Clinton + Ries is a nationally recognized, women-owned landscape architecture firm whose designs are inspired by the natural environment and whose work incorporates a variety of native materials to create sustainable, functional and painterly landscapes.

Founder Sandra Youssef Clinton has more than 35 years of experience in retail, commercial, institutional and residential design. Her work, known for its boldly textured hardscapes and organic approach, reflects the influence of her long friendship with the late Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx as well as her longtime mentor and teacher, the late Conrad Hamerman, FASLA.

Kate Ries, who joined the firm in 2016, has been designing and developing sustainable, practical and sculptural landscapes for urban and campus projects for more than 14 years. Her design aesthetic has been influenced by extensive travel and a love of art and nature.

“People are drawn to our work because of the planting, which is a unifying feature: layered, seasonal, dramatic and the first thing one sees when viewing our gardens,” Ries notes. “After that, aesthetics, details and the proportions of space, materials and utility become apparent.”

Clinton and Ries consider collaboration with designers, clients and contractors to be the most energizing part of their process. Bringing ideas into the natural world is both fulfilling and important. In the end, Clinton reflects, “seeing our gardens and designed spaces activated, well-used and appreciated brings us the greatest joy and inspires us to carry on.”