Fine Landscapes, Ltd.

Charles Owen, President | Oomer Syed, PLA

An observer would not be mistaken if they recognized elements of famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s design sensibility in the work of Fine Landscapes. Oomer Syed, who joined the firm in 2014, and Charles Owen, its founder, were both inspired by Olmsted’s public parks and other environments, and his philosophy of creating meaningful exterior spaces still guides their work today.

Founded in 1978, the 60-member firm seeks to create landscapes that reflect its clients’ aesthetic vision and complement the architecture of their homes. “We specialize in all facets of a project including site design and planning, horticulture, hardscape, outdoor illumination, waterworks and pavilion design,” Owen says. “We are known for bringing European influences to the American landscape, as well as staying current to help set new trends.”

Owen loves projects that provide “a balance and proper transition between indoor and exterior spaces.” He is a proponent of using plants to maintain garden structure through the winter months—supplemented, he explains, “by a smart sequence of flowering plants that will offer visual appeal and contribute wildlife benefits to promote biodiversity.”

Fine Landscapes has completed numerous high-profile projects in the mid-Atlantic region and abroad. In 2019, the firm won a prestigious Land and Tree Conservation Award from Fairfax County, Virginia, and a craftsmanship award from the Washington Building Congress.

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