my thing for quite a while. In high school, I learned Oregon
State had a program called Ornamental Horticulture. I liked to be outside
in the forest and I liked to draw, so designing landscapes seemed like a
good idea. I was 17 and looking for a path out of our small logging town. I
joined the program. Turns out, I really liked it.
When did your career as a designer start? Describe your path from then
to now.
Landscape Design: Banyon Tree Design Studio
After nearly eight years at three universities studying landscape design
and landscape architecture (including eight summers of design,
installation, maintenance and nursery work), I moved to Seattle and started
Avalon NW. For seven years my business partner and I built residential
landscapes with local designers. In 2003, I felt confident enough to sell
myself as a designer and take on design-build projects. I enjoyed working
with clients and discovering my personal aesthetic for a solid decade. In
2013, I became sole owner of Avalon. I was newly active in APLD at the
time. Acquaintances developed into working relationships (and friendships)
and I returned to building the projects of other Seattle designers.
What obstacles along the way have you found most challenging?
Landscape Design: Avalon NW
I encountered two obstacles early on: fear of failure and an aversion to
poor performance. These, among other things I’m sure, kept me from
designing long after I was likely ready.
Now 30 years into my career, I continue facing the challenges of how to say
no, how to value myself, my time and my experience more.
What experiences have you found most rewarding?
Landscape Design: LaPatra Architects and Avalon NW
I’ve had my share of opportunities to hone what I do, which I totally dig.
In college, I got pretty good at designing and presenting my ideas. When I
first came to Seattle, I became proficient at building and running a
project. When I started design-build projects, I developed successful
skills working with clients. Then I put energy into building a business
that would thrive. More recently, I find working as
part of a team to deliver a great experience for a client has allowed me to
do better work than I otherwise might do. (Thanks, APLD!)
And everyone who does craftsmanship work, myself included, gets a big kick
out of looking at something awesome that we just built. When the client
tells us they love it, well, that’s the reason we do it.
Were there breakthrough moments along the way that gave you hope?
Landscape Design: Olander Garden Design
Joining APLD was a huge milestone/move for me. Until then, I was operating
in my own little world; generating ideas, setting my own standards,
measuring myself against my potential self. That was okay, but I really
appreciate the broader perspective and ideas, the connection to like-minded
people who do what I do, and the understanding and validation of where I
fit in the industry. It offers just the right amount of inspiration and
motivation to keep me inspired.
Describe your style and how it has evolved.
Landscape Design: Chartreuse Landscape Design
My style has definitely changed over the past 20 years, though I don’t know
if it is because I’ve changed or the overall trends have changed. I
preferred a very organic feel in the past, with a garden like a meadow or
in a forest. Now I find myself appreciating a tidy garden, with some
straight lines and plenty of symmetry; less eclectic and more swaths and
bands. Is it because I moved from the mountains to the city or because of
the contemporary movement in landscape design? Or because as we get older
we want more order and certainty in our lives? Perhaps because I tend to
experience more gardens in passing rather than sitting in reflection? I
don’t know.
There are a few things that seem to stay true: I prefer a lot of
involvement from clients on how we design their spaces. I love lush shade
gardens. Form follows function. If it looks even a little bit fake or
contrived, I struggle to get past it. And a good vibe goes a long way.
Do you only do design? Or do you also oversee, manage, build, maintain
gardens?
Landscape Design: Banyon Tree Design Studio
Mostly, we build larger projects for APLD designers. These projects tend to
do better when a team of professionals work together to do it right. We can
manage every aspect of the installation, and we let the designers and the
gardeners do what they do best.
Describe a typical project and process.
Most often, I am introduced to a client and their project through a
landscape designer during the concept phase. I will meet with the designer
on site and review the concept plan. Then I put together a comprehensive
scope of work and a ballpark estimate, and arrange to present it to the
client. At that point, the client can decide whether Avalon is the right
fit for them. From there, the designer works through the concept and budget
to develop a master plan from which a firm bid develops. Then it’s just a
matter of making the clients new friends.
What would your perfect client and project look like?
Landscape Design: Banyon Tree Design Studio
Our perfect client is someone who treats us with respect, wants to be
involved in the process, can’t wait to get to know us, wants to enjoy their
yard, is reasonable, and freely expresses their happiness. Our top metric
of success is the client’s happiness. We just need the potential to make it
happen.
Our perfect project is a full-yard renovation for an engaged client; one
that offers interesting tasks requiring our craftsmanship; located in
Seattle so our commutes are short and we can provide long-lasting service;
and with enough work that allows us to stay long enough to get to know the
clients.
