Inside Looking Out
Orange County's Premier Landscape Designer Shares Exciting New Trends
Photos by Chet Frohlich

With a year-round climate that provides a seamless integration to indoor and outdoor lifestyles, Southern Californians are increasingly finding ways to combine the beauty of their homes with the ambiance of the surrounding environment. And one person who is creating this new movement is John Shippy of Geoscape Landscape Construction. A quick look at Geoscape's clients and projects-from professional athletes and Hollywood's elite to some of the most successful business people in Orange County-clearly demonstrate that those with discriminating taste are turning to John Shippy and Geoscape for the creative solutions to transform their surroundings into a sanctuary of reflection and relaxation that we all crave.

As the preferred contractor to some of the biggest homebuilders in California like Taylor Woodrow and Luxury Homes (the exclusive homes division of John Lang Homes), John Shippy has put his company on the top of the list as one of the leading design-build firms in Southern California.

South Coast Magazine recently caught up with John at one of his new projects in Shady Canyon to talk to him about the latest trends in design, the unique challenges of his industry, and what people need to consider when creating an environment that truly reflects their personal style.

South Coast Magazine, Recently Geoscape has come into the limelight with great praise. What makes your company so different and how do you distinguish yourself from others in the industry?

John Shippy, I think it's important to understand that Geoscape has been in business for over 14 years. So while we've become more recognized lately based on our work, it's really the culmination of many years of a focus on unique design, attention to detail and exceeding the customers' expectations, whether it be a new homeowner or a large firm like Taylor Woodrow.

I have a different way of approaching a project, more like I'm being commissioned for a piece of art than just putting together landscaping. It's a greater focus on the minute details at all levels than you might find with most contractors. I take on fewer projects, because I insist on creating something special that embodies the true personality and soul of the homeowner in combination with the character of the site and architecture of the home.

At the same time, because of the intricacies of our projects, we place a greater emphasis on both the pre-planning and building stages which usually means we can complete a project faster and with a higher level of client satisfaction than most contractors who may not pay as much attention to getting the little things right from the start.

South Coast Magazine, What is fueling today's demand for a higher level of landscape design?

John Shippy, The housing boom has certainly helped. Both with new homes and upgrading existing homes, people are finding that the investment in their total environment-both the interior and exterior of the home-is paying off in two ways. First, through the obvious appreciation in the value of their home and second, because it becomes a more welcome, serene environment to come home to.

South Coast Magazine, What are the current trends shaping your industry.

John Shippy, The trend toward new home construction is really beginning to focus on turning the indoor views toward the outside. Since I began in the industry over 15 years ago, I can't remember a time when people took greater advantage of our sunny climate and the importance it plays on the house we live in…or should I say, live out of.

For example, courtyards, loggias, pavilions, terraces, balconies and casitas are all being furnished as outdoor rooms, blurring the boundaries from the inside to the outside.

We're also seeing a move toward covered outdoor kitchens and sports bars with built-in cabinets, beverage dispensers, plasma televisions and ambient lighting to create an inviting mood outside as well. In addition, we're seeing a lot of sunken outdoor family rooms that have masonry fireplaces furnished with oversized couches and club chairs for afternoon naps or for lounging are also becoming popular.

In short, more homeowners are taking the opportunity to add usable square footage to their livable areas by going outside. There's no better place than Southern California to extend one's living space-and most of my clients are now doing just that.

South Coast Magazine, What would clients expect if they are considering using your firm?

John Shippy, Each decision made designing and or building a project is always in the client's best interest, no matter how small or insignificant the detail may seem to be. While it always works best as a collaborative effort, I've found it works best when the client take the lead, at least initially.

At the outset, I like to spend time with clients brainstorming to make sure all the needs and desires they may have are considered in the design. That's where I think I add a value-taking the clients' overall vision as it relates to their lifestyle and their home, and applying another level of creativity to take it up a notch. For me, I'm most satisfied when I know I've exceeded their expectations-even when they have a pretty good idea about what they would like to achieve.

South Coast Magazine, What are some of the more interesting projects you're working on?

John Shippy, I just recently designed a project that has a 200-foot lazy river that feeds into the pool. The spa is located in the middle of the pool with a 360-degree infinity edge. The only way to get to the spa is over a 30-foot bridge that spans the pool and lazy river.

There are multiple elevation changes and water that flows throughout the property. But what I'm really excited about is an island with a fire lounge that is surrounded by cascading waterfalls. It's really special to see a project go from design to reality. It's what really drives me.

South Coast Magazine, What can we expect to see in the future?

John Shippy, In Southern California, we're basically moving our indoor living outdoors. And because of this, I think we'll see a greater definition on outdoor rooms.

Advancements in lighting, both in use and style, such as cable suspended lights made of blown glass can be lowered to create a magical glow over a dining area, surrounded by built in seating. Along the same lines, combining the use of fire and water together such as water urns that have fire coming out of the middle. In almost every project I'm working on, we're incorporating fabrics, such as throw pillows, curtains and canvas coverings. Sheer fabrics flowing in the wind add an element of energy to the design, and many of our projects are moving in that direction as well.

I also think you'll begin to see total integration of all the elements outside such as lighting, pools, spas, water features, audio, video, and even fireplaces regularly controlled through a single interface such as touch screen monitor or handheld, wireless tablets.

As technology becomes an ever-increasing aspect of our lives, we will begin to see technology integrated into the operation of our outdoor entertainment and lifestyle elements-just like we do inside. But the key is still simplicity. Even though projects will be far more detailed, I believe that the projects will have a more simplified, less contrived look. The technology is there, but it's "under the hood," metaphorically speaking.

As I said, the blending of the indoor elements with the outdoor lifestyle experience is where I see it going-and there's no better place in the world than Southern California to make that type of lifestyle a reality.

For a design consultation, please call Geoscape Landscape Construction at 949-888-8008 or 949-295-0077.

Featured in South Coast Magazine Festival 2004