Meet Gerrit

We sat down with Gerrit Goss, Senior Landscape Architect at Bayview to get to know him a little better. Read the interview below.

What attracted you to the profession of Landscape Architecture?

What I love most about being a landscape architect is the mix of design and being outdoors. I enjoy learning about plants, and being able to identify what I see around me.

Why did you choose to become a landscape architect? Was their a pivotal moment that led you into the profession?

A pivotal moment that led me to the profession of landscape architecture was when I toured the Italian renaissance gardens in and around Florence, Italy. I loved the underlying order of the layout and the unpredictability and informality that came with the overlay of living plants.

What’s your favorite plant material?

I have so many favorite plants it would be hard to pick just a few. However, in general, I find multi stem small flowering trees capable of providing so much interest in the landscape that I always try to include them in a design; natives (to New England) such as Cercis (Redbud), Amelanchier (Shad) and Cornus (Flowering Dogwood) are always popular. When I was living in California, a multi stem Olea europaea (olive) was one of my favorites. And in Florida, I love the sculptural interest of the Coccoloba uvifera (sea grape).

What is your favorite open space to visit?

Wide open spaces such as windswept hilltops and beaches appeal to me; I love seeing the distant horizon.

What is a must-have feature for a backyard entertaining space?

Each client has a different amenity 'wish list', which can include everything from an outdoor grilling area to a pool to a sport court. But, in my opinion, a big part of enjoying the outdoors is the connection to nature. One way to emphasize this connection is to suggest a plant palette that meets the need of the client and also integrates with the natural systems of the site.