Great things happen when creative minds come together. We had the honor of working with Alexandra Bennett, owner of Louise Gray studio, a bespoke quilt shop in Minneapolis with a reputation for hand crafted products and artful design. Her vision for the space was to “make it wild,” oh yeah, we cant do that! We brought in loads of native plants, lush shrubs and perennials. Her motivation was to have a landscape that would feel magical, a childhood oasis for her young family. We love to include kids when working and her son, Odin became my right hand man for several planting projects.

We weren’t the only ones helping to create a magical home for the Bennett’s, the immensely talented interior designer Victoria Sass took the lead. Her company, Prospect Refuge Studio, is a trailblazing design practice with national accolades. The efforts put forth by our teams was highlighted when the home was photographed and featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine. While it was our first national magazine mention, it has become one of many for Sass, who has now adorned the pages of Dwell, Arch Daily , Artful Living and The Wall Street Journal.

Being able to bring designers together who appreciate thoughtfulness and intention can yield some beautiful results. Those results were captured by the trendsetting photographer Canary Grey.

Not to be outdone myself, Alexandra and I collaborated to create a vision for a one of a kind little free library. She wanted to utilize my skills with Shou Sugi Ban wood charring. I designed around the theme “open learning,” which is why the library has no door, to symbolize removing any and all barriers to reading. For some, even opening a door feels like the need for permission. Hand carvings of her children’s names was a heartfelt addition that will stay a memory for us all. She also requested custom plant signage to help engage the kids, this prompted me to create timeless charred signs with Corten steel stakes, meant to age with the garden.

Easily one of our favorite projects and opportunities, the Bennett family will always be considered friends, not clients. If you ever want to grab a book from the library, just head south a couple houses from the famous Mary Tyler Moore house, you cant miss it.