Texture!

Defined by Webster's Dictionary as "the characteristic visual and tactile quality of the surface of a work of art resulting from the way in which the materials are used", presents an interesting point of discussion. Over that past twenty years this term has been part of my design life. We at Genus Loci always design with texture in mind. Whether that be outdoor fabric pieces placed on furniture or plantings adjacent to each other, texture matters. It is important to always consider what texture can bring to a project. When arranging plantings side by side you do not only have to worry about color but also the feel of the plant. Maybe the light bounces off of one plant more than the other. Maybe it is a slim leaf of a Liriope ground cover paired with the jagged edges of Xanadu that will bring interest to your garden. However you think of design when planning for your next garden make sure you consider texture. Contact us to design your next garden.

Creating A Luxurious Lanai

We recently completed a seminar at the Robb & Stucky Outdoor Culinary Living Center. During the presentation you could not really see our slide show due to the lighting. However, as promised I have included an image from that presentation.

The designers at Genus Loci Studio and I decided that showing before and after pictures would give you a look at what we create. There are a lot of factors to consider when designing a lanai. The word Lanai comes from Hawaii. Outdoor spaces are used all year around in Hawaii. The word makes reference to an outdoor space that is fully furnished and used as a living room. We suggested that when creating a luxurious lanai many design details need to be considered. GLS believes that Color, Furniture and Plantings with accessories make the space.

When using color please refer to one of our previous posts. When choosing furniture make sure that function comes first. What are you using your furniture for? Will this furniture be outside of the elements? Choosing a good outdoor fabric can give you that same luxurious feeling as being indoors. The comfort that you create outdoors will offer the chance that you will want to use your space as much as possible. When choosing accessories, try and find items that work well outside. For instance if you are having a dinner party and want candle lighting, glass may be an option for a temporary purpose. Where as, we would never suggest using glass outside on a permanent basis. Let's face it, people break things, knock things over and bump into them on accident. So, using a metal lantern made from copper gets you a nice patina plus when knocked over will not shatter into a million pieces. So, when selecting design elements to go on your lanai you have to consider a lot of things. We at Genus Loci Studio offer that well thought through planning. Call us at 239.390.9544, we will be glad to help you create a luxurious lanai.

Designing Spaces For Events

I was invited to attend a friend's 60th birthday party for tonight. This paticular friend is one of my favorite clients. His wife and I came up with some solutions for party decorations that worked well with the space. You may view some of these images on our myspace account.

When planning for an event look for a focal point to create , choose a classic color scheme and give some punch with an accessory. In this case we designed our own candle charger mats and loaded red gravel into glasses that we marked the number 60 on with chalk. We then filled the glasses with the number 60 candles on stained bamboo skewers. We floated a center hurricane with black sand and a traditional candle. We decided to work with the chairs in the room. We matched our candles and graphic mats to the color on the material in the chair. The party was festive with balloons floating throughout the room. If you are planning your next event call on the Designers at Genus Loci Studio. We provide event planning for Birthdays, Holidays, Social Gatherings, Weddings, Church Events and any other occasion.



Using a designer once and building a good relationship with them may help you in ways that you never imagined.

Color, Color, Color.

One of the most successful changes a developer, homeowner or property manager can make to a property is adding or changing an existing color scheme. Adding color is a very inexspensive way to dramatically change a space. Whether you are updating an apartment complex or single family home for resale or rent, changing the color scheme can prove to be very effective. We as designers tend not to stick to tradional principles when it comes to color. However, even a monocramitic scheme can evoke a sense of style. If you want to go out on a limb, paint your front door a striking color. This will offer you the chance to step outside your comfort zone and change one element. Remember if you dont like it, you can always change it. If you were building a pool and spa, it can not be changed so easily. That is why we suggest the first step in updating a look, is to use color. Call us, we can help you change your exterior by providing you with our new Color Match Service. 239-390-9544

Understanding when to use a designer

Over the past ten years it has been noted that many people do not always understand what a Designer can do for the building process. Client's may wish to save money by hiring a contractor who thinks that design is part of thier expertise. What we at GLS have found is that you will save more money down the road by using a designer or professional licensed practioner. Hiring a designer is like purchasing an insurance policy. Once a design has been approved it is easier for the Landscape Architect to make the contractor adhere to the rules and approved concept. Some building contractors cut corners and sell the Client more bells and whistle type elements than are necessary. We encourange anyone starting an exterior project to approach a Licensed and Insured Landscape Architect.

Design for Exterior Living

We, at Genus Loci Studio, would like to introduce our firm and post our thoughts as we work on projects that focus on exterior living and landscape architecture. Please check back with us and let us know your thoughts on our experiences working on built environments.

First, some information regarding our company.

Mission Statement

The Latin phrase Genus Loci, translated as “sense of place”. Genus Loci Studio (GLS) has developed a holistic approach when creating meaningful places for community development, social interaction and personal meditation. While providing professional, innovative and creative design solutions for each individual project, GLS strives to create places which the participant develops an emotional connection, and will visit repeatedly.

Firm History

During the month of May 2004, Genus Loci Studio, Corporation, was formed, and is headed by owners Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. and C. Chad Elkins. GLS has quickly become known for being the leading coastal expert in the field of Landscape Architecture, Site Planning and Art Direction. Wayne and Chad bring over twenty years of combined experience on projects within Collier, Charlotte, Columbia, Duval, Hendry, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties. In addition to local projects in Florida, the GLS project list encompasses completed projects in Lexington,Kentucky, Houston,Texas, Logan, Davis, Charleston, and Morgantown, West Virginia. They understand the need to create strong memorable environments while understanding the importance of how each project relates to the real estate market.

Key Professionals

Wayne E. Robinson, Jr. is a Florida native and has been practicing in Florida over the past seven years. As a licensed professional in the state of Florida, Wayne has practiced in the South West Florida area for over seven years. Wayne’s expertise in the areas of site planning, enhanced permitting, detailed design and construction administration make him the ideal candidate for transforming the vision of a design into a comfortable well built environment. He has completed extensive hours on site, managing and coordinating contractors, to ensure quality for each client’s project.


C. Chad Elkins relocated from southern West Virginia to Naples Florida more than seven years ago. Chad had his first project installed in the summer of 1993. Chad’s expertise in the areas of art direction, design theory, marketing and graphic design make him an ideal candidate for theming environments that are unique and define the client’s tastes and needs. As an art director for the past three years, Chad has placed an emphasis on designing unique environments that each Client can market or remarket to the public. His understanding of the process of design and how it affects today’s real estate market is invaluable. Throughout the year Chad lectures about various exterior design topics throughout the Southwest Florida area. As a visioning director for community plans such as the Estero Community Plan, Chad organized and headed over thirty five charrettes.

Scope of Services

Landscape Architecture, Site Planning, Art Direction, Graphic Design, Project Marketing, Estate Planning, Community Theming, Image Development, Cost Estimation and Analysis, Amenity Design, Project Management, Construction Administration, Irrigation Design, Garden Design, Community Visioning, Roadway Beautification, Architectural Rendering, Computer Aided Drafting, Permitting, Government Exhibits, Market Research and Analysis, Public Seminars, Graphic Production, Visioning Workshop Direction, Set Design